January 9, 2017
Just a heads up: We’re about to take a nice long walk down memory lane, so if you’re not feeling up to it, just scroll past all the feelings and look at all the pretty! Also, this blog post is written by Rachel as it is my brother!
In the beginning there were four.
Four Adkins kids: Arielle, Jacob, Nate, and Rachel (me!) We have been through a lot together. Because of that, we grew up to be very close. We have a bond that is unlike any sibling relationship I’ve ever seen. When I was in high-school, the four of us would hop into the car and drive into town to grab Taco Bell & make a late night Walmart run. To this day, we have a family group text message that we message in daily. They are my favorite messages.
Growing up, there was always a buddy.
But in high school, some of the most defining years for me, my buddy and go-to person was my brother, Jake. He and I are very similar. We’re both analytical, we enjoy quick-wit, and generally like the same music. He’s one of my favorite people to talk to, and easily my choice for a chill out person. So this being said, if I’m being honest: one can never be quite sure how they’ll handle it when their brother would start dating someone, let alone be engaged to marry!
She was a freshman to Hillsdale College. *Hubba Hubba* As I was writing this post, I messaged our group text to see when he and Bailey started to date, and immediately (literally) he messaged back: March 26th, 2012. (What a man right? *applause for knowing the exact date!*)
It can be a tad intimidating when your brother brings home a girl for you to meet. But holy wow, Bailey Joy from Olympia, Washington. (hence their Port Gamble wedding in Washington State) My gosh… the sweetest girl. She’s intelligent, funny, so filled with joy. She is literally one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet.
Their dating relationship was one of those ones where it’s completely couple goals all around. Fun fact: Jake got an internship in Seattle and they said: There’s this other girl from your school, do you know her? Not only did they intern together in Washington, but they shared an office.
See what I mean? Ugh. These two.
In all seriousness though, individually, they are capable, independent, smart, and talented people. But in all of their human flaws, they fill in the gaps of each other. They balance each other so perfectly and completely. And while they could handle life individually, it is the most pleasant view to watch them do life together.
On May 8th, 2016, they got engaged and we received the most joyful picture in our group message.
My heart.
That brings us to
Jake & Bailey chose to have a Port Gamble wedding in Washington State. Their wedding ceremony took place at the beautiful St. Paul’s church, with their reception following at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion. In true Seattle fashion, it was overcast with a bit of rain. However, that couldn’t stop one of the most beautiful of weddings occurring.
On their wedding day, Jacob & Bailey were so precious…the way they grasped hands in the smallest of moments, the way he smiled at her during their first look, the way their ceremony was filled with moments of laughter and tears. It was a beautiful wedding, but I think what I loved most is that I’ve never seen my brother happier around someone. It makes complete sense, because honestly, there is nobody more suited for my brother than she is. She lights him up in a way that words cannot describe. I am so thankful that God has sent her to be his husband.
As the day progressed, I kept finding moments I wanted to bottle up. I kept thinking to myself, “I’m going to remember this day for the rest of my life.” and “I want to stay in this moment forever.” Like how Bailey joyfully appeared at the end of the aisle before her father joined her. The look on her face said it all. She was so bright eyed, and ready for that moment. And the moment following when she tearfully but proudly said, “I will!” with a slight gasp afterwards. Or, as my father married them, I heard some of the most precious words come from his mouth.
After their reception, they came back to our house rental to grab their bags and get changed. We walked in, and Bailey looked down at her dress and said, “Every good wedding day should end with mud at the bottom of the dress.” We sat around the dining room table and debriefed over the wedding. It was perfection. They are the the type of people I want in my tribe all day, every day.
Their day overflowed with love. Love from their family, love towards each other, and love from their friends. It was moving, but SO beautiful. I am so proud of my brother and my new sister. They are so near and dear to me, and I cannot express how thankful and blessed I am to have photographed their love on their wedding day.
So much love to you both!
Venue: Port Gamble Weddings & Events | St. Paul’s Church | Hood Canal Vista Pavilion
Bride Dress: BHLDN by Anthropologie
Groom’s Suit: Combatant Gentleman
Bridal Bouquet & Decor: Valley Nursery, Inc.
Bridesmaid Dresses: Donna MorganÂ
Bridesmaid Bouquets: Homemade with bouquets purchased at Pike Place Market
Hair & Makeup: Glamour by Desi Lamour
Catering by Essence of ThymesÂ
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