Willie and Lili are a truly special couple. They believe that things happen for a reason, they believe in God, and they believe in each other. They’re genuinely good people, and that was evidenced by the lack of a single empty seat at their tables set for 250 people this past Friday, June 10, at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn, Lawnhaven.

Part of this couple’s emotional story had its presence at the wedding in the form of yellow Livestrong bands that represented Willie’s hard-fought battle and victory against cancer, a battle that Lili held his hand through every step of the way. The color was an integral part of the wedding theme, and almost all of the details had some special meaning to the couple.

On Thursday night the weather was calling for a 60% chance of rain… it didn’t look good for this couple’s outdoor ceremony plans. Lili didn’t seem worried then, and on the morning of the wedding, the forecast was miraculously changed to a 10% chance of rain. As Lili was soaking in the sunshine on her way over to the ceremony, someone mentioned how lucky she was to have such a beautiful day after all. I remember her saying, “I wasn’t worried, because when times were rough, Willie would always ask me whose report are you going to believe? The doctor’s report or the Lords report? The Lord’s report is all that matters.”

Lili had her beautiful outdoor ceremony as planned, and some of Willie’s expressions, including him looking out at the ceremony site in excitement for the upcoming wedding, and the look on his face when he saw his gorgeous bride for the first time coming down that aisle just really said it all.

After the ceremony ended, and we finished photographing what seemed like half of the guest list in family formal combinations, haha, we finally managed to slip away for what was literally just a few minutes of photo time with the just the bride and groom.

The reception decor turned out beautifully, with all of the couple’s meaningful little touches…

As usual, it wasn’t the decorations that made this reception truly amazing, but the couple and their guests who can take home the real credit. Among the highlights of the evening, Willie sang a song to Lili, while brother and best man accompanied him with the guitar. It was written all over Lili’s face how truly moved she was by the gesture. Afterwards, I swear the guests started “dancing ’til the world ends,” and I was blown away by Willie and Lili’s sweet dance moves!

To Willie & Lili: I’ve heard the expression: “The couple that prays together stays together.” I know you two must have done a lot praying over the course of your relationship, and having lived this milestone day with you both, I am thrilled to share with everyone who’s reading this that the Lord’s report was for Willie to live a full and happy life, and for Lili to always be by his side, that they should spend the rest of their days bringing the same smiles to each other’s faces that I was witness to yesterday, and to carry one another through whatever comes their way from here on. Congratulations you two; you’re the perfect example of what it’s all about.

Second Shooter: Jim Heine
Venue: Stroudsmoor Country Inn
Videography: Endless Creative