Ken + Allie | Dulaneys Overlook Wedding Frederick MD

"It felt very good to have him walking beside her."
Marilynne Robinson

"I feel like we are rather un-quirky. Like, so much so that when we first met, I literally thought 'I feel like he’s the one, but he’s so much like me. Can that work?'  We are both pretty independent people, and we would both say we are introverts." I loved reading these lines when Allison sent over the questionnaire part of the contract. Finding a real "match" not just a complement is special.

Allison's mom, Tracy, was my mom's best friend. They met while they were pregnant with their first children, born about a month apart. Sam in July, me in August. A large hunk of my childhood memories include riddles with Mr. Branchaw, losing at Battleship, playing Sardines and man-hunt in the neighborhood of Waring Station, hearing stories about secret Polish family recipes, getting another pretzel out of the giant pretzel bins, and being blissfully happy (and occasionally sneaky) with the Branchaw family. Once I asked my mom if she had any life advice for me and she said to find a friend like Tracy. "She's put up with a lot from me, and I've had to bite my tongue with her, but more than anything she has been loyal and with me. I know Tracy has my back. I can laugh with her, cry with her, tell her the truth, be told the truth by her, and we usually laugh again. You need friends like this to get through life." Tracy wasn't just this way to my mom... she's been "this friend" to dozens if not hundreds.

Tracy brought us dinner a few nights after Summer was born. It meant very much seeing as mom wasn't there to share this part of my life with me. Tracy showed up; was with me. I remember bringing her dinner with my mom when her babies were born. I also remember how she was on-call to have the Snyder kids when my mom was in labor. 

The wedding of these two similar, introverted, Maine-loving lovers was of gold; the finest quality of sweet joy. Tracy, and John, have spent their lives being faithfully, consistently, and eagerly "there" for their kids, friends, family (and "new friends," too!). Almost all the vendors at the wedding were family friends. The ones who weren't felt like it. Resplendent joy. Decades of friendships coming together to lavish on a pair who would never ask for all this attention. A teary-eyed daddy (who home-brewed all the beer for the wedding) and couldn't have been more proud of his daughter and new husband. Chatter creating an energy throughout the venue. Sniffles and dabs during toasts, uproarious laughter during the jokes, and a packed dance floor all night.

It doesn't get much better than nights like these.

It doesn't get much better than love like this. 

Ken wrote of Allie "She is a dream come true." Thank you for welcoming me into your dream for a few hours. I was filled with "the good stuff" by being able to simply observe the kindness and loyalty stretching back in history and launching into the future that your wedding day was.

You two have "a special something," bigger than yourselves and given to you for your joy. I hope that as the seasons of life bring what they may you'll never forget and always hold close the "not of this earth" happiness you've shared together! Thank you for having me there, it was a gift to me!

(All these people. They probably don't know it to the extent that it's true... but if you're a part of the Branchaws, I'd go down for you. You all mean quite a lot to me.)

Congratulations! What a perfect day, in every sense of the word!

Ps. Speaking of loyal... a HUGE shout-out to my friend, Ally, who came from California to shoot this wedding with me. Ally has made herself available for not just major moments of my life (like coming across the country alone for our wedding even though she didn't know anyone except me and helping host/decorate my little baby shower for Summer) but also taking on the major-parts of my friends' and my family's lives. She's photographed the other two Morris weddings with me, as well as a number of Morris engagement/baby shoots. She traveled to my best friend's wedding in Minnesota with me, helped pull off my friends' proposals (plural!), and sends sweet packages to us and even my friends' little kids in the mail. Heck, this year she HANDMADE FOUR MICKEY MOUSE STOCKINGS FOR US! Thank you for going out of your way to love on me, and anyone I love. So many of the best pictures of this wedding you took. One more "enormous life gift" you've given someone. Grateful for you, friend!

• Venue: Dulaney's Overlook
• Bride's Dress: BHLDN
• Second-Shooter: Ally Michele
• Bride's Shoes: Badgely Mischka
• Make-Up: Alicia Lotinksy
• Hair: Erin Hill
• Catering: Merlin Shorb
• Flowers: Heather Cook
• DJ: Shew-Sical

Year In Review 2015 | I'm Kristen Photography

2015 was a wonderful year behind my camera! I enjoyed shooting 15 weddings, plus second shot five weddings, and then three proposals and a couple dozen portrait sessions. This post is just a review of all the weddings I haven't blogged yet this year (Neill and Kate's wedding is here!). While some of my favorite pictures are certainly included, many of these represent favorite memories and moments of each wedding day. As I went through each day start to finish it warmed my heart to re-see the faces.

Pulling a segment from my website: "I don't take and present photographs because it's cute, but because I am a Note Taker, a Story Teller. You are the sonnet, you are a part of the play, and the times of your life matter. It is sincere delight for me to be allowed to walk into the doors of your world, tap into my heart, and let your joy become mine -- whether it be a wedding, a birth, a high school graduation, or a Christmas card portrait.  I know our sessions together aren't the whole story -- the nights without sleep, the gulp in your throat, the lost ones you miss, the insecurities, the numbness -- but I know our sessions are a real, that we are here logging history with a black box and light. It's magic.  I believe in family, marriage, parenthood, new starts, figuring it out, I believe in wholehearted relationship, I believe in lasting love and I know awfully sad things happen in those places. But I believe in fighting for the good, fighting to believe that the best is yet to come, that the struggle is worth it, that being known and loved -- and knowing and loving -- are what give us life and bring us the greatest joy. So, here's to the grand adventure and all the stories, and hope beyond tomorrow! *clink*" Happy Days Gone By, everyone, and thank you for letting me live parts of my life alongside yours.


| The Preparations |

| The Ceremony |

View fullsize

| The Newlyweds |

| The Celebrating |

VENUE RUNDOWN | Trummer's On Main -- Strong Mansion -- Rockland Estates -- Ivy at Dewey Beach -- Woodend Sanctuary -- Newburyport City Hall -- Springfield Barn -- Stagecoach Inn -- Belmont Manor --  Marquardt Ranch -- Morningside Inn -- The Woods Chapel --  White Manor Country Club

A special thank you to all my second-shooters this year! Ellie Be, Elizabeth Baxter, Caroline Ruth, Elise Benjamin, Dom, Ally Michelle and the Mr. Morris himself. Thank you for working hard for my clients and me, for keeping track of the family shot lists, for keeping me hydrated, and for doing such beautiful work! 

DANIEL + ERIN TEASERS

"And we tore our dresses and stained our shirts,
But it's nice today,
Oh the wait was so worth it"
Jason Mraz

It's probably cheating to post an almost 20-image "teaser" but the rules bend for family, and now both of these wonderful people are indeed my family.  If you've followed along online you might know the gist of the story: Big family on the farm in Oklahoma with eldest twin boys. First twin meets and marries... me! and leaves the middle of the country for the east coast. Second twin, through a half-humorous half-serious matchmaking instagram post, meets a girl on the west coast. And they, as of last week, have married!  

This was a large family event, and we all looked forward to this time with Dan for many years. After the wedding we all chit-chatted about and soaked up the day by remembering our favorite parts. The three memories that came up the most often were their First Look, the ceremony - particularly the way the stories were told and just watching Dan and Erin together, and the toasts at the reception.  Since Ally Michelle (the light of my photography world and all-around Best Person nominee) and I took over 8000 frames, I get a little stuck when I want to post a "quick sneak peek!" It all means so much to me and it's hard to not lay it our in order and tell it all right.

But I'm settling for showing a few frames of some of our collective "family favorite" moments, and so much more is coming soon (including, hopefully, cousins for my son ;) Right guys?)

We love you we love you we love you! And absurd amounts to follow shortly! Cousins!

Years In Review | I'm Kristen Photography 2014

“time was passing like a hand waving from a train i wanted to be on."

  jonathan safran foer

In the way "When are you due!" is the question when you're pregnant, "Are you still doing photography!" is the question when, well, you disappear from the internet and stop posting any current photography. (Yes, I am still doing and have been doing photography. Just, differently.)

The last 18 months have, with no exaggeration, been the "most" times of my life.  It has been much -- from that day in June when our firstborn was delivered, to that day in January when my mom was delivered (from earth), to that day in April when blood on toilet paper met our second-born was no longer with us on earth, to all those days traveling (usually with at least one or two children) and living with other people constantly, to the long slow days spent in the heat and the ice building our home with our own two hands.

Despite what any marketing class or business principle might say, I've somehow shot dozens of weddings, and dozens of other sessions (and hosted a workshop!), while doing relatively no "promotional work."  Getting clients their images in a (mostly) timely manner is the most important, and after that, I simply haven't had more to give my business.  I blogged 27 times this year, and 28 times last year as opposed to 130 times in a year before.  My facebook page hasn't seen many more followers, my online hits have dropped (as is the case when sites are neglected), my e-mail isn't filled with inquiries, I have a blog but not a website.  Everything should be pointing to financial 'failure' and damaged business.

Yet, as always, things just kind of... fell into place. (Huge special thanks for the support and relationship with the folks at Strong Mansion.  More than half of the weddings were set there, with Twins + Violins playing music.  You'll recognize a certain set of steps very quickly ;) It's been great working together so often.) And such deeply beautiful clients have come my way, welcoming me into their holy days, and showing me the power of connection weekend after weekend.

Photographing a wedding has become a thing of healing for me.  Some days it was very, very hard to show up with my "game face" and be a sparkling professional woman.  Preparing my tools the night before, putting on make-up, doing my hair, sometimes pulling my bloody big-girl panties on (as I shot weddings one week after giving birth to Rowdy, and one week after miscarrying Ryan), sometimes crying or staring blankly in the car on my way too and from, sneaking off to empty my body of milk-filled pain, wearing a pretty outfit, feeling so strong and confident each time I finish, proud of my mind and body, grateful for my current ability and health, depositing checks in the bank and taking the money out to hang drywall or see the sea, letting myself get lost in the bliss of others, the weird and hard and thrilling work of creating, reviewing photographs, giving newlyweds the story of that day.  It is healing.  It is healing to be sensory -- to see, taste, touch, smell, hear -- when often I've had emptiness or "nothingness" this year.  It quickens me.  Being able to live, and move, and have my being, while working for, through and with God on these days of heaven-and-earth, keeps my eyes wide open when I can want to squish them shut.

I was often drawn to the middle-aged and turning-elderly women.  Sometimes it was the mother of the bride or groom, but other times it was just a group of guests or unruly aunts.  I watched them.  I watched them just be moms -- they worried, fussed, finagaled, cried, glowed, stared adoringly, got a little tipsy, kissed cheeks, choked on joy.  One dear mama carried down the aisle a photograph of she and her now-groom-then-toddler-son cut into a heart.  They fed me and, without a doubt, I would release that uncomfortable, nostalgic feeling with some tears.    One lovely friend told me my photographs were "a spiritual act."  Her sentiments blessed me.  Similar to the way that praying both honors God and brings me peace, photographing honors the stories of these people and brings me happy hope.

It is hard mental, emotional and physical work to be present and involved in the details.  I'm so honored that, again, someone, some people, trusted me to do that work.  And as all good hard work is, it is an actual joy to create for them.  Here is a (tough, tough, tough to narrow down) vault of the places I've been, flavors I've tasted, faces I've met, and souls I've linked hearts with this last year and a bit.  From Montreal to the eastern shore, from Texas to twenty-minutes down the road from home; the six-figure events and the four-figure events; the humid hot days and cold rainy days; the baby flower girls and the century-old grandparents; the mothers and the fathers; and everything in between.  Thank you, from the fragile places of this woman's heart.  The amount of intense (though sometimes teeny) human history I witnessed is nothing less than medicine.

ps. Thank you to my second-shooters this year: the spunky Ellie Be, winsome Hannah Nicole, and baby-daddy Caleb.

Hannah + Mike | Charlottesville, VA Wedding Photography

“Any time not spent on love is wasted.”
Torquato Tasso

I'll never forget the effect Hannah and Mike had on me when I first met them for their engagement shoot.  Maybe it was part timing in my life, but it certainly was also part them.  Their "mushiness" wasn't annoying because something about they way they moved, talked and were together that was veritable.  I noticed their friendship more than anything.  It made me want to hang out with my husband, get back to him as soon as possible.  It's easy (and I would argue even good, when thoughtfully done) to compare and contrast yourself to the people and couples around you.  To feel like you have to prove something, to be affirmed outside about something inside, to tell others and yourself what you want life to be, not what it really is.  The effect of Hannah and Mike, however, was one where you left not really thinking about them but about the person you love. 

