Ismael & Amber {May 29, 2010 Engagement Session}

I guess you could say he was my first wife. At least that’s what everyone else said. We were in college working at a church on the Mobile Bay of AL & were practically inseparable. Our pastor referred to us on several occasions as “the couple.” There were & are few people in the world who know me better & few I know better than Ismael Pruitt. Alongside one another we’ve seen some of the hardest days & the very best of days. He’s simply one of the best friends I’ve ever had; I know in spite of me, he will always be there. He is family. And, he loves my family. He has become one of my wife’s favorite people & my oldest son already knows him as Uncle Ish.

She was at the same college yet a few years younger… a recent transfer to U Mobile from Auburn U. Despite sharing many friends, they never knew one another. She lived across the hall from my future wife, Joy. It’s uncanny we didn’t all hang out together.

After college Ish & Amber ran across one another on an occasion or two. Amber worked for years with Student Life in Birmingham & on one occasion, Ish visited B’ham when writing curriculum for Student Life & was introduced to Amber. She did not forget.

Fast forward a few years & through Facebook, Amber finds Ismael. They have so much in common, especially an affection for Africa… a place they had both visited on several occasions. At the time, Ismael was currently working & developing curriculum for Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL. She anxiously sends him a friend request. Upon receipt, Ismael thinks, “Whoa, she’s hot! Who in the heck is this chick?” Which led to, “Confirm Friend Request.” Soon after, I get a call from Ismael & Joy receives a call from Amber. Both were inquiring about one another. Apparently they began talking via email & phone & wanted to check their references before moving forward. Joy & I were both, “They are PERFECT for one another!!!”

The relationship progressed quite beautifully. Sometime later, Ish & Amber come visit the Finches & he secretly shows Joy & I a ring he has bought. Several weeks later, he calls with the good news, Amber Montgomery is now the future Mrs. Amber Pruitt. Since, Ismael resigned from his position at Disney & moved to Birmingham to be closer to Amber. She recently accepted a position at Calvary Baptist in Tuscaloosa, AL. They are loving life together!

Family & friends are so excited about these two entering the covenant of marriage. I can’t wait til October 3 as I stand beside my friend as he takes his bride. I’m so proud of you guys; I love you both!

I was scheduled this past weekend to be in Scottsboro, AL to lead worship at Riverside Community Church where my friend Steve Barber pastors. Since Amber & Ish weren’t that far away, we met up on Saturday for an engagement shoot. Our first stop was at the famous Unclaimed Baggage store where we had lunch & took a look around.

I have a thing for rad shoes… although I’m wear a 9.5 & these were 7.5, I was tempted to try to make them work. For real people, if you see these shoes in my size, hook a brother up!!!

We were a few blocks from downtown, so we took a stroll around the square. These two could easily be models.

Amber’s ring is phenomenal.

Knowing you have your woman by your side occasionally causes strutting.

Yep… love em!

Wait for it… let the story unfold… yeah!!

We laughed practically the entire time… they are a riot together!

We stumbled upon an Episcopal church that provided for a great backdrop & countless textures.

I wish I could take that door with me on every photo shoot. And the ivy is so nice!

And, just in case you’re planning on attending the wedding… October 3 | Save the Date

Congrats friends! Hope you enjoy the pics… I had a blast seeing you & can’t wait til we do it again!