EL DORADO, Ark. — Kelsey Smith's wedding photos aren't just a memento from her special day. They're also a reminder of a very special group of people: her kindergarten students.
The newlywed Hugh Goodwin Elementary school teacher had the photos taken in early March, just before the coronavirus pandemic closed the school and moved classes online.
Her photographer, Angi Gibbons, had the idea to include Kelsey's students in a "first look" wedding dress photo shoot. Kelsey loved the idea and told the students' parents to dress them up for the special day.
The parents, along with Kelsey's mom, a retired teacher who substitutes occasionally for the class, also secretly put together a bridal shower for Kelsey.
When the kids walked into the classroom, they were in awe of their glamorous teacher. Some of the girls thought she was a princess, while most of the boys were too shy to talk, Kelsey said.
Angi snapped some adorable photos of the students' expressions and group shots with Kelsey.
Teacher shows kindergarten students her wedding dress
The students then surprised their teacher with a dress decorated with their names and doodles.
Kelsey married her fiance John Moeller on May 30th during an outdoor, socially distant ceremony.
Even though things didn't turn out exactly as she expected, Kelsey is grateful for the photographic reminder of her adoring students.
"I wish that people loved like a kindergartener," she said.