On August 9, our two year wedding anniversary, I brought Caleb with me to shoot Hannah and Mike's wedding.  And we got to meet the reasons Hannah and Mike are who they are, and have what they have.  I was so moved from start to finish.  Hannah's sisters and best friends were draped on each other all day, and I caught a few of them on the back porch in tears, talking about all they loved about Hannah.  The ceremony worship was loud and booming, the affection in their faces, the rejoicing and random outbursts of dancing, cheering and clapping was simply overwhelming (in the best way).

This wedding reminded me of videos of seen of old European celebrations.  The bride and groom are paraded through the streets with live music and hollering!  Townspeople close up shop and follow the parade in warm camaraderie!  It's about the couple and sharing in their joy, but it's about where they came from and where they're going and everything they together are being built into.  I felt the bonds of care and closeness between all these people, like I myself was a part of their heart.

Thank you both for your high-energy kindness, bold tenderness and happy love.  I'm so glad you secretly crushed on each other for years and finally went to that diner to have a dinner that would change your lives.  You will probably bring more hope and good to this world than you know -- because you probably impacted me far more than you know.  And if it happened once, it'll likely happen again! 
Happy "Come What May" Hannah and Mike!  Thank you for giving me such beauty. 

People feel like they lose something when they get married, but it doesn't have to be that way.
There is nothing more exciting than having a witness to your life
You know, everybody is not good at everything, it's okay to depend on someone -
it's actually what we are supposed to do, we are supposed to depend on each other.
And when you find the person that you trust and you love
and you feel is going to respect you, it feeds you.
It is the most powerful thing you can ever feel in your life."
Beyonce

The Salamander Resort | Virginia Wedding Photography

"I simply remember my favorite things,

And then I don't feel so bad."

Sound of Music

A few months ago I had the delightful chance to second-shoot for Mona Botwick at the prestigious new five-star luxury resort in the DC area, the Salamander.   Since the resort opened barely a year ago, this is its first "wedding season" and wow -- they knocked it out of the park!  The entire day was dripping with beauty yet had such an intimate, family-style sincerity.  Mona is an absolute gem and she not only worked her tail off, but was notably kind and charming throughout the full day.  (I hope to get to work with you again sometime soon!  I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Ps. Kate Triano -- it was lovely to finally meet you.  You're a sweetheart too.)  I don't second shoot very often, but I found myself loving the nitty-gritty work.  When the "pressure" is off to capture the main moments, it's creatively freeing and eye-opening to sneak around being a detail-hunter.

Amanda and Bill were a class act, with hearts full of laughter and welcoming.  In my recent memory, I can't recall a group of friends laughing all day long as much as I noticed at this wedding.  Thank you for having me, Mona!  This wedding day was good for the soul.


















































(I'm not sure what was more jaw-dropping at The Salamander Resort: the venue or the food!)












The Salamander's Ballroom is the perfect mix of romantic and modern.  Well done!


















Happy first day of marriage!  Here's to many more!

--- + --- + --- + --- + --- + ---
to contact i'm kristen (especially in the maryland/virginia/dc, or oklahoma to dallas areas ... but anywhere in the world will do! i travel!) E-MAIL ME HERE

Erica + Eric | Linganore Winery Carnival Wedding

out of the tree of life i just picked me a plum 

still, it's a real good bet, 

the best is yet to come

frank sinatra 

(Linganore Winery was the dangerously gorgeous setting for this wedding day.  Oh I love this place.)

She's proven herself responsible, competent, independent.  Erica is an organized dental hygienist, and it makes complete sense.  She's not a hot mess.  She's not frazzled.  She's not "all over the place!" She's not quirky-goofy-silly-boppy.  She's kind.  She's kind.  She's focused.  She's a go-getter.  I could nearly imagine her as one of the first women graduating (at the top of her class) from a university in the 1930's.  (She'd be wearing pearl stud earrings.)























I've been photographing the Smart Family for years, and Erica is Jessica (before marriage: Sherwood) Smart's little sister.  Last winter  their mom asked me to take a few pictures of the whole Sherwood clan and it was during said shoot that I met Eric, Erica's boyfriend.  He had accidentally slept in (and felt horribly about it), came screeching into the parking lot, and was finishing off his breakfast: a bag of Doritos.  Trimmed, neat, prompt (actually, early!) Erica was taking it in stride, and laughing.  Throughout the session the two of them seemed to wander behind or whisper during frames.  I hoped, right then in that moment, that this wouldn't be the last time the two of them were in front of my camera.  Eric had kind eyes, he seemed to walk hand-in-hand with Erica out of her comfort zone in healthy ways (minus the chemical chips), and seemed to respect her well-developed strengths.  Oh. And he made her laugh.  Thank goodness they decided on forever.







When I took this picture the gentleman in the wheelchair, Erica's grandfather, was quite sick.  He sweetly enjoyed the wedding, but not soon after he moved worlds.  I care deeply, passionately, about my work and the high-honor it is to record families together on days like these.






The gasps and responses to Erica making her way to Eric are some of my favorite in the history of my career.  Truly the definition of sweet.
































Along with the sounds of water, the smell of completely new babies, and the taste of fabulous cheese (especially melting) I think some of the best things in life is confidently, securely happy people who love to laugh.

And... kiss.  Drew Barrymore shares a similar idea boldly: "Kissing - and I mean like, yummy, smacking kissing - is the most delicious, most beautiful and passionate thing that two people can do, bar none."















My soul is fed when there is fun energy.  It's crystal clear when groups of people have an air of stuffiness, vanity, or superiority instead of carefree, happy fun.  Photographing these people was so easy because they were sincerely happy.  Every of of them.  Ah! That's another thing! Sincerity.  That's the word.  I've been writing this post trying to clock this nail on the head: they are sincere.  Good, sincere people.  You can see it in their eyes; their body language.
























Erica, with help from her guy and family, pulled off the perfect mix of "young fun" and "classy" with their carnival at the vineyard reception.






















Thank you for being best buds, and life-long teammates.  Thank you for having me photograph yet another special event in your family's life.  Thank you for getting married at Linganore (OH. MY. MY!) And thank you for being patient with my slow-blogging-new-mom year last year.  On that note: congratulations on your little guy on the way.  He's going to have a great life alongside the two of you. "The best is yet to come..."

Ps. This may be my favorite "Smart Family Shot" yet ;)



--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- to book me, "i'm kristen," for your wedding or family-story,  especially in the maryland/virginia/dc, new york/boston, or oklahoma to dallas areas E-MAIL ME HERE (i'll also be traveling around southern california + the lake tahoe/nevada areas in coming months. actually! i'd love to travel anywhere! )

Allix + Trevor | Dallas Wedding

"alabama, arkansas;

i do love my ma and pa,

not the way that i do love you."

edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros

It all started with a ruby -- a Trevor Ruby.  A son of gun, with a crooning smirk and doubly-dangerous dark eyes and dark hair; apparently a bit of a hand-full, a rascal.  A boy who sure who some growing up to do, but was nonetheless smart, charming, interesting, and loveable.  Years later, a few months before Toy Story hit the big screens, a second daughter was born in the deep, quiet country of Texas.  She was, and still is, the baby of the family.  A princess-loving, folktale-believing, sweet-gusto of all-stereotypical girl.  While Young Ruby was somewhere else in the world, being refined and shined, little Allix was, well, being little.  Playing, writing, reading, arithmetic, magic, grass fields, songs, and lipstick.









But she grew up, too.  She didn't stay in her crib, or tiny shoes, or middle school.  She made best friends, started business, worked in an office, saved money, booked clients, and watched her life garden begin to grow.  Ever the romantic, her "somebody" was never far from her mind.  Ever social, she loved making new friends through her longtime friends.  Especially in a small sweet town like Bogata, it's refreshing to meet new faces and hear new voices and begin new friendships.  So it was an obvious "yes!" when Allix was invited to come along with her very-best-friend Rachel to a conference a few states north.  Isn't it wonderfully weird how one small "sure!" can change your life forever?


Because, well, as is perfectly obvious in the context of this writing, she met a somebody at that conference, and not too many months later that somebody gave her a family heirloom ruby, and became her only.  Now, of course there is more to the story.  Of course.  The story about how and when and why he was scared and quickened into growing up.  The story about how awfully bashful he and she were in person.  The story about how when they began to talk and listen and ask.  The story about moving states to be together, buying a house to live in after the wedding, the first date to a taco shop, the first Valentines in a tree house, about her grandmother marrying at 14 years old, about holding each other in a pick-up truck and praying in-between tears.  Of course there is more to the story,






And that's the clear wonder of a wedding day.  It's a stunning mark in the story, with hundreds leading up to it, and hundreds coming from it.  It's a story in and of itself, but it's a passage way for the future and the past.  It's a time where all those stories collide into one emotional, sincere, unforgettable date on a calendar.   It's a "the end" and a "once upon a time" and "therefore" and "yet to come."  It's where little women who have lived in the same house, in the same town, with the same people her whole life, put on some literal big-girl shoes and walk out the door into an brand new adulthood; where they hug their old life, their ma and pa, metaphorically good-bye and greet a new era of their existence.






















Wildflowers -- not quite perfect but absolutely perfect, and dead trees surrounded by living ones, and blind-folds, and sunshine, and running to each other -- it's a nice summary of marriage.








More than any event or other emotion at this wedding, what most touched me was how loved Allix and Trevor are.  I don't know if it's because I'm a mother now and I think about "Someday when my son gets married..." or if it's because I myself have had a wedding and begun a marriage ("Oh, I remember how much and yet heart-warming it was to see all the people in my world come together to bless us on August 9th, almost two years ago! Wow. How special.") or if it's because I sharply miss my own mama, but I'll never forget the community -- near and abroad -- that has stabilized the storm.  We were made to love and be loved, to know and be known.  The Ruby Wedding was quite a testament to the power and joy of being loved.  I was one of very few hired vendors.  Nearly all my questions where answered with "a friend," "so-and-so in the family," or "my mom."  "Who is doing your hair?" "My friend!" "Who is doing the food?" "My aunt!" "Where are you getting the rentals?" "The church is letting us borrow them!" "Who is making the cake?" "My grandma!" Who is coordinating the day-of?" "My mom's friend!" "Who is making the decorations?" "My mom! And I! Together!"











[I rarely post formal family photographs, but I needed to for a few reasons today.  First off, sometimes I get asked if I even take these pictures (the answer is: yes! absolutely.).  Second, it's a brief encouragement to future brides to have your formals done in a well-lit area (not necessarily the front of the alter.)  Lastly, and most importantly, I needed to find a way to sneak my baby boy into this post.  He was personally asked to be a picture with the bride and groom.  It's a big deal in his life, and I'm his mom so it's a big deal to me. (wink)]

Since my husband played his violin during the ceremony, we had to arrive early to the rehearsal to allow he and the rest of the musicians (friends! of course!) to practice.  I'm so glad I was able to see the space before friends and family got their hands on it. We pulled up to a sweet, small, white country home.  And that was it.  They had a beautiful yard, but after a big rain storm the night before there were mud puddles and strewn wooden limbs, and victim leaves about the property.  And no distinctly "wedding" anything.  And yet, between 3:00 pm on Friday and 3:00 pm on Saturday, magic -- and elbow grease -- happened.  At the handiwork of people who love, support, and celebrate Allix, this venue turned into a masterpiece; it went from "nice" to "marvelous."  The kitchen was piping, the grounds were cheering, the music was singing, and the love was overwhelming.  Down to the bunting -- the 550 yards of bunting - that wrapped this wedding in it's embrace.  Allix's ma made it out of her old  dresses, her mother's favorite napkins, her grandmother's best sheets (she remembers sleeping on them as a little girl.)  As family members admired the scene, they started to recognize small triangles: "The Easter napkins!" "Oh, Darla's graduation dress!" "Mom's tablecloth!"  Hearts were full, and the human connection was pouring over.  There is no better way to begin a wedding ceremony.


























Throughout the ceremony there were five hymns, drippy tears, a bold sermon, a small hook in wood that slightly tore her dress, and fascinatingly changing-light -- dark shadows with only spots of light, electric almost after-rain clouds, interrupting yellow, peaceful shade.  Again, not to over cliche' a setting, but it made for a powerful introduction to marriage with a picture of all these elements at the same time, while surrounded by a great cloud of adoring lineage and witnesses.  Happy, happy moment indeed!




