I’ve often wondered who Ashley’s sister, Natalie, would settle down with. Ashley and Natalie are extremely close and I always hoped that he would be someone who I genuinely wanted to hang out with, not just tolerated. I also hoped it would be someone who adored Nat and understood how beautiful she truly is.
Enter Phil Markham. Phil was an exchange student from Australia who came over to study Theology at a local seminary (Beeson Divinity School). Phil and I quickly became friends and colleagues when he started attending our church and soon after started assisting me at weddings last summer. We took several trips across the southeast, which meant we spent tons of time in a car picking each other’s brains about work, family, God, etc. I loved his curiosity and sense of awe for life and people. In the back of my mind, I always wanted to connect him with Natalie. Last Fall, the two of them began hanging out (with slight influence from Ash and me) and by May they decided they wanted to spend their lives together.
I’m so honored that I’m now able to call Phil my brother. He is such a perfect fit for Natalie and our family.
I will be photographing their wedding next month. Here’s a session I did with them a few weeks ago, where he proposed.
Enjoy!