A Southern & Midwest Love Story
Some couples you just click with. That’s exactly what happened when Macy and Justin reached out to me in July of 2024—11 months before their wedding. They wanted to “check my vibe,” and from the very first conversation I knew these two were something special. As a Nebraska wedding photographer, I meet so many couples, but Macy and Justin’s love story is one I’ll never forget.
Both Macy and Justin proudly served our country—Macy in the Army and Justin in the Air Force. Their relationship is built on resilience, faith, and so much joy. Just six months before their wedding, Justin was deployed to Saudi Arabia, but not before he proposed to Macy on July 4, 2024, with fireworks bursting overhead. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for this patriotic pair.
Their Love Story
Macy and Justin met in February of 2023. Early on, Macy showed just how incredible she is by helping Justin move into his apartment shortly after meeting. He had just relocated, didn’t know many people, and Macy jumped right in to lend a hand—because that’s the kind of strong, caring, faith-filled woman she is.
Before Justin deployed, we planned one of my favorite Papillion engagement sessions ever. We started with dinner at Ika San, a cozy Asian restaurant where they shared a little date night with me tagging along as their “third wheel photographer.”
Afterward, we headed to Prairie Queen Recreation Area in Papillion, Nebraska, a park they loved spending evenings walking together. That night we captured a dreamy sunset—warm golden light melting into cotton candy skies at blue hour. To this day, those portraits remain some of my favorite Nebraska sunset engagement photos.
A Faith-Filled Journey
While overseas, Justin completed OCIA and made the decision to officially join the Catholic Church—something deeply meaningful to Macy and her family. Macy’s parents, Mike and Mollie, stood as his Godparents and sponsors. On their wedding day, Justin celebrated his First Communion—making the sacrament of marriage even more profound and faith-filled.
The Wedding Day
Getting Ready
On May 31, 2025, Matthew and I had the joy of being surrounded by both southern charm and Midwest hospitality as Macy and Justin brought their families and friends together in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The day began with Macy getting pampered by her cousin and talented makeup artist, Morgan Schuelke (Makeup X Morgan Caroline), with hair done at Salon Frankie near the Haymarket. She wore a stunning gown from True Society, and every detail of her bridal look was timeless and elegant.
CEREMONY
Their ceremony was held at North American Martyrs Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE, the very church Macy grew up in. As Macy walked down the aisle with her father, Mike, Justin’s tears said everything. This southern gentleman’s emotion and joy set the tone for a ceremony filled with love, family, and faith.
Macy and Justin were surrounded by a wedding party of 16:
Bridesmaids: Morgan (Maid of Honor), Hallie, Selah, Liz, and Lily
Groomsmen: Braylan (Best Man), Cannon, Matt, Eric, and Stephen (Macy’s brother)
Most of Justin’s groomsmen traveled from Georgia and Missouri to stand by his side, a true testament to the strong bonds of friendship and family that these two share.
WEDDING RECEPTION | LOUISVILLE NEBRASKA
Sparks Barn
After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Sparks Barn in Louisville, Nebraska, one of the most charming Nebraska barn wedding venues. The rustic charm of the barn paired perfectly with the warmth of southern hospitality and Midwest roots.
Their DJ, Complete Wedding + Events, kept the night fun with dancing and even a lively scavenger hunt game for the bridal party. But one of the most memorable details was the wedding cake—made by the bride herself! Macy not only baked her own cake, but she has since launched her small business, Skinner Sweets, where she creates beautiful, homemade cakes filled with love (and baked right in her grandma’s kitchen).
The Heart of It All
The speeches might have been my favorite part of the entire evening. Hearing Justin’s deep love for Macy, and the way her family spoke about the honor of welcoming him into their lives, was truly moving. These weren’t just toasts—they were testaments to the strength of their love and the uniting of two families.
Yes, the portraits were stunning (Nebraska sunsets never disappoint!) and the dances were emotional, but for me, it’s always about the heart. That’s why I never want to just be “a vendor.” I want to be the friend who has safety pins ready for a broken bustle, the honorary bridesmaid who helps you in the bathroom when your dress is too much, and the calming presence you didn’t know you needed. And with Matthew by my side, we love stepping in like family—because that’s what our couples become.
A THANK YOU
Macy and Justin, thank you (and your amazing families) for welcoming Matthew and me with open arms. Your wedding day was one we’ll never forget, and we feel so blessed to have witnessed not just your vows, but the joining of two families rooted in love, faith, and joy.
Here’s to the start of a beautiful marriage—and many more sunsets shared together.
With love,
Kinsey & Matthew