I will, in particular, never forget the kindness of Rachel, the maid of honor who just so happened to be the one responsible for Allix and Trevor meeting.  As soon as the wedding was finished she grabbed Allix, almost more excited than Allix herself, and waxed "Oh, that was the most natural thing in the world!  I stood there and watched and thought 'Why, yes! Why, of course they are getting married.'  I thought it might seem odd, but it wasn't! It was the most natural thing in the world!  I'm so happy for you!"  That vocal, soft, caring attitude was Rachel all day, all week, apparently all-friendship long.  But Rachel couldn't hog Allix for too much time -- there were so many others who wanted to exclaim and squeeze for the exact same reasons... And most of all of them, were the brand-new Ruby's.





"Holey moley me-oh-my, you're the apple of my eye.  Man oh man, you're my best friend."

















They have a self-proclaimed Noah and Allie relationship -- drive each other up the wall ("Why are you being so annoying?!") and moments later they're snuggling and face-smooching.  Can't get enough.  He can't believe his best friend is such a princess-girly-girly-girly-girl.  She knows he's slightly (more than slightly?) on the short-attention-span side of things.  And she understands that brief increments of fast "get things done!" with frequent breaks in-between is the best route to take.  While he's rather stoic, she found the dopey-playful piece in him.  While she's rather dramatic, he found the steady piece in her.  Let me go home, let me go ho-ho-home.  To look into someone's eyes, and not just find them pretty or mesmerizing, but to find in them a steel-connection and knowledge of you, well, it's rare to come by.  And worth keeping forever.  As I've gotten to know these two, I've enjoyed hearing their descriptions of each other, and then seeing those words in real life.  "Oh wow, yes, that is exactly what he is like.  She knows him!" "Ha! Yes! Precisely! That's Allix for you."  Spending most of the day together, most days, helps that natural knowledge, no doubt.  But it is obvious that they have spent many hours talking about many things and those they have paid attention to the other person in the conversation.  Home is wherever I'm with you.




























































Come! Let me go home! Home, home, home!

There is quite a wealth aside these two linked hands.  Business knowledge, creativity, daring, thoughtfulness, life-experience, life-naivete, passion, motivation, home-based careers, shared hobbies, different hobbies, commitment to the Lord (and thinking through, debating, even, and discussing convictions, truth and ideas), laughter, quiet, and, now, it is all united together.  In some ways these two remind me of my own parents.  My dad came to the Lord in his twenties, after quite a "past," while my mom was a "church mouse" who eagerly obeyed from toddlerhood.  They made quite a pair, and life was never boring.  Between the two of them -- one well traveled and one more of a town-body, one very comfortable in front of large groups and one more shy, one extremely creative and one extremely entrepreneurial, one blunt and direct and one sweet and sweet -- their skills pantry was full.  Together they had much to offer, together they could understand and identify with so many people, together they could collaborate and build with greatly complementary ideas, together they could help the other -- as they were so different, but such dear friends.  I love imagining would could be with you, Allix and Trevor.  What your paired visions, your paired hearts, your paired lives could do, and stand for, and create.  Have so much fun.  The best is yet to come!  And may you only multiply the kindness your loved ones have for you, as you set out on your own adventure.  While the digging may be hard, may the gems you find on your way be only brighter! better! and even more worth the effort.  Thank you for having me, you two Rubies.  It was a joy.


--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- to book i'm kristen for your wedding or family-story,  especially in the maryland/virginia/dc, new york/boston, or oklahoma to dallas areas E-MAIL ME HERE (i'll also be traveling around southern california + the lake tahoe/nevada areas in coming months. actually! i'd love to travel anywhere! )

Nick + Becca | Walker's Overlook Wedding

"because same, no we’re not the same 

but that’s what makes us strong"

home -- dierks bentley 

Becca was the little girl in my parent's church group.  Becca was the pretty little girl with enormous dimples in my parent's church group.  Becca was the pretty little girl with enormous dimples who loved to draw, paint, read and write in my parent's church group.  A modern-day, kind-of-country version of Belle.  And she grew up.  With a college degree and a diamond.  I'll never forget meeting with her before the wedding. "Tell me about you and Nick?  I don't know him aside from what's on Facebook, and I've never met him!" She paused for a moment, a smiled -- she always smiles -- "Well." Another pause.  It was if she had something she wanted to say, but was looking for an Option Two. With her hands gently crossed over well-postured torso she finally spilled the beans: "Nick and I are madly in love! I'm just, we're, well, we're crazy about each other.  I really didn't know it could be like this.  I'm so in love with him."  She physically saturated as she spoke: her eyes greener, her cheeks peachier, her lips raspberrier.  Becca didn't necessarily feel ready to be married.  She thrived in school, and is passionate about literature and great stories and diligent creativity.  Her china-doll appearance is wonderfully matched with her firm, yet gentle, resolve.  School, it was!  And then? Maybe teaching?  Maybe traveling?  Maybe more school?  Until... Nick.  He lived a few hours away and they met at an area conference.  She resisted the best she could but it was a brief resistance.  She snapped open like a pixie stick, and sweet wonder came pouring out.  With a couple of semesters left of college, a semi-long-distance-madly-in-love-relationship, and pending wedding -- marriage! lifetime! -- Becca had her work cut out for her.  And she rose to the magical, devoted challenge. I love, throughout each wedding day, when "it" catches up with a bride.  For me it happened at three times: mid-way through getting my make-up done, waiting to walk down the aisle, and driving away in the limo with my husband.  Each moment was just... there aren't words, there aren't descriptions.  I could try, but it would sound like naive, foolish gush-sauce.  The moments were other-worldly and moments that simply cannot be recreated or re-lived.  They happen and *poof* they are a bold memory.  Watching Becca as she saw herself in her dress for the first time took me back.  It was as close to re-living my moment as could be while I enjoyed her having her moment.  (Ps. Her crazy great mama did a little jig to try to make her laugh and stop crying.  Brilliant.) The day was everything it should have been.  Becca grew up in a white-porch-hugged country home, at the bottom of a grassy green valley in the first rural town outside of our suburban area.  As children we loved visiting their house -- go carts! creeks! the country store across the street! barefeet! dogs!  When I watched Becca, so lovely and so poised, wander around on the rolling green property of Walker's Overlook I was overcome with the scene.  It had an illustrious rightness.  If the buzz before a ceremony could be bottled and sold someone would be eternally wealthy.   The waft of perfumes as female guests arriving, newly primed, the loud cackle every few minutes that hushes into reverence, the clangling of earrings and bracelets and wrist watches and sunglasses, the final strums of a practicing musician, crriiick as humans bend into their seats, the flutter of green leaves, like a chime.  It took much time to arrive here, and yet! Here we are! The time is now and it can almost feel rushed -- natural, and right, and good -- but striking when it's "suddenly" the beginning of your wedding. As sweet as it was that Becca declared her mad-and-hard fall into love with Nick, it wasn't that she was in love that I remember as much as who she was in love WITH.  You see, in so many ways Nick is Becca's opposite.  I more and more find that couples personalities may be "opposite" but often they have a core of similarity.  But not so with Nick and Becca.  He his idea of a great night is wings and the game.  He loves his softball team and league.  He works hard with his hands, dances like a ninja racoon in the moonlight, and loves to entertain the crowd.  He's active, social, athletic, and friendly.  His sense of humor is impossible to miss and, well, he's just not the tortoise-shell-glasses-wearing, studious, book worm nerd we all always predicted for Becca.   And when I see pictures of her at huge Halloween parties dressed to the nines as a Marilyn Monroe, or at family reunions in the great outdoors pulling ropes in giant tug-a-war I just smile.  I love it.  I love the various and many interests and life tugs these two have.  I love that a powerhouse athlete turned his head for a shy poet.  I love that there was electricity, friendship, and unity.  I love that being married has meant brave steps (since they've been married for almost a year now!) I love that Becca has jumped headfirst into her art, building a handsome business.  And I love that she has the support and companionship in her dearly beloved opposite.

(sweet memory: my parent's were guests at this wedding, and mom held two-week-old rowdy for me while i worked.  i loved going through to choose pictures for this post and coming across her in the background, chatting with friends or eating or holding my son.  i'm grateful for this special last wedding event together.)

The entire day was a noticeably bright, festive, big-fat-great, especially smiley celebration.  These firecrackers have so much fun, new, and ever-different ahead of them.  I'll close with a few lines I read this morning from Seth Rogen, goofy-guy-next-door actor: "In movies they like to portray marriage like 'Oh, the wife and husband are always arguing and bickering. For me and my wife, the easiest part of life is [our] marriage. Like if everything was as smooth and easy and fun as my relationship with my wife then I would have a much easier time getting through the day. We really get along..."  I loved this sentiment, and it is my own personal experience.  I saw it fitting for Becca and Nick because -- despite the odds, the miles, the cheese nachos -- they just get along and sure are crazy about each other.  Happy (late!) Wedding Day!  It was an absolute blast, as I'm sure your marriage and life is as well! (ps.  Happy Birthday, today, Becca!)

Alan + Lisa | Billingsley House Wedding

they try and they try
but everything that they do
is the ghost of a trace
of a pale imitation of you
kathleen - josh ritter

Our friendship began with an e-mail I received in the wicked throes of morning sickness.  I knew I should be working hard and blogging lots and preparing for next season and getting pumped with every inquiry in my inbox... but.  The only thing I could get remotely peppy over was Coke Slurpees from 7-11.  

"...My fiancee and I got engaged last Thursday, 

and my first thought after escaping her anaconda squeeze was

'First thing's first, contact Kristen Leigh!' 

I first found out about your work in 2009 through a friend...

Well, it's been been three years, two years with my girlfriend/fiancee, 

and we would both be honored to have you as our photographer. 

However, like your website says, we might not be the perfect fit...

So in an effort to see if we can all be friends, 

here is a brief look into the odd world of Lisa and Alan:

We love our faith 

and we love each other (I proposed in her closet).

She is a teacher. 

I am a graphic designer. 

I'm not wearing socks in this picture (she hates it when I do that).

Whenever she comes over, it's a real gem for us

 to catch my dad taking a nap mid work out 

(it should be noted he's wearing gardening gloves)."

Included in the e-mail were ridiculous photographs of a clearly well-humored couple and Alan's dad, asleep on the floor wearing gardening gloves.  We all became instagram friends and gave advice on the best food trucks in NYC.  We met on a rainy day to make things "official" and after we said good-bye they sent me a picture of themselves wearing fake beards.  Their deposit arrived in my mailbox with a hand-drawing of donuts eating each other.  And their contract arrived with laugh-out-loud stories and a vision for a "block party with fatty southern comfort food" reception.  Oh.  And their response when I told them I was due near (very near) their June 1 wedding date (I said so nervously because I didn't want to scare them away!) was "Awh! Kids! Go kids! We love kids!"  We are obviously a perfect fit because all three of us went gung-ho for the idea of working together at their June 1 wedding, while I had a pending June 6 Baby (who came a full eight days late! I knew he would be late!).  It was worth the risk and I'll forever be really glad I was the visual storyteller of this particular wedding.

Pandora was keeping the mood just right all morning.  At one point the Michael Buble version of "Just Haven't Met You Yet" played.  Lisa's mom started calling and calling her from the front room in the hotel suite.  "LISA! Lisa! Listen Lisa!  It's your song!" 

Lisa laughed - not a disrespectful laugh, but a thoroughly entertained laugh.  "Lisa! Do you hear it? He came out of nowhere, into your life! Yah!"   Lisa looked over at me "When I was single, my mom always told me this was 'my' song. 'Thanks, mom.'  Isn't that what all parents say though?  And then I started dating Alan and she told me 'Now you HAVE met him yet!' 'Mom,' I'd tell her, 'I've known Alan for ten years! I met him a long time ago!' But she insists its our song."





Their "friendship before loveship" stories is one of the great ones.  I love when companionship and jokes and trust doubles down and adds romance and commitment.  It's why I roll my inside-eyes when girls say "I could never marry him, he's like my brother."  And why would life be so bad with a person so close, they already feel like family, who you can pick their boogers and teeth, who tease you about your unimpressive ("but good effort!") punchlines, who you want to hang out with because it's always more fun and comfortable when they're around?  Who happen to have great lips for kissing? Alan and Lisa are no fools.

Some of the best moments of your life are the ones right before the ceremony begins.  There is energy in breeze, hushed tones among the guests, tears and solemnity and a dashing heart and smiling hard because the happiness is so real it's like you can grab it off a tree and taste it's sweet apple fruit juice in your mouth.  It's a heart-whipping ride, those minutes, and one that can be only experienced, not described.



































