It all happened a few blocks from their home. The hustle and bustle of getting ready for a long time planned event. With happy tears and anticipation and nerves and loud music and big hugs and family and friends, they prepared for a celebration of their friendship, their lives, and their love.

Emily and I have been friends for over a decade now, and although I never do weddings anymore… I just couldn’t turn her down when she asked for me to photograph their wedding. But for real - who can turn down such a smile? (Chris certainly cannot!)

In fact, he was so excited to see her, and so overcome with the emotion of marrying his best friend, that he literally COULD. NOT. and had to turn away from her beautiful self to collect his emotions. SO SWEET.

I can’t handle how cute they are.

While the smiles and the kisses are so fun to photograph, I couldn’t help but notice all the small touches they shared. The touches and nods and glances to remind each other that this day wasn’t for everyone else - it was for them.

Buuuuuuut everyone else sure made it super fun!!

EEEEK yay!!

If you are a future bride, please do yourself a favor and have donuts instead of cake. DONUTS I TELL YOU.

So. Much. Crying.

Emily and Chris. I DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE WORDS. Basically, I adore you both and am so happy to know you and to have taken part in your exquisite day. Please keep laughing, talking, and loving. You make the world a better place. LOVE YOU!!

There aren’t enough exclamation points or heart emojis to describe this day.

Melissa is a dear friend whose connection to my family goes back over a decade. When she asked me to be there on her wedding day I couldn’t help but make an exception to my “no more weddings” rule. And really, it was the easiest yes!!

Peace and calm followed Martin around wherever he went… and his surprised reaction to his lovely bride warmed ALL OF US despite the bitter cold.

With my own wedding being in March years ago, I’m very partial to winter weddings. The SNOW the TREEES the SHAWLS! It was all breathtaking.

Each of these in-between moments makes me smile so much. The inside jokes, the quiet stillness, the joy that infuses each memory.

Weddings bring out every possible emotion you can feel. Anxiety, expectation, hope, relief, joy…

And even sorrow and longing.

But at the end of the day, no matter what the emotions… you get to experience them together. And that’s the most important part.

Mel and Martin - what a LOVELY DAY! I’m overjoyed that you are together and that your day was one of beauty and love and joy. Sending so much happiness and joy your way! Love you both!!