“I want to kiss you again, Tess.”
“Why?”
He chuckled, low under his breath.

“Why? Because you’re beautiful, and because I want you. And I think you want me too.”

lara adrian

Amelia was on. Her witty one-liners and dry comments had everybody amused. Her toothache-sweet father was feeling very sentimental and wanted to share with his Facebook world. I think he did it because he knew Amelia would roll her eyes and have something funny to say. Laughter always distracts (or helps?) when you feel full to the brim with emotion.

They laughed on and on. They laughed about Cheez-its, Jay-Z, Spanx, pretending to know how to use a steamer and dad (still in the background taking pictures for Facebook.) They danced (mom pulled out her spicy moves!) They tried not to cry ("DON'T. YOU. DARE. I. SWEEAAAR...")

Soon enough they went to church. The yellow dresses, colorful heels, fresh flowers and pink smiles were the epitome of summer, of fun.

Dad and Amelia talked about signs on the wall, about not crying, about anything that came to mind.

But it was only a matter of time before that beautiful walk and pass-off occurred.

Only a matter of time before a new character enters the storyline of the day.

A proud papa, with an air much like a pleased king, grandly and honorably handing his little girl off to another, to her best friend, to her favorite man.

This new character, Matt, married our funny and relaxed Amelia. He promised life with her. And she with him.

And all of a sudden the scene is different, there is a new man on her arm in the aisle, a new air in the land! From sentimental, teary and sweet we have gone to rejoicing, whistles and cheers!

I love Matt and Amelia (like I mentioned in their engagement shoot) for their kind-hearted, playful, not-too-serious, very low maintenance friendship. She's not a diva and he's not a brat. They are friends, happy, sarcastic, good times, friends.

(Can I get an "amen!" for her dress?)

I never become bored or weary of shooting at Glen Echo Park. It has my heart in a way no other venue has ever matched.

I say climb, Amelia says "How high?"

I saw "Do you mind sitting on the bench?" they say "We actually want to swing."

But let me break these last two pictures down for you: The ran to the swing set because they wanted to swing. This helps describe them to you readers. When I say they are easy, fun-loving people, I am not exaggerating because I have nothing to say about them. I don't blame most friends for not being comfortable doing anything in their dress - I fully understand. But Amelia ran around in her sandals, walked through the woods, climbed on tables, pumped hard on the swings, played on the carousal. And Matt led the way. That attitude and 20 minutes of pictures perfectly describe them. To a tee.

With windblown hair and hearts full of joy, they loved watching their guests enjoy the famous ride.

These are relatives of Matt and Amelia, ooooooobviously.

I just love all the faces. So fully happy.

We had more fun before the reception started then most receptions ever have! But guests were met at the party pavilion with maraca's, cracker jack, and tickets to ride! How fun.

The lively group lit-up when Matt and Amelia were welcomed. It was not a polite, regal tap-tap of their hands. This was homecoming football game kind of energy.
Photobucket

Dancing on the sun:

Laughter continued through the evening with toasts from Dad (no Facebook either ;) I was very proud of him!) Amelia and her dad have a friendship that reminds me of me and my dad. They are close and "get" each other, but it's not a frilly foo-foo relationship ;) I love it.

After the funny best man toast, my favorite part of this wedding occurred. The maids of honor presented the new couple with a gift.

Before the wedding (during the bridal shower, I believe) the girls collected photographs, letters, fabric squares and craft supplies from guests of this wedding. They went ahead and handmade a quilt for them.

Amelia was blown away, and the quilt was phenomenal. They left the quilt out with more fabric and markers for guests to add to it in case they hadn't already. Isn't that a wonderful and kind idea?! Bridesmaids for the win!