After the beauty and honor of their union, we arrived at The Billingsley House for pictures, memories, and a party.












(Why do old bathrooms always have the most interesting light?  Can't go over it, can't go under it, must go through it... so into the bathtub the bride-in-heels and photographer-with-nearly-no-balance go!





Lisa's friend custom made her dress (and the bridesmaid dresses, too!).  "I love to twirl in it.  It's my favorite, when I twirl.  I like twirling."

























You know how there are some people in this world that are funny and make you laugh ha ha ha and then there are those who are so funny that you feel a little self-concious and jealous, and wonder what it takes to have the quickness and randomness and rightness in conversation that they have?  Hello.  Meet these two.  (I sent them over "near the door... and go ahead and dance a little in the entry way."  Most couples hold each other close and sway, maybe a spin or dip if they're feeling cray-cray. Hello.  Meet these two.)







cxc











What may be my favorite couple-quality of hello! these two! is how happy they make being together seem.  They're lovely, witty, smart, kind people on their own.  They are. But teamed up?  Side by side?  It's the cheese-balliest, most contagious, real happy.  A Happy that is full of faith, trustworthiness, appreciation for beauty, love for people of all ages and shapes and sizes, and an addiction to great food.













"I will put you in a spell... and you'll... have to... be my wiiiife!"

"I already am your wife.  Wasted spell."






(Props to a groom who is super involved in almost every area of wedding planning... who is a graphic designer to boot!  The favors were "Tunes For The Ride Home."  Genius.)










This cornbread was the King of CornBread.  Moist but not soggy, corn-y, perfect.





























That's exactly it.  Oh, a happy day.  In every way.  Certainly just the front end of a oh-happy life.  (Ellie Be + Hello Fabulous Photography... thank you for being amazing.  Rowdy probably would have been born at a table with some cornbread if it weren't for you two!)          

Tim + Ica | Jefferson Park Maryland Wedding

i've never been quite as happy as  i am. 
me & mr. cassidy - as happy as i am 

All seasons, not just the Christmas one, should have carols.   Those festive songs, made for jubilant connection and noisy celebration.  Her name was no mistake, she's a living carol - a human version of elated song.  Irene Carol has been dancing and prancing, laughing and quaking, feeling and giving since she was born.  Her twinkly almond eyes could inspire paintings, and her spontaneous, full-body, arched, boom laugh could be sold in bottles.  She'd make millions.   And when this songbird of a lady planned a wedding day, it could only have gone one way: marvelously.  Not just a nice spring day, but a perfect spring extravaganza.  Not just cute, but sensational.  Not just emotional, but unrestrained and ardent.  It was a day where all the birds were heard, all the smells were enjoyed, all the colors were vibrant and all the hearts swelled.

“...she had that something which fires the imagination, that could stop one's breath for a moment by a look or gesture that somehow revealed the meaning in common things. 

She had only to stand in the orchard, to put her hand on a little crab tree and look up at the apples, to make you feel the goodness of planting and tending and harvesting at last. 

All the strong things of her heart came out in her body, that had been so tireless in serving generous emotions.   She was a rich mine of life, like the founders of early races.” (willa cather)

Ica, and her whimsical fashion-sense and chatty brain, met Tim on a blind date six years ago.  They were young munches.  And they played long and hard, and laughed even more than usual.  Tim goofed up on his great "pick-up line" and the chapter started, there was a beginning of "them."  The guitar-playing, energetic, prayer boy had to be with this girl, whose Facebook profile pictures were full of animal print, scrunched noses, confetti, sunsets, beach trips, so.many.friends and that iconic smile.








Their love is a tested one.  It nearly slipped between their fingers, and was gone forever.  But they fought.  And they waited.  And they chose respect and patience over every other strong emotion in their chests and heads and way into their toes and souls.  They could have said "Forget this!  We want to be together, and we WILL BE."  They could have pushed and forced.  But they trusted a Love bigger their own, and knew He was good - yes, very good.   Smiles had to be forced sometimes, and colors were muted, but there was joy.  And peace.  They prayed and wondered and hoped there would be a day - someday - in their future where they could marry.  Where they could be brought together, in one union, with one name.  Six years.  Six years. Happy singing!  It led them here:



The bay water wasn't thumping, and birds weren't chirping or rustling.  Blue skies - extra saturated - because, well, color is in their blood and souls.  A heated wind carefully puffed the hungry, crispy, long grass.  But it remained respectful and hushed.  It was as if nature understood the holiness of the moment, and tearily - with baited breath and grinning, smashed lips - was soaking in the moment itself. The distinct lack of white noise was perfect.  Just the clip-clop of Ica's t-straps, the deep, deep sighs coming from either end of the path and an occasional squeak and sniff from the bride.


And then...





... comedic timing took over ;)  The grass snarled with Ica's veil and she broke the eerie silence with roars and "Of COURSE"'s and gasps as she tried to catch her breath.  Tim was dying to turn his back and rush to her.  He swayed and joined in her laughter, even though he didn't know what was happening.  I paused taking pictures for a moment to enter into the scene and untangle the tulle.  She eventually continued on her way, laughing and shaking her head at herself.  It couldn't have been greater.










The jesting and frivolity that easily bonded them, and the strength and depth, that proved to keep them, was all wrapped into that those few minutes.  Like a trailer of their entire relationship.  They prayed and partied.  It was the single best first look I've ever witnessed.

I couldn't stand it if you kids were inconsiderate, or thought of her as if she were just somebody who looked after you.

You see I was very much in love with your mother, and I know there's nobody like her...”  (willa cather)

Before the wedding Becca predicted that there would be "lots of tears - in a good way."  After the wedding Lydia and I agreed that it was one of, if not THE most, teary ceremonies we'd ever been to.  During Tim's vows even the groomsmen were losing it.   They prayed together at their first look, prayed together during their ceremony, and ran down the aisle, with cheers and hoorays!, to a quiet moment behind the barn so they could pray.   But don't think so much spiritual discipline in action meant for blah or overly-somber.  Oh no.















This wedding was as vivacious and passionate as weddings get - and it don't hurt that they have spicy, bright, outspoken, sassy friends ;)






































Though I love to write, and am convinced that beautiful writing can enhance a visual story, I sometimes think my words will only hinder the intensity and happy the couple themselves declare.  Maybe that's my creative way of saying: I just don't have words to explain the hope and delight and celebration I saw in the eyes and faces of this new husband and wife.  You'll just have to go back and look at them again.  If you can't see it - if you don't see what I see - then I probably couldn't describe it any better.  But in a word, they were in bliss.



























































Mr. and Mrs. Remo, you're near to my heart and this wedding was the answer to truly thousands of prayers.  How sweet it is to experience these days of life?  The "yes's!" from God!  The feasting and the beautiful days!  The "heaven" days - the ones who anticipate and look forward to and await quite eagerly.  You're incredible and will not be leaving this earth unmarked or unloved.  It was a good thing that the Lord brought a Living Carol and a Excited Schoolteacher together... go enjoy singing your life song <3>

ps. I shot this wedding seven months pregnant - which I'm pretty proud about - but I'd be a jerk to not thank Ellie for second-shooting, Lydia for keeping me fed, and Caleb Husband Love Dude Man for doing just about everything else (driving, bag-carrying, battery hunting, and foot-and-ankle-rubbing for the next three days.)

The Shape of Life | Strong Mansion Portraits

"he was trying to show me the shape of his life, 
and what might become the shape of it."
wendell berry

"He was seeing the time to come as a possibility, and as a life that he loved.  And though maybe neither of us fully understood it, he made me love it.  It wasn't as though I was being swept away by some irresistible emotion. 
It was just... the thought of resistance never entered my mind.  When I imagined him entering the life he saw, I imagined myself entering it too.  It was a possibility that belonged to both of us.
It is entirely clear to me now.  We were coming together into the presence of something good that was possible in this world.  And it just seemed that, as we waited together for the coming of this life, it had become wrong to sit apart." Wendell Berry, from Hannah Coulter









Happy Monday!

Josh + Brielle | Linganore Winery Wedding

“part of me is made of glass, and also,
i love you.”
nicole krauss

Summer sun makes promises.  Especially promises about love.  Brielle spent a summer day and night at a beautiful vineyard reception.  Wine! Dancing! Cheer!  Maybe he liked her.  Maybe he definitely liked her.  She left that wedding a summer or so ago frustrated ("Is he going to ask me out? Or do I need to get over this?") and ardent ("I want him to ask me out.  I don't want to get over this.")  The summer sun set. 








With the capacity of an entire team, a young Brielle has been administrating at her large church for years (yearssss) now.  She isn't just "good for her age."  She's good.  AND she's her age.  It's hard to walk into that building and not see a little blonde-bun-ned, walkie-talking and power-walking Brielle.  Her capable ability is a genius match to her blunt, radical, sharp, independent personality.  She is a think-a-head-er.  She's a do-er.  She thinks of the problems before they arise, and prepares for solutions before they are needed.  Brielle is not an airhead or ditzy blonde.  Though she be little, she be fierce!  She is not a drizzly, naive, "tender", or high-maintence.  I would be willing to bet that she's heard the phrase "you seem so much older than you really are!" weekly throughout her life.  I love her Brielle-tough-ness, her confidence, her crazy great sense of humor, her strong beauty.

I remember when Josh "first came to town."  He started teaching at the church's Christian school.  He was fresh out of college, energetic, consistently involved (in everything), and... single.  I was sure he'd pick one of the many pretty, available faces and get married within six months.  I was wrong.  Josh really invested himself in the roles God put before him.  Summer camps.  Sound booth.  Classroom.  Wrestling coach.  Church meetings.  It was a joke around there that Josh had a secret bedroom in the church scaffolding ;) "Does he ever leave?"  He, in particular, has spent great amount of time and life with the youngins.  The respect and friendship the kids share with him is undeniable.  But that great quality could sure be confusing when you're a younger girl... who likes him!

And yet, even though it maybe took him a *little* too long, Brielle found out that her crush was not an unrequited one.  And there was indeed something more between them.  "From time to time, when a piece of music no one has ever written or a painting no one has ever painted, or something else impossible to predict, fathom or yet describe takes place, like falling in love, a new feeling enters the world. And then, for the millionth time in the history of feeling, the heart surges and absorbs the impact.” They fell in love.  And last summer, he proposed in the church auditorium... where they have spent so many years of life together.  This winter, they married in that same church.  A legacy of giving, loving and pouring out themselves together continues and also begins.  













This was during the worship song... they weren't really singing ;) But they had some cute jokes for each other.





But, here's what I love.  Mr. Slow-Mover-Hard-Thinker-Teacher and Miss In-Charge-and-Super-Mature become so... kiddish when they are together.  I watched Brielle all morning and just thought "She seems so grown-up."  And then I watched Brielle in a chilly field with him and I thought "Wow, she seems like such a little girl."




Beautiful, yes.  Adult, yes. But the whole energy and environment changed.  Not only was she more relaxed, but she seemed completely carefree.  It was a side to her that I've personally never seen quite that way and also so enjoyed.  And Josh.  Josh was crazy over her.  I had a hard time getting them to stop talking and joking to take pictures... which is a dream come true, in my book.



















After celebrating with (what seemed like) the entire church and school, the evening crowd drove over to nearby Linganore Winery - ironically enough, the same winery she emotionally fumbled at that one not too far-gone summer.  With new rings on their hands and surrounded by the people they have loved on - for years - there was jubilee and partying for them.




The dance floor never (not once.) slowed down for over two hours.  Who was out there, keeping their kicks in the air?  Mostly Josh's students... plus many good friends and dear family.  It was certainly one of the longest, loudest, fastest, constant-est parties I've ever been to :)  Hoards of high-schoolers should come to every wedding!

 


Happy wedding day, you two kids.  Enjoy your Cancun summer sun, and all the promises you're reminded of while you're under it :)

ps. special special thanks to lydia jane for second-shooting with me + for a number of her lovely images used in this post :)

Enjoy Weddings | Hotel Monaco + River Farm Alexandria | Amy + Nate

"i'll be bold,
as well as strong.
paint my spirit gold,
keep my heart slow."
babel - mumford & sons

It's like my my nearly 10 years of wedding photography experience vanished.   Circling, and diligently trying to find a place to park near, Circe Hair Salon, I might as well have been 14 years old, riding in the back of a 15-passenger hunk of a van to Strong Mansion.  I might as well have been shooting my very first wedding.  My stomach and heart and blinky eyes sure didn't know the difference.  The reality is that I've shot, now, well over 100 weddings.  And I've been in four: three as a bridesmaid, and another as a bride.  Somehow going from a "Snyder" to a "Morris" left me quivery, fidgety, nervous, antsy, OCD-y, happy and wide-eyed about shooting a wedding.  I can't recall being so jittery and "anxious" before a wedding.  It was odd.  All I can say is that I "got it" now.

