For years and years, God was preparing the heart of a strong South African boy to one day love a carefree girl, 7,000 miles away.
Nic and his buddies were traveling through the States – New York to California. Randomly, Nic mentioned visiting a camp, set deep in the Cherokee National Forest of southeastern Tennessee. “Really?” Of all the places to see and things to do, no one was sold, so his friends brushed him off. Nic persisted, feeling in his heart for some reason they just HAD to be there.
I got a phone call from Christine, and five minutes in, she was grinning so hard I could feel it through the phone. She declared she met a gorgeous, God-fearing, wonderful man… and she wanted to marry him.
Thousands of (VERY expensive) phone calls, hundreds of emails, and eight in-person visits later, they were either going to make a life, or call it quits. The distance was waring and their time together always came to an end. When Nic realized he wanted Christine as his wife, he jumped on plane, showed up in Tennessee, and declared he needed her by his side forever.
Their love continued to be tested as they were again separated for 11 months while Nic’s Visa was being processed. The weight of being apart for so long was unbearable at times. But Nic, as loving and tender as he is, was her calm and balance during so many storms.
It’s funny to look back and chronicle the footsteps of a relationship. Because for some reason, this was God’s timing. They were taught, and showed, incredible patience. While they were separated, Nic published a book and is now a best-seller. Christine prepared their home in Tennessee, and planned an absolutely spectacular wedding. Their love has withstood massive distance and obstacles, and I am so, SO, honored to have been part of a marriage that will change the world.
Nic + Christine, you are beyond a blessing to Marcus and me. You are part of some of my fondest memories, and being part of a love, and day, that took such hard work and dedication is humbling, to say the least. We love, love, love you.
Christine handmade almost EVERY detail from the day! These are buttons of grandparents and parents. And the lace was from Christine’s mother’s wedding gown. AMAZING!
Heirloom button bouquets. Of course!
I absolutely adore the simplicity, and architectural detail of Christine’s gown and jewelry.
These are my favorite groom shots EVER! Marcus did a fantastic job!
UNREAL!
Christine and Nic did a First Look, which we were thriiiilled about!
AH! They were glowing and perfect.
We spent time in the Historic District of Chattanooga. I’m obsessed.
They have so many gorgeous couple shots, I can’t pick a favorite.
Christine!! You are breathtaking!
Enter, their AWESOME wedding party!
It rains daily in Chattanooga, so Christine got the girls wellies just incase!
Stay tuned for PART TWO on Monday!! XOXOXO
Your pictures are so great! I am very happy for you and love your dress!
Tears come to my eyes – Elizabeth Gilbert “kan gaan slaap, man!” What a beautiful story, pictures, colours, scenery.
Congratulations, Nic & Christine. God Bless you & keep you together,always.
love from Karen in Durbs
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful couple! What a special day!
So these photos gave me chills! I was singing “Can you feel the love tonight” as I marveled over them! Congrats!
Beautiful Pictures! Beautiful Wedding!
Gina,
As usual you capture everyones beauty inside and out, However the staircase shot is as YBF simply put it breathtaking!
Great job!
Great presentation of a lovely wedding. Love the colours. Well done !
Oh My… The staircase shot is breathtaking. Beautiful–simply beautiful! XXOO
Christine and Nic,
Congratulations on the most wonderful day of your lives! These are such beautiful pictures. I love the location of the portraits. You both look great! Love the boots! See you in August.
Christine, maybe someday down the road, Nic will write a book about your story – and you can illustrate!
It’s amazing how the pictures captured your joy and love!
Wow Christine! These are some of the most beautiful wedding pictures I have ever seen! Congratulations!
Congratulations to a great couple. These photos are absolutely perfect. I can see the joy and love in every picture.
Gina and Marcus, What a gift you are to our family. These are absolutely breath takingly gorgeous! They all bring tears of joy to my eyes. Thank you!
WOW!!!!
Miriam says “She is so beautiful!!”
Amazing pictures of a beautiful couple! I am so happy for you both!
These are beautiful!! I can’t wait for part II.
AMAZING!!!!!
I love that so many of the pictures capture the true, raw emotion. I can feel their love for each other through the pictures! Wish I could have been there.
Amazing pics! Christine you look stunning! So glad it went well!
Oh Gina and Marcus….I’m speechless. You are such Rockstars! We can not thank you enough for how stinking amazing you both are! What a blessing! Love you both!
Buenissimo, fantastico, increible!!
Wow! What a beautifully written intro some beautiful photos. You guys look amazing. We are so happy for you.
Sarah and Kyle
The father of the bride could not be prouder. Of Christine, my yes, but of Nic too. Thanks for this wonderful gift Gina and Marcus.
love! love! love! (love!love!love!)
Lovely couple, lovely shots!
Oh Gina and Marcus what an aboslutely beautiful job! I am in a flood of tears! They both look too gorgeous and the shoot looks like such fun!
Wonderful summary of all of the events and great pictures to be treasured. THanks
i love this place!
soooooooo amazing!!!!
SO great guys! How fun! Love the story and the bridal party shots especially!
Oh my word. Absolutely stunning! Can’t wait for part 2!
So… 9 times out of 10 your posts make me well up and shed a tear or two. This was no exception! What a beautiful story of love and the photography as usual is amazing! The details were just fabulous.
Ridiculously amazing! Thank you so much Gina and Marcus!!
What a beautiful love story you’ve told us. As they say; love endures forever! I love the shots you’ve displayed. They are a beautiful couple and I can see they had a great time on their wedding day. You captured their love towards one another and the scenery is beautiful. Great colors but I do like the black and whites. Great job as always and love the boots! XOXOXO
Fabulous fabulous FABULOUS!