WE ARE GETTING MARRIED!

As I am writing this blog post, I am 22 days away from getting married! FYI, this will be my last blog post for two weeks! In case you think I went rogue, I am just taking a much-needed break for the wedding and honeymoon!

Since I will be gone, I wanted to leave you with these amazing images that Leah Miller took of us! Yes, this was ‘Engagement Shoot Part 2’ and we used one of the images for our wedding invitations!

This bridal journey has been amazing! Not only can I brag about Joey and my mother for helping me plan and prepare for the wedding, but I can finally sympathize with all of my brides that I photograph.

Wedding planning was way more complicated than I thought, but I also believe that it takes a village to get it done! I’m so interested in seeing how six months of planning turns out for one day — or the feelings that will arise the day of!

As I write my vows and tie up all the loose ends, I slow down to ponder these moments. Many have given me advice to not rush, but to be in the moment. So I’ve been trying to fulfill that advice. (Reminder to self: it’s harder than you think).

These last moments are becoming so real! I’m actually marrying the love of my life. The Lord has graciously allowed me to share life with someone else and start the process of sanctification. I’m going to see the good and bad in someone, but I’m also going to choose to stay, serve and commit!

COLLEGE WAS A BIG COMMITMENT. GOING INTO PHOTOGRAPHY FULL TIME WAS A BIG COMMITMENT. AND NOW CHOOSING TO GET MARRIED TO JOEY BACIGALUPO IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST COMMITMENTS OF MY LIFE — UNTIL DEATH DOES US PART!

Insider: It recently started feeling real. It hit me as we started moving his stuff into the apartment and making it a home! I am so excited to move in!

Back to the point… as of now, all I’m familiar with is the dating stage. After the excitement of wedding planning — the decor, the dress, the people, the event, the music and the lights — is over, I’m left with my man and Jesus. That thought EXCITES ME, most of all! But don’t get me wrong, I am soooo excited for our wedding day. I can’t wait to celebrate and see how everything turns out!

This is what I want to leave my soon to be brides and follower friends with: throughout the wedding planning don’t forget WHAT THE PLANNING IS ABOUT AND WHO IT IS WITH!

I’m ultimately becoming one with Joey. We are starting a life together. We are beginning a family together. And I am vowing to commit to him, and him alone for the rest of my life. That is the most exciting and life-changing moment out of the wedding day.

Our wedding will pass and the moment will be gone (Hopefully not too fast)! We will have A FEELING, PICTURES AND A VIDEO REMAINING, but we will also have each other and Jesus Christ to start on a journey with together!

I go into this by myself with a friend by my side and come out as one with my other half — serving others and going through the roller coaster we call love. We will be loving each other the best we can and getting to know our Savior day by day!

I hope this post warms your heart and reminds you to never forget to look at “THE WHY.” I love you guys! If you want to know any more thoughts on wedding planning or recommendations to amazing vendors let me know!

P.S.: I am looking forward to sharing wedding/ honeymoon pictures when we get home! Oh yeah, and I can’t forget apartment images as well!

** DON’T FORGET TO WATCH OUR NEW IGTV VIDEO if you want to hear all of your questions answered! In this video, Joey and I answer questions on how we met, when we knew we were each other’s ‘one’ and so much more! I tried some fun edits and…. I won’t lie it’s around 9 minutes long. We are going to be open and vulnerable, but our end goal is to point you guys to Jesus and show you what he has done in our soon-to-be marriage! **

• Love Christine & Alondra! •