With a stomach full of moths and hot air balloons, Amy's wedding day began.  Amy is one of those people that you usually wish you could be like yourself, but are *slightly* jealous of because, well, you aren't.  She's easy-pretty.  She doesn't try hard and she doesn't care.  She's a stupid-smart - and from what I hear she's not only naturally brilliant, but she has an incredible work-and-study ethic, too.  She's athletic and runs with a running club in DC.  She has a stunning group of friends who are a snazzy combination of hilarious, very honest, cheerful, supportive and lovely.

The salon was bustling and roaring, but also calm and sweet.  The girls all milled about and watched Amy get her hair done.  "You have super-model hair.  Like, it should be in commercials." "So pretty, Ame.  You're curling the ends, right?"  After her silky, commercial hair had been blown-dried out, the girls were ready to see what was next.  "No, this is it.  I'm just wearing it down."  Some thought she might trying doing something a little bit more special... perhaps one side pinned back?  Or a few waves to the ends? "What?! You don't like it?! I don't care.  I like it.  This is how I always wear my hair, but... better.  I just leave it down.  And I like it that way.  I feel clean.  I love it.  I feel healthy and clean."  Some girls wondered if it was maybe too modern for her "country" inspired wedding.  "I'm leaving it!  I like it this way!"  All the girls concluded that they did love her hair and thought it was sososo beautiful, they just wanted to make sure she loved it too.  I was so proud of Amy and couldn't help but think that that small interaction probably reflected her on a bigger-scale.  Confident.  Sure.  Determined.   Gracious.  Firm.  How else do you make it through Perdue, Lafayette and George Washington University?!



Oh, and a scoop of sense of humor, to boot.  Amy is quick, and laughs easily and genuinely.  She's not a super-touchy, ditsy, girlie-girl who giggles incessantly.  Rather, she's bright and happy, and not so serious that she can't enjoy the fun-ness of life around her.



After her hair was finished, Amy strolled down the street with her sister and I.  We were headed around the corner to Hotel Monaco (Kimpton hotels, I can't seem to escape them! ;)  And you won't find me complaining.)  While we waited for the late to change, we heard someone calling from the other side of the crispy street.  "Amy!  AMY!"




Weeelll, look who we have here!  It's Nate!  The running-behind, proffessional-runner, really just cool and genuine groom!  "This is okay because I'm not in my dress yes!  Right?" "Yeah, she's not in her dress yet!"  The trio had a quick banter on the street-corner and then Nate kiss-kissed each lady on the cheek and nearly dove into the limo that was waiting for him (he really was late.  Rhymes with Nate. Please don't hate... me.  I'm done now.)


















I loved this part of the day.  Slowly the girls made their way back to the hotel.  Each one entered the room with more excitement and joy than the last.  They spent the next couple hours telling stories about remarkable pick-up lines from last night, about things dad's say, comparing shoes and jewelry, figuring out how to get music to play in the room, giving Amy a special book filled with letters and pictures from each of her bridesmaids.  They had a real good time together.  Being with people who love and enjoy each other is never a bad time.  And this room was filled with love.




















































Amy told me a number of times that she didn't think she was photogenic.  I love proving "those" people wrong ;)










While the traveling party of handsome, smiling women made their way to River Farm, Ellie Be worked her magic with Late Nate and the rest of the men.  Kim of Kim Newton Weddings worked her tail off to make sure everything was ready and stunning, and the boys chilled like polar bears in an igloo.  But it wasn't that cold.  Just very relaxing.  

We're hhhheeeeere!  Time to stealthily and promptly sneak into the house.












Literally within minutes of arriving at River Farm, the ceremony was underway.  It was a fun collection of "hurry!" and "Ah! It's happening!" and "Do I look okay? Fix my hair!" and "I love you, Amy.  AMY! I love you."








(Doesn't this venue look not... very Virginia?  I kept forgetting that I wasn't in California or Italy.  Well done, east coast.  Well done.)





(Her dad announced that he was going to go to the restroom really quick. Bahaha!)

The water down there is the Potomac River, and this venue is very close to Mount Vernon, George Washington's home.  You could hear water rushing every now and then, but not much else.  So deeply chilling and gorgeous.








This was the best part:  see the minister with her hand raised?  She was saying a blessing of prayer over the new couple.  See the bridesmaids looking at each other?  See the bride and groom... LEAVING?  They did not begin the recessional at the proper time.  They left.  The lady kept praying.  The bridal party waited for her to finish.  Then when announced, they left.


At about this point Amy realized what had just happened.  Nate whispered "Just keep walking. Smile.  Just keep walking."  Amy was losing it.


"We LEFT while she was PRAYING!!!"



"I canNOT believe we just walked out of our wedding!  Before it was done!"







Sisteries.

"Oh hey, remember when we tried to do that shot in our engagement pictures..." "Yeah, any my nose was too big?"








After being together for 6 years, these two are happily connected and just get each other.  They are kind, laugh often and don't try too hard.  They're in a comfortable, eager, faithful place.
















"Nate."

"What?"

"We LEFT our wedding.  BEFORE it was done!"



"Hahahahaha!"


"What kind of people are we?!"

"Hahaha Amy, I love you."





Cocktail hour was something out of... Neverland.

The grounds have a Secret Garden feel, with lots of passages and aisles and hideaways.

















Mrs. Unphotogenic, herself.

And the faces - all the faces - during the first dance made my little heart weep.  Beautiful people.
















Happy wedding day, best friends.  Thank you for your warmness, your love and your good jokes.

It was a very happily ever after day.

(Ps. Thank you, again, Ellie Be, for your hard work and above-average shots.  You are amaze.)

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Our Wedding Day | Mr. + Mrs. Morris

"...he'll never let you down.  that boy's got a heart the size of kentucky, and he loves you. that's important. take it from someone who knows." n.s.

Ever since I was a young child, I've loved stories.  The avenue from which I get the story has changed over the years.  I'll go through phases of being a bookworm, a movie junkie, a social bird, a blog slave, a newspaper or comic strip heroine or even imagining and writing my own stories.   As long as I've been able to talk, I've begged my mom to tell me everything about her past.  How was her room decorated?  Who were her friends?  What did she get for Christmas?  What was her favorite meal her made?  Where did she go on vacations?  Why did she go to nursing school?  Who was her first kiss?  What was the most embarrassing situation you found yourself in?  How did dad propose to you?  Again, mom, tell me again.   Read it to me again, mom.  Can I watch it one more time? "Are you sure you want to watch Cinderella again?" Yes.  Cinderella, Cinderella, in the sweetest story ever told.

I never understood the concern "they" had with allowing little girls to watch princess fairy-tales, play with Barbies and enjoy romantic, lovey make believe.  Maybe I'm royally messed up and don't realize it, but fairy tales never gave me a false understanding of bravery, love and life.  They enthralled me.  They made my heart fill up and warm, like apple cider.  I remember wearing my little plastic high-heels, prancing around in a stiff blue dressing, with a ripped wedding veil headband and wagon full of stuffed animals and acting out Cinderella as I watched it.  The stories, the characters and the triumph over evil got me every time.  Even when I was four.   The story brought so much joy to my heart, and it made my mind buzz.  

My enchantment with life has had some significant, um, deepening over the years.  But I've never stopped believing that life was meant to be good, joyous and sweet... even if your life is one where those dearest to you have died, your family abuses and humiliates you, and you have not a single human friend to confide in.   You can remain filled with hope, ever gentle and kind.

And you know what?  There are Prince Charmings.  Through patience, heartache and true loveliness, you really can fall in love, and commit to love someone.  There are men who are relentless - who treat you with grace, honor and will not give up on you.  And when it all seems hopeless, and like it will never work out well, a miracle happens.  And it all ends well, after all.  

I've mentioned my personal and family history with Disney and their stories, and you know that my handsome one pulled off the surprise of a lifetime in FantasyLand in front of the castle.  So what else could we possibly base our wedding off of, other than a real-life storybook fairy tale (which many told us only happens in the movies.)  What started with our first piece of inspiration (the opening credits to Cinderella) ended with the most meaningful, memorable, tender days of our lives.  

Caleb loved the idea right away.  He was the perfect wedding planning partner for me.  He had only two "big" requests: 1)  a chocolate cake with a castle and fireworks and 2) snowcone during cocktail hour.  Other than that, he told me to do whatever I wanted and tell him what I needed him to do.  If I needed help making a decision, he'd help me think through the options.  He jumped right aboard and basically said "I love all your ideas.  I'll help make them happen."  It's a good thing I married him!

our make-shift inspiration board

our make-shift flower inspiration board

Without further ado, our wedding day:

"Leave the sewing to the wom-EN! You go get some trim-MIN! And we'll make a lovely dress for Cinderelley!"

This is a portion of a painting our dear friend Maureen Hartnett painted for us to display at our wedding and to keep forever.  She went above and beyond creating this Mary Blair/Original Disney inspired masterpiece.  I really fight back tears when I step back and look at it.

Real princesses wear gold.  Sparkling gold.

We had to stop doing make-up several times so I could distract my happy tears.  

Bridesmaids jewelry box!  

She painted daisies into the picture as a tribute to my mother (they are her favorite flower), and roses are to honor Caleb's mother (since they are her favorite flower!).  Incredible.

My grandparents wedding invitation (which is framed in our living room) and my grandmother's handkerchief.  My grandmother (Bacca) was at DisneyLand the week it opened, she had a Disney-themed basement for the grandchildren to enjoy and she was with me the first time (and many times after!) I visited DisneyLand.  She was the greatest women I've ever known, aside from her very own daughter, and I missed her dearly on my wedding day.  My grandfather, PaPa, was planning on being at the wedding but last minute he couldn't make the cross-country trip.  He died last week.  These little mementos are more precious than I could express. 

My $700 silk dress!  What started as a size 14 off the rack "eh" dress was transformed into my (and Caleb's) dream gown.  My fabulous friend and seamstress, Joyce, made fairy godmother magic happen.  It was perfect.

Joyce hand-sewed these beads onto the neckline.  Where did I get these beads?  We invested nearly $20 in six Wal-Mart necklaces.  I know, right?

My flowers were done by Jonalee of Simply Flowers.   There is nothing more impressive to me as a bride than to explain a vision and then see just how well that vision was understood.  Jonalee was nothing but professional, affordable and fantastic.  She created bouquets better and more "me" than I could even explain to her.  She outdid herself and I will be referring every bride I know to her.  

Oh. Ha. Random iPhone picture of the bridesmaids gifts!  They fit too well with the "whole wedding" that I couldn't leave this out ;)

A dear friend nailed my hair, and another talented friend did my make-up.  My shoes were from TJ Maxx and my mom made my veil.  Oh, and my earrings were $9 from Charming Charlie's.  It was so fun figuring out how to make a "rich" look without actually spending very much.  

If Disney was the "major" of our wedding, violins were the "minor."  If I could only hear one more sound for the rest of my life, I'd without a moments hesitation choose Caleb playing his violin. 

The plaid painting was made for me by the genius father-of-the-flowers, Seth.  We were inspired by his art when we chose the colors for the wedding.  And the little silhouettes are my dad's mothers, and they also hang in our living room!

I loved how the bridesmaids looks came together.  I was adamant that I did NOT want them to look "like bridesmaids."  They all worked so hard finding gold sequins.  Right now gold sequins are actually  trendy, but six months ago it was SLIM pickings.   Also.  My sister and maid-of-honor could have come right off the red carpet, yes?

(I am so glad I did bright coral nails! It's my favorite.)

I actually have incredibly attractive friends.  (I picked them for their looks, obviously.)

Caleb's groomsmen selection tells so much about him.  I love it.  He has an age-range of 16-55, with a I've-known-him range of 25 years to 8 months.  Caleb is loyal to the bone, and cares for people of every personality type, age and "kind."  I love that about him.  And I love that all these brothers and men call him "friend."

