Jessica and Matt...soul mates.
Some people believe in love at first sight. Others believe in the idea of soul mates. Jessica and Matt are soul mates.
Jessica and Matt
I've photographed their family on multiple occasions over the past few years and when they asked me to photograph their wedding on August 12, 2017 I was honored...and surprised! Surprised because I honestly thought they were already married!
Jessica and Matt's love story began with an online dating service, Christian Mingle. Matt's profile said he lived in Waco, Texas and he caught Jessica's eye. She's been hurt in the past so she was cautiously, yet optimistically, looking for her Prince Charming. They began talking on the phone and she realized that he did not live in Waco after all, he was actually living in Wisconsin where he was born and raised. Jessica admits that at that moment she thought to herself, "Great, I finally meet someone that seems nice and normal and I've actually been catfished." But Matt was not being deceitful. In fact, he said he lived in Waco because he was moving to Waco in the near future as he already put in a job transfer to the Waco area. He originally wanted to move to Waco to be closer to his two daughters. Meeting Jessica was just one more reason to make the move.
Before Matt was transferred to Waco, he spoke to Jessica daily for several months. Both of them explain their relationship as a "good friendship."
Matt eventually moved to Waco and Jessica helped him get situated into his new place. She helped him unpack and get him settled into his duplex. Jessica even showed Matt around Waco. She took the time out of her day to make sure he knew how to get to his office, as well as other places he would have to go to. Matt admits that he couldn't believe how thoughtful she was during this time. He found himself not being able to take his eyes off of her. She was absolutely beautiful and he was mesmerized by her gorgeous smile. He knew he was starting to fall in love.
Over time, Matt earned Jessica's trust and friendship. Eventually he also earned her heart.
As time went on, Matt knew he wanted to ask Jessica for her hand in marriage. He asked her three children for their blessing and with their approval, he began planning. During their family vacation in Wisconsin, Matt would put his plan into action. He gathered all the children onto one side of his parents house and he got down on one knee. They all called for Jessica and when she walked to the side of the house, she said, "YES!"
Jessica and Matt decided to take the engagement slow. Neither one saw a need to rush into marriage. That is until Jessica became ill. She was hospitalized and Matt was her angel through the entire ordeal. She realized that Matt was her Prince Charming and she didn't want to wait any longer to become Mrs. Leonardelli. They began planning their perfect wedding.
The details of the wedding were absolutely stunning! Everything was so thought out. Jessica planned out everything meticulously and credits Google and Pinterest for all the ideas. Everything worked with the venue, Castle Heights Bijoux Events Center, perfectly!
Jessica's favorite part of their wedding day was having her dad there to walk her down the aisle and hearing the vows Matt wrote to her, as well as saying her vows to Matt. Matt's favorite part of their wedding day was also the vows.
Quotes From the Bride and Groom
“Ladies, wear waterproof mascara! You WILL cry!”
“There’s a belief that soul mates are tied together by a cosmic string. One way or another, they will always find each other. From Wisconsin to Texas, our string pulled us together.”
Special thanks to Angela Bailey with Angela Bailey Photography for assisting in capturing memories at Jessica and Matt's wedding on August 12, 2017.