"I was a little girl alone in my little world
Who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees,
And fed my houseguests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.
I had a dream"
Who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees,
And fed my houseguests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.
I had a dream"
priscilla ahn - dream
It wasn't rainy, but the sun was definitely winning a game of hide-and-seek with the earth - tucked away behind many clouds. I pulled up to the large plot of land where Kara, the bride, lived. Also the home her grandma grew up in. Also the home to her neighbor (which are her aunts, uncles and cousins.) I loved it instantly. The entire place was filled with family, memories and love.
Kara is the oldest of six children, and the first to get married. It really was a family affair - all the kids were glowing with excitement!
Everyone wanted to help with the dress. Everyone wanted to help with the flowers. Everyone wanted to comment on how amazing Kara looked. Everyone was involved. It was noisy, joyful, excited cheer and I loved it!
When it was time to leave the church, Kara climbed into her best friends car. How many times must they have done that? Jumped in to head to a movie, or to go shopping, or to run some errands. I do it with my friends! And someday we'll jump in to head to their wedding. The unity was precious :D
We drove to picture perfect small town USA. I was freaking out. The small Pennsylvania city was dotted with old homes, basic restaurants and pick-up trucks. The brick church-turned-theater happily sat in the middle of town.
The best friends chatted and smiled and giggled as we walked the streets. I had only met Kara that morning, but I loved how instantly "home" I felt. There wasn't drama or "diva" going on. There were friends celebrating with another friend. There was love and joy.
This is the bride's littlest sister, Ruby. She is mini-Kara and it was super sweet watching her watch Kara.
I mean, look at her. The girl was shining. Amazing. She was as happy as a... I can't even think of what to compare her to.
You know newborn horses when they finally get the hang of running? And they just frolick and leap and randomly dash all through the field? That's how Kara was. A happy little bubbling mess. Not stressed, not bothered, just purely happy.
BABE.
We seriously got some killer sunshine on a day that was supposed to pour. Yay!
And now we meet Derrick! The man. Dun dun duuuun. The man who stole Kara's heart. Dun dun duuuun. Derrrrick.
Here's the scoop: Remember Kara's best friend? Who drove her to the wedding in the red car? Sweet.
He is so in love with Kara. And their friends are like the "relationship cheerleaders." All day there were squeals and "yay's!" and laughing and excitement.
And of course, Derrick and Kara were ridiculously happy themselves.
I love how he is SO her man. He takes care of her, holds her and really is her knight in shining armor.
(mmm. pretty pretty.)
With so much family and celebration taking place, the pre-ceremony wait was extra enjoyable. For some reason I love this shot to describe it. Kara in the bathroom doing last minute details, a bridesmaid running around to help, and the two cousins bouncing and screeching like little girls at a Jonas Brothers concert. Everyone was SO excited.
I hope I smile as much as she did when I get married. The girl was just happy. Linked on her dad's arm just about to...
A best friend moment:
These two were just too romantic and adorable.
You guys seem like you have found "home." Congratulations!
ps. Special thanks to Jessica Shae for shooting with me!