Remember when Caleb said "Whatever you need me to do, I'll do!"?  His biggest and best honey-do our ceremony backdrop.  Made from old deck wood he saved from a job (thank you Bryant and Tiffany!), he spent days on this project.  First he drew a to-scale diagram which we scanned into photoshop.  From there we mix and dumped colors into the right rectangles.  We printed off our pictures and headed to Home Depot to match up all the paint.  Then Caleb cut and assembled four four-foot wide panels (which, when put side by side, is 16 feet wide.)  Next he chalk-lined the wood, primed with white paint, re-chalk-lined the wood, and then hand painted all the colors.  Have I ever mentioned that I love him?  The next big wow-factor of the ceremony were the wreaths my mom and Aunt Pam made out of pins, straw wreaths and leaves pulled off of two fake house-trees.  THANK YOU.

Every single color on these paintings was meticulously researched and chosen.  She used the flowers in my bouquet and googled those flowers and bought/mixed the exact colors those flowers bloom in.  All the animals come in pairs:  the birds, the goats, the bumble bees, the butterflies, the snails.  The garden is filled with weeds to represent the struggle and beauty of married life: it isn't always perfect, but love does defeat all.   Incredible.  Unreal.  Brilliant.  

As Caleb and I were discussing which children should be in the wedding, we struggled to pick just two or three.  So we chose 13 (and honestly could have had more.)  They made the wedding day.  All their excitement, bow-tied-cuteness, and emotions blessed our hearts.  Thank you, mothers, for doing the real hard work of having your little people in the wedding.  We just couldn't have had it any other way.

Aren't these SO impressive?!  Every leaf was hand-placed by my mom or Aunt Pam.  On all ten wreaths.  I'm so spoiled and loved.

We did "things" a little bit different with our schedule.  Since we had a Thursday wedding, and a very tight timeline with our venue, we decided to have cocktail hour before the ceremony.  When guests arrived they were greeted with live Morris violin beauty.  

Food and drinks were out and being served.  The specialty drink of the day was a homemade Cinderella Blonde Ale, made by our wicked cool family friends, The Branchaws.  Guests were encouraged to snack, mingle, take in the decor, and enjoy the entertainment.  

Oh, and Caleb got his snowcone! :) :) :) 

Our nod at Main Street USA in Disney Parks was our traveling singing quartet!  My childhood best friend, Sam (inside left) and I made a deal with each other in highschool:  I'd take pictures for him for free, and he'd sing at my wedding for free.  This year we both got to cash in on our word!  James, Julie's husband, and Kevin, Maureen the painter's husband and Lydia Jane's father, and a heaven-sent friend of Sam's made this troupe complete!  

Guests were also wow-ed with Bill Kerwood's mind-boggling and hilarious magic tricks!  I love how he works:  he gets the whole audience involved and roaring.  I could hear the squeals and laughter from the bridal suite.  

The table-card display was made by my mama.  Wooden dowels, ribbon and paper!  The moment I saw this idea, I knew it was what I wanted to do.  Once the table cards were pulled off, the ribbons remained as decoration.  Win-win!

I bought nearly 12 different fabrics from Spoonflower to make all the napkins for the wedding.  Except I didn't make them.  My mom and cousin, Ashley, did.  The week of the wedding Ashley sewed ALL the napkins and runners by herself.  Where do these people come from?!  And how did I get the honor of being related to them?!

The food was just as colorful as the rest of the wedding.  And man was it tasty!  

This instagram snap from Jamie is a great view of the ceremony setting.  Caleb made the simple wooden "door-way" and we found the gold curtains at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  It tied all my color-scheme ideas together so well.  

Our programs were simple, but combining the powers of our invitation and "bridesmaids books."  I know it might seem silly, but putting the little cut-out picture on the back of the program totally made these for me!

Now Mary Blair starts to get quite personal ;)

I haven't never felt that much feeling in my entire existence.  Those last few minutes are powerful.  I could see Caleb getting lined up and I really was just overcome.  Panting, pacing, "whooooo"-ing, trembling, shaking.  It's an out of body experience.  

Pixar clouds!

Hot smoking siblings.  The processional music was inspired by chick-flicks my dad and I watched together when I was a child.   My dad has always been a sucker for good one-liners and romances that will make you cry.  We've watched so many good movies together over the years, and he is not ashamed of this tender side at all.  The family members and wedding party walked down the aisle to was the Theme from Sabrina by John Williams.  We can quote Sabrina for an hour to each other.  But my favorite line has to be this narration: "Once upon a time...there was a very, very large mansion, almost a castle. And on this very large estate lived a small girl. And life was pleasant there and very, very simple. But, then one day, the girl grew up and went beyond the walls of the grounds and found the world."  Once I graduated highschool, my dad told me I needed my Sabrina moment; I needed to grow up and see the world.  Tears.

The flower girls (and ring bearers!) walked to Somewhere In Time Theme, by John Barry and Roger Williams.  The 1980's movie is a little slow, but it's the first real romance I had ever watched.  My mom was out of town, the rest of the kids were in bed, and dad and I had a special evening together.   I'll never forget it. 

These are my favorite lines from Somewhere In Time: "The man of my dreams has almost faded now. The one I have created in my mind. The sort of man each woman dreams of, in the deepest and most secret reaches of her heart. I can almost see him now before me. What would I say to him if he were really here? 'Forgive me. I have never known this feeling. I have lived without it all my life. Is it any wonder, then, I failed to recognise you? You, who brought it to me for the first time. Is there any way that I can tell you how my life has changed? Any way at all to let you know what sweetness you have given me? There is so much to say. I cannot find the words. Except for these: I love you'. Such would I say to him if he were really here."

The moment was perfect.  The music soared and right on cue dad and I emerged from the curtains.  I've heard it said dozens of times, but it was true: as soon as I saw Caleb, I was completely calm.  Just smooth, clear, still happiness.  All my butterfly-nerves and fast-breathing and racing-heart-beats evaporated into peaceful bliss.  And I only had eyes for him.

Still makes me cry.

Glassy, locked eyes.

After all my years of watching this moment happen, we were finally in it.  It was happening to us.  

(Too excited to pray.)

Our good pal Bill led us in worship to my favorite hymn, How Great Thou Art.  Funny story:  Back before Caleb and I were actually dating, on one of those long long phone calls, I dared Caleb to sing a song on the spot over the phone.  He said he would do it only if I yodeled first.  He was sure that would be the end of that discussion.  I turned on The Lonely Goatherd from Sound of Music, yodeled along to it while Caleb laughed in fear.  Once I was done, it was his turn to sing.  He sweetly sang "How Great Thou Art" to me.  Tears.  And. Ha.  We were too distracted to worship.

We also shared communion as part of our ceremony.  Katie, Anna and Lydia sang a joyful version of "Oh, How He Loves Us," the same song we listened to on the truck-ride where I realized Caleb liked me ;)

I loved saying our vows.  And I remember them very clearly.  One good friend told me to pray before the wedding that God would give me "special memory" of the day.  That He would help it not be a big blur, but that I would be able to reflect on and savor the little details of the day for years to come.  I am so grateful that this did come to pass - I remember the wedding, especially the ceremony, so vividly and clearly.  It was a holy moment. 

Pretty human beings.

Dad and Mama Bear.  And pretty fans.

I love this picture of the first kiss!  See Daniel on the right side with his hand in the air?  The groomsmen all let off air-horns when we kissed :) So great!

And just like after we the proposal, when I *instantly* felt engaged, I instantly felt married.  It felt different.  And better than ever. 

Let me tell you something about a marriage ceremony:  it changes you.  The words you speak, the one you speak to, the depth and weight of why you are saying what you say:  it's truly life-altering.  It doesn't matter how many times you hear someone else say their vows, or how many times you re-read and practice your vows, when you are standing there, before God and man, looking straight into his eyes, a beautiful, heavenly wave comes over you.  The words literally feel heavy.  They ring coming out of your mouth.  And then hearing them said to you?  Experiencing in that moment the richness of the love God has for you through this man?  Realizing that before the earth was formed, God had decided to make us to be together.  That culture, geography, heartache and past would not keep us apart.  That every marriage that led up this very second was also planned by God.  Like the genealogy of Jesus, where nothing could stop the Son of God from being born according to prophesy in Bethlehem, that same God created a family tree, a lineage, a heritage for me and my husband to enter into.  And God did it.  All those sleepless nights, numb mornings, searing pangs of hurt, lonely weeks, bad decisions, and joyful desiring really were used for our good.  The boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places; they've been pleasant all along.  At times I wanted my gates to be in other fields, or at times that border seemed like the most painful, disruptive addition to my life.  And, yet, there I stood, hand in hand with my dearest friend, most-trustest companion, silliest lover, and greatest-joy.  God really did it. 

Behr and Caleb have a special bond.  Tears.

Other than Caleb and I, I think Selah-the-pink-bowed-flower-girl was the most excited person at our wedding.  Talk about sharing in our joy!

Man, we can't wait to have our own little crew.  Can I take 100 of these guys, please?  Love them all so dearly.  

Time for eeaaaat!

All of our best ones!

This is my favorite picture of the day :)  

If you've ever been on Storybook Canal in Disneyland, you can't help but fall in love with the miniature landscaping, plants and villages.  That ride is my second favorite Disney ride, and our tables will slightly inspired by the colorful, storybook ride.    There was not a single centerpiece, table setting or table that was exactly the same.  It took a lot of work, but I loved the final result.  So whimsical and fairy-tale!

When I was 18 I nabbed about 20 pieces of milk glass for $30 at an estate sale.  Ever since I've been slowly adding to the collection.  Janet and Mom were the milk glass heroes before the wedding!  I have over 100 pieces now!  Too much!

We entered the reception to "Thank God I'm A Country Boy!"...

... and Caleb and Daniel (of Twins + Violins. Woo Rah!) whipped out their fiddles and started jamming. It was a blast.  Laughter, clapping, foot-stomping.  It was the perfect "Oklahoma" entrance, and so "my boy."

Our first dance was to "Tale as Old as Time" from Beauty and the Beast.  As soon as we started dancing thunder rolled, rain fell on the roof and a breeze sailed through the tent.  It was so romantic.

Aaaand the chocolate cake with castle and fireworks.  Thank you, Nurse Jess.  You made him the happiest man, which made me the happiest woman.  

These little tissue-paper covered mason jars were charming and wonderful.  Again, thank you mom and Aunt Pam! Thank you thank you!  The little details were so special to me.

Line-dancing was some kind of old fashioned fun!

My basketball team... I'll love you all until the day that I die.

Our last dance was one of my favorite moments of the night.  Daniel played "So This Is Love" on his violin while the guests circled the dance floor.  Right away we turned and ran through the sparkler tunnel.  So dreamy.  

And it was the sweetest day that was ever lived. 

Enjoy Weddings | Ryan + Clairisse | Strong Mansion on Sugarloaf Mountain

so i took my time
oh what a thing to've done
yellow - coldplay

My last wedding before my own couldn't have been better.

Hot wedding.  Hot people. The sweat could not be helped.  But neither could the joy.  In a small little mansion room, over fifteen ladies made their way in and out.  There was no walk of life excluded - 70 year old grandmothers and five year old little girls.

Some people are just cut out for pressure cooker situations.  They can handle them with grace and chill like most society can not.  Clairisse, in her shorts and tank-top, fanned herself and anticipated her day.  It's a beautiful thing to watch kindness when complaining could be so convenient.   Clairisse is, therefore, a beautiful woman.

Her friends ran to her side and aided the Kindness Cause.  Not a word of fuss or distaste among them.  They simply looked on the bright side, kept creative and complimented everything they could.  

With temperatures well over 100 and a broken AC unit, we had great fun running around with tissues in our arm-pits and fans galore.  I adore this series:

Bridesmaid for the win!

You may recognize these flower girls from my 100th wedding last September.  When Clairisse was in middle school one of her teachers was pregnant.  When the babu girl, Maggie, was born Clair started to baby-sit.  Over the years Maggie happily welcome two sisters into her life, and Clairisse was there for all of it.  Their relationship is quite meaningful and I couldn't help but be moved by the little girls watching their favorite baby-sitter prepare for her wedding.

But nothing - not even the adorable flower girls - could top the following moment.  With the wedding gown hung in the window, everyone in the room rushed about.  You know: fans, sweating, dressing, hair, make-up, you get it.  All of a sudden Clairisse's mom freezes in the middle of the room, staring at the dress. 

"I've seen these pictures! And I was with her when she bought this dress! And, oh, it's just so beautiful. And it's here and, oh, my.  Wow."

Praise God for the little ones to lighten the mood and keep the make-up in tact!  She had us in stitches.

\

She is pulchritudinous. (There's a vocab word of the week!) 

She just got to do what we all wished we could.  Lucky little tot.

I don't know what the feeling is like for someone who isn't a photographer.  I suppose I have a similar feeling when I realize I made the perfect coaching decision, and that my team was prepared and able to execute.  Or when I make a meal that just, gah, every part of it comes together perfect and right on time and beautiful and delicious.  It's that satisfying, earned "Yeeeehhhhs.  YEHHHSSS!" but you can't vocalize it at all.  You just continue coaching, or serving your meal, or taking pictures.  But the moment I saw Clarisse's dress, I had a vision in my head of what I wanted to create while she put it on.  And it worked.  All the elements came together: her hair was flawless, the light was fantastic, the window sill was wide enough for me to stand on, the 1.2 lens focused abnormally well.  And I've never seen Clair look better.

The boys kept their cool outside on the flawless property.

One of my favorite wedding photographs ever, and I didn't take it!  My impressive fiance' second shot with me during this wedding.  And boy oh boy did he nail it.

Beautiful ceremony to begin a beautiful marriage.

This could almost come across wrong, and I hope it doesn't, but this wedding was surprisingly grown-up and elegant.  Ryan and Clairisse met in highschool at prom, and have been young loves.  They are fanatical about music (Ryan is the DJ for area proms) and the beach (they even got engaged there!)  I would consider them cool - much cooler than I am - and very, very fun.  I expected them to have great taste.  I expected them to look fiiiine.  I expected them to be welcoming and happy.  But they were so much more.  They carried themselves with classic maturity and graceful depth.  I met Clair in middle school, and, well, I don't know... it just seems like we are still so little.  And even though I know that most of my graduating class is either engaged or married, and I know that I'm about to be a wife myself, it still catches me off guard that we are really starting our families.  And Ryan and Clairisse were just impressively beautiful all day long.  

I'm not even *sure* that this was real life.  

This wedding was just begging for a black and white series.  Begging.  And bribing me.  I'm a weak woman.

I love it when cool people are cutesy.  

But then when cool people dance, I get all self-concious again.  ;)

Well ain't that romantic! Owww-eee!

Ryan and Clairisse, I thoroughly enjoyed and even felt honored to be a part of your wedding.  I think you two are a remarkable couple.  Ryan, Clairisse absolutely bubbles over when you say something funny, and her nose is nearly always scrunched.  She watches you in a crowd and relaxes next to you.  Clairisse, Ryan is so tender and genuine with you.  I love seeing his lack of "ego" or need to show-off. He beams with you by his side.  You two impress me.  Your patience, your love of people, your joy.  It's beautiful.

The tables were named of their favorite albums.  For the win!

In over 100 weddings, this was easily top three dance parties ever (I would not expect any less from our local DJ!)

I wish you two an irresistibly fun, continually happy and very, very cool marriage :)

Enjoy Weddings | Sam + Emily | Newton White Mansion

the space between us now
will all work out for good somehow.
life takes patience,
and patience takes time,but i can't get you off of my minddave barnes - adelineFebruary 21, 2009 8:57 pmSamBran: btw, my friend emily has become obsessed with your and lydia's blogsshe's mad at my for showing them to her. prime procrastination tool.Me: haha aww that's cute. blogging is fun.

We "all" (mostly Lydia and me) promised our good friend Sam that he was going to find a wife at Hillsdale College.  We just knew it.  Now, we were also convinced this wife would be a dumb blonde goof-ball that would drive him crazy.  

The first time I ever knew Emily existed was on February 21, 2009. I was told she loved mine and Lydia's blogs. On March 23, 2012 Lydia and I (and Ellie!) shot Emily's wedding to Sam.  Today she is on the blog.

I love Emily for Sam.  Sam is trivia-brilliant.  He knows a lot about a lot.  He's a reader, a thinker, a learner and a worker.  For a young guy this is good, but can also produce big heads.  Though I felt terrible for him (it really was the dumbest punishment ever) it did my heart a little good to see Sam sit through one detention our senior year of highschool.  Just to keep him humble.  Sam was my first friend as a baby (our mothers met when they were pregnant with us, and are still best friends to this day.) His family were like local cousins, or siblings that lived in a different home.  

Emily has softened him.  He's a gentler, kinder man thanks to her.  She's an incredibly capable, deep, good woman.  And not a dumb blonde ;) 

I felt like I was watching my brother get married on Friday.  If I had let myself I would have cried right on through that whole ceremony.  I've never seen Sam happier.  People say "Oh, they were so happy! They smiled all day long." No, I don't think you understand.  Sam smiled ALL. DAY. LONG.  He was smirking during prayers, grinning while singing worship songs.  Jovial, happy and sweet - I would never have called Sam "sweet."  He's sweet now. 

Emily's determination, patience, friendship and companionship is lovely. I love them together.  I loved their wedding.  I love how elegant Emily was and how gracefully she carried herself.  I loved being there.

It was a happy day.

And I'm happy for you, kids. 

---


ps. For a little walk down memory lane, here is some old school I'm Kristen and my fat "big brother."Aaaand this is the day Lyds and I met Emily! She was in town but Sam had to work so we took her around muddy hills in a random neighborhood... and a pet store.  We've gotten better at hosting since then.

Enjoy Weddings | Johnny + Kim | Small Little Church Wedding

there's nothing fancy about the way i love you

there's nothing you could not find in another man

but i love you as hard as i can

dave barnes - nothing fancy

Everyone expected snow.  "It will be so magical." If not snow, everyone hoped it at least wouldn't be too windy.  "But the inside of the church is beautiful, so if worse comes to worse we'll do our best in there."

This January wedding for childhood friends Johnny and Kim was dazzling.  The wedding was happy, quaint, genuine and tremendously precious.  Oh, and sunny - one might even have said "balmy" or perhaps "warm" at the right time.

Kim is a mysterious person.  She is intellectual, deep and quite thoughtful, but she is also reserved and soft-spoken.  Her heart is big (like her eyes), but it is not worn on her sleeve.

Kim is kind and not a flirt.  She is true and not gawdy.  But hidden behind her graceful, almost-ballerina-esque exterior, lies a cache of imagination and discovery.

Johnny had the daunting but worthwhile task of chipping away at this beautiful mind, the adventure of capturing her tender heart.

How do you go about, however, asking out your best friend?  The platonic, we'll-never-date, you're like my sibling, friendship that transitions to romantic relationship. Aaaah, that's a scary one.  The stakes are oh-so high.  The reward is oh-so great, but the risk is oh-so serious.  You could possibly lose your favorite person, or you could spend forever... with your very best friend. Whew.

Johnny took his time.  Johnny prayed.  Johnny deepened their friendship.  Kim started to have that age-old "hmmm." Johnny still waited.  And when it was right, he asked her a question - a question that was sure to change his life one way or the other.

And she accepted.  Their first date led to more dates leading a proposal to move mountains.

Want to hear the proposal story?  It's a brilliant one.  Johnny and Kim packed their bags to go visit family in Virginia.  On the way to a family home, Johnny took a detour.  To the airport.

"What is going on?!" Johnny kept his secret.  He kept his secret all the way until they landed.  Once on the ground, they rented a car and drove through the night: all the way to the Grand Tetons, Kim's favorite mountain range.

Romantic, huh?  A surprise, whirlwind trip to your dream vacation.  Mmmyea.

The two daring adventurers hiked and explored, and at the perfect crest with literally a view from a dream, Johnny asked his best friend to be his best friend all the days of their life.  With a marriage on the horizon (too much? haha) these two finished their romantic vacation and savored the newly-engaged bliss together.

Up on a much smaller mountain, in a much smaller Maryland town, not many months later, there was a wedding for these best friends.

Also, would the rest of my brides mind getting ready in this room?  I'm sure it wouldn't be inconvenient at all!

I love these two side by side:

I also love these two side by side:

Though I will never love coldness, I will ever love crisp winter light.

Johnny is infatuated with his bride. I've never seen a man so delicate with a woman before (especially such a tough, outdoorsy man!)

She's like his angel.

Would you just love a sweet example?  I can do that.  I was taking portraits of Kim while Johnny watched from the side.

Then all of a sudden! Completely unprompted he swooped in! And stole a kiss! And then faded back to the side.  It was adorable.  Kim blushed, I clicked away, and Johnny rocked on his toes.

Good night, moon.

I was obsessed with their tender body language.

That right there is a man thrilled to be out of a suit, and leaving with his woman.  Ow ow!

He even lifted her into the car and set her in the seat.  I love it.

Enjoy Weddings | Josh + Samantha | Strong Mansion

“happiness quite unshared can scarcely be called happiness; 
it has no taste.” 
charlotte brontë

Rain barged into Maryland last September.  Day in, day out, the rain sang on our rooftops and waltzed through our streets.  It was the wettest September I can recall.  September 17, however, was quite still.  Moody, but still.

In an old house in Paris covered in vines, er, in Dickerson covered in moss, were twelve (or so) girls getting primped and glossed. (Well done?)

The wedding festivities began at the front gate of Strong Mansion - lovely mossed initials of the bride and groom.

Inside the stately chateau are the ever tasteful and clean rooms.  Room after room after room.  It doesn't matter how often I shoot at Strong Mansion, I never tire of the rooms.

In a sparked minute, the stillness was gone as my sweet Samantha echoed from the doorway up to the third floor.  She is an animated, excitable, loud, dear little miss.

As soon as she arrived their was a different feel to the muggy and quite grey day.  

"AH! I have to write Josh's letter! Am I the worst bride in the world? Other people do this, right?" I laughed and nodded. "Ohhhhh-fshoooo! Hahaha! Ah! Okay! I need to focus!"  Samantha scribbled away.

I can hear her saying that:

After her letter was all finished and sealed with love, Pretty Miss eagerly donned her favorite dress. "I love my dress. It's my favorite dress.  Oh I can't wait to put it on!"

As happy as Sam was to wear that gown, the next minutes only grew happier.  She read Joshua's letter for her.

She high-fived and loved seeing her father.


She fiddled and adorned, in all her animated goodness ;)

Now, all that fun and happiness nearly overwhelmed Pretty Miss.  In a moment of a planner-girls heart sink, Samantha realized she forget to bring the video tutorial on tying her sash for the bridesmaids to follow.  Samantha is, again, very opposite of me in gifting (it's a trend.  I'm serious.) as she is extremely detailed-oriented, efficient, on the ball and planned.  After two or three attempts at tying the sash it wasn't working right, time was ticking down for the ceremony to start, "How could I forget to bring the video!", I stepped out of the room so that the constant clicking and extra body wouldn't raise the stress.  I peered back in to find Samantha taking deep breaths into the mirror repeating "It is oooookay! Alright! It is ooookay!" It made me laugh so much inside.  I love this big personality of a woman.  

Within seconds she was back to her carefree, thrilled and riotous self. 

With no time to spare we glided down the stunning wooden staircase and readied ourselves for the joyous ceremony.

I've mentioned it time and again, but Strong Mansion's grounds will forever be my favorite.  Not only did I shoot my very first wedding here (which spoiled me!) but I also went on my first date with MisterMister here ;)  I don't think you are technically supposed to do that, but, hey, who isn't drawn to a man who sneaks you onto the grounds of your favorite mountainside mansion for a sunset picnic!  There is a whole funny story that goes along with that first date that includes Park Police and beef.  Maybe I'll tell it sometime ;) Also, my house-mates, Dre and Becca, had their wedding reception here!  It's just THE most special place!

Samantha unshockingly had plans up her sleeve for the ceremony.  Strong Mansion does not have a center aisle because there is a beautiful lilly pond in the way ;)  Guests sit on either side of the pond.  Most brides I've seen have walked on the outskirts of the guests and made their way to the middle at the altar.  Wellllll, Samantha decided to have some wow-factor by coming behind the altar and emerging through the woods!  

After some deep breaths and reassuring thoughts from her father, she was ready to become a wife.

(Can you see up there ^ the ceremony site?  The groom and the pastor have their back to Samantha and her dad.  They are facing the lily pond and the mansion.  I hope you can visualize that haha!)

When Samantha's musical que arrived, in typical wedding magic fashion, the sun burst out from the clouds.  Colorful guests rose, Joshua waited happily.

Dad held his emotions together (just wait to see when he lost it, however.  Good luck not crying yourself!)

Thanks to the beautiful lily pond I also can't shoot in the middle of an aisle like I'm used to.  It makes for a fun challenge - I hike through stone walls and mossy trees, and tip-toe along waterside, I pull out new lenses, it's great fun!

Instead of having a unity candle or sand ceremony, Josh and Same had a tree-planting ceremony!  They poured dirt into a potted evergreen and the mothers watered it.  I love the originality!

Mmmmmyea.

After the ceremony (which, I know there weren't many pictures of BUT did you notice anything different about this post?  I decided to post only horizontal images! If I didn't shoot the image horizontal, I'm not posting it.  Sometimes you have to mix-it up with a wedding post!) the guests enjoyed a classy cocktail hour and reception.

My favorite piece of advice:

At every wedding the Strong Mansion staff sets up a table for the late Mr. and Mrs. Strong.  It's very honorable and ethereal at the same time and I love it.

My favorite part of this photo? The little lady with her fairy wand and crown of flowers.  Adorable.

It always seems appropriate to rave about the newlyweds during their portrait session.

Joshua, in five words: Young at heart, sincere, loyal
Samantha in five words: Contagiously happy, goofy, organized, vivacious 

They're constantly affirming each other: to each other's face, behind their backs, in their writing and e-mails and phone calls.  I use the word "constant" very carefully, but I do mean it.  In maybe 12-15 hours spent in person with them, and another dozens or so e-mails and phone calls, they literally don't go ten minutes without speaking highly of each other.  

They are romantic.  Which, I need to pause here for a moment, and comment on.  "Romance" to every girl and guy is going to be different.  Some truly find an expensive dinner and roses deliciously romantic.  Others, however, would find that a complete waste and awfully cheesy.  Some would find a handmade card or gift dear and precious, while others might find it lame and half-hearted.  One thing I've learned is that outward, consistent, distracting (almost), blatant, and public displays of romance are met with strong opinions from those observing.  Folks either love it or HATE it.  "Ew. Get a room.  Are they seriously doing that here?" or "That is adorable, and true love.  How refreshing to see a couple unashamedly affectionate!"  Most people would expect and even desire to see affection and goofy touchiness and smirky giggles at a wedding.  We clink our glasses and jeer and want more! We just don't want it in normal life, please.  I'm proud to say of Samantha and Joshua: who they were on their wedding day, close, silly, smiley, "cheesy", alive, tender, attentive, together and smitten is who they are in real life.  And I love it. I love that they are unashamed of each other. 

They make a scene wherever they go: they are truly a riot.  I saw a good ol' Pinterest pin that describes them well: "I'm probably going to fall in love with you if:
- you don't realize how good looking you are,
- you employ old fashioned terms of endearment,
- you do not bat an eye when I spontaneously launch into a different voice or accent in the middle of a sentence,
- you smell like something incredible from my childhood,
- you have enormous dreams,
- you distract me from my 'real' life,
- you know how to listen,
- you are self-deprecating but it comes across as funny, not uncomfortable,
- we can't stop laughing around each other
- and you fall in love with me a little."

I love incredible them.  They are quite dreamy.

We just flash-forwarded a bit, but remember how I warned about Dad "losing it"? Settle down with your pretzals and water bottle for this one (or am I the only one that has a "blog-reading" snack?)  It's toast time in the wonderful world of Josh and Sam's wedding day! Toasts are great, right? See? The bride and groom are happy and great.

Samantha's dad take a minute to thank, honor and barely tease Josh.

Everything is meaningful, everything is great.

Dad teases a bit harder.

Oh ha-ha-haa! Everything is silly, everything is great. 

Josh and his new father-in-law give each other a masculine ol' slap on the back - they respect each other greatly.

And now Dad has a few words to say about Samantha.  He starts to cry.  Ah! Quick! No! Don't cry! Daaaaaad! Samantha rushes to the rescue.

Okay! Smiles! We're good.

We're laughing.  We're not emotional! We're ready.

Fantastic. Carry on!

Oh wait, Dad. Don't lose it! Come back to us!

Nevermind.

Let it rain, let it pour. You're rolling in the deep.  And he hasn't even started sharing what he would like to.

Hup-hup-hup-huuuup's, eye-dabbing guests, sniffles and sighs ensue.

Maybe even some blubbering.

Dad tried again.

After fairly little progress (and some genuinely loving sentences) Dad and Samantha call it quits.

Cheers!

*clink* *clink* *clink* *clink*

I adore this picture.

To life, laughter and love...

... cheers! Happy marriage, Josh and Samantha! I love you!

Enjoy Project | Nick + Whitney | The Oaks Wedding

i was thirsty so i drank,

and there was something 'bout the way

it tasted so familiar

time, love.

time, love.

change of time | josh ritter

Training for a marathon.  Building a new house.  Commuting three hours every day.  Planning a wedding.  Traveling.  Running a family business.  These topics are childs' play for Nick and Whitney. 

If there has ever been a motivated, capable, hands-full yet thriving in the busy-ness, completing the details, fulfilling the phrase "live your life!" couple who could handle all these things at once, it has to be Nick and Whitney.

Whitney is one of the most fascinating people I have ever met, because she has to be one of the most opposite of "me" I've ever come across.  She's like a Jamie Delaine or something ;)  I seem to thrive off of people who aren't like me.  I love Whitney's OCD administrative skills, her ability to plan and manage schedules, her impeccable and careful attention to the little things, her grand dreams accompanied with specific steps on how to get there.  Now, if I just told you that you might think "eh, she sounds boring."  But let me assure you: boring she is not!  She is FULL of personality.  This crazy brilliant system she has going works, because she is living life, man.  I'm telling ya.  She has FUN.

Here is a classic Whitney picture:  three pairs of back-up shoes.  All color-coordinated, all ready and in their place, all perfect.  I would have probably NEVER thought to buy back-up sandals and rainboots in case of rain!  But not only was her idea smart and reassuring, it was super cute!

She's really just "on it."  She's there for you.  She's got it taken care of.  She has an idea? Boom. Done. Ordered. Printed. Next idea? Let's do it. Boom. Spread sheet. Done.  She makes things happen, and she works hard.  I really wish I had more of "that" in me.  Sometimes dreamers can really be the most lazy people... we need more people of action in this world!  And Whitney is most certainly a dreamer in action.

I can't tell you how many e-mails I got from her with galleries for wedding inspiration, floral ideas, color schemes and general information.  She wanted me to be up to date, involved and really a part of her day.  I loved those e-mails.  

Her heart and soul were in this event.  Now, some may say "If you focus too much on your wedding, you aren't making your marriage the priority!"  Trust me, I understand the sentiment, I get what that phrase is referring to.  But I must say, oftentimes a persons extreme focus on the wedding is a reflection of their gigantic hearts.  Their hearts for their families, friends, parents and spouse.  Whitney wanted this day to be perfect for everyone.  She wanted everyone (who drove ALL the way across the bay bridge ;) haha) to be showered upon with memories and celebration.  She was no casual "eh, I don't care, whatever" participant in this day.  She was engaged in every element, and when wedding day came around, it was so personal, emotional and meaningful.  It's the difference between a Stouffer's frozen lasagna and a homemade, hand-made pasta, slow-cooked sauce, fresh baked lasagna.  The person who puts hours of time into the lasagna doesn't "care more about the meal than the family."  No, no... it's BECAUSE she cares for the family she desires to give them the best meal!  That is how Whitney is.  

Ashley, Whitney's sister, got married at Glen Echo Park.  If you've been around for a while, you'll know that Glen Echo Park is one of my most cherished venues.  I ADORE GLEN ECHO.  Well, besides Glen Echo I have a running list of venues that I want to shoot at in my general area.  Leave it to these sisters to choose perfect locations ;) because The Oaks was on the Dream List of mine.  I actually jumped off my chair when I read Whitney's e-mail telling me the good news ;) Isn't this place perfect? 

Love. her. ring.

This feels like a very Lydia Jane shot to me ;)

I have to say, I'm very 50/50 on the whole first look thing.  As a photographer I adore it - who doesn't want more uninterrupted time with your couple?  There are few things I enjoy more then pleeeeeenty of time to shoot!  And there is the sweetness of a moment with nobody else around.  It's like being proposed to in public vs. private.  However, the other side of me - the girly side! - can't help but love the traditional, chilling, gasping, musical entrance with a fatherly pass-off.  I know you STILL get to have that when you did a first look, but I don't know... their is something about the idea and legacy of that ritual that I love.  All that said, I don't have much of a preference with what couples would like to do.  I can offer suggestions, especially as the photographer.  I do like more time!  But I'm going to be bold here and let you in on something: first looks are REALLY awkward sometimes.  "Honey, it's just you and me... and strangers recording our every move, hoping for us to cry or kiss passionately... or something."  Maybe Jasmine Star has some magic trick she does to make all her first-looks go flawlessy, but I sure didn't learn that in the workshop! So we arrive at Nick and Whitney's first look.  Truth be told, it was beautiful.  Honestly.  If I could be guaranteed to have a first look be so special, happy and gorgeous, I just might do it myself.

After their happy, normal (aka: not awkward!) and relaxing first look, we tooook ooooour luuuxurious time doing portraits!

We had a lot of grounds to cover at The Oaks... especially since Whitney knew that place like the back of her hand!

This looks so New England-y to me!  <3

Oh Kyle and Ashley.  We were created to be friends.  I've been back to their house for dinner a couple times, they were one of the very first to meet my boyfriend (who wasn't my boyfriend at the time!) and we even spent Fourth of July together this year.  I miss you guys!

After all the group pictures were finished, the photog crew and the almost-weds drove down the road to a sweet little bay town.  I love the rush of taking photos in a busy place, seeing everyone stare at us as we walk down the road, marching through crowds making no eye contact, being all "Ye-ah. YE-ah. What?"  It's very glamorous.

(It's also a fun challenge to make it appear like there were not many people around.  This streets were not empty, my friends!)

Now we arrive at the wedding climax, the great build-up, the part where the tension peaks.  Our vehicle full of media crew and talk-of-the-town couple pulled back onto The Oaks property about 20 minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to start.  While we were gone the storm radar took a turn for the worst, and the grassy, waterfront wedding under the giant oak trees seemed to be a precarious option.  While we were out, however, none of us answered our phones (or felt them ringing for that matter.)  With the bride and groom gone and rain approaching, they wedding team made a game-time decision to move everything under the covered dock.  

It's not that this option wasn't a perfectly wonderful location, or that Whitney wouldn't have even made that decision herself, it was just a little confusing to drive up and see half the chairs in the grassy location, the other half on the dock, speakers being moved, floral arrangements being transported across the lawn. What on EARTH was going on?!

That sliver of just a few minutes gave me a front seat view of Whitney and Nick's relationship.  I haven't described Nick much to you thus far.  All that I've said about Whitney is true - and I could say much more!  I truly LOVE her, and I LOVED shooting HER wedding because I SO love HER.  But I have to hand it to him, Nick is one quality man.  In all this commotion, and in the mounting stress, there was nothing I could say to relieve Whitney, nothing her sister or mother or girlfriends or wedding coordinator could do.  She wasn't going ballistic or anything, in fact, she was remarkably calm!  But you could tell her sweet, planners heart was racing a bit.  And Nick was the only one who could help.  "I understand how you're feeling.  I've talked to _______, _______ and ________. The change is being made.  We will be getting married on the dock.  It will be beautiful and I personally will make sure it is exactly like we talked about for the Plan B."  Whitney visibly calmed.  "Do not worry, Whit.  I've got this under control.  You finish getting touched up and I'll see you in just a few minutes."  And like *that* she had not a care in the world.  And that right there, ladies and gentlemen, is a man.

Patient, calm, gentle and also bold, "fix-it" and decisive.  Manly!

I really am glad that the weather looked like it was going to be bad, because I loved how personal and unique the dock ceremony was.  Though it never rained, I think it was just a little special touch to the wedding to have it over the water ;)

One mis-step and I would have been Kristen Phelps, the swimming photographer!

I love all the things children do to get through a ceremony ;)

After promises, pledges, surprises, and I-do's, Nick took just another situation on this wedding day into his own hands! Ow ow!

Yayayayayyayay!

The reception had Whitney-love glazed all over it.  From her perfect flowers and darling cake...

... to the nautical feeling shutters...

... to an album about Nick and Whitney's home that built together, or "The Home That Built Them"...

... to her creative table names!  At their engagement shoot Whitney brought props and we spent an extra hour taking photos for the table "numbers."  Each table was named after a vital part of making a relationship work.  They took a silly picture to go with each word.  Cute, huh?!

Such a feast. Such. A. Feast.

Some of the best I've ever come across.  I love you four!

The night the best I've ever seen yet.  With the guests all lined up on the gorgeous deck, and newlyweds down on the grass, fireworks lit up the night, reflecting on the glassy water.  It was perfect.

Thank you for the magic, the love, the friendship and the fun.  I will never, ever forget this wedding! Love you BOTH.