When she asked me a few months ago to photograph their wedding, I wanted to say yes right away but Michelle wanted me to think on it to make sure I felt *good* about it. Why do something you don't want to, right? :) So I thought on it and absolutely said yes. It really felt like a privilege to capture their love and wanting to be one family. The whole day was to just be about them beginning together as one. Everything was incredibly relaxed and non-stressful. At their rehearsal the night before the wedding, Michelle turned to me and told me about how she just remembered a few days prior to order her flowers. I wasn't kidding when I said relaxed :) Another bride would (a) never have forgotten but also (b) panicked a little at the thought of having to order them so late. Michelle merely shrugged her shoulder and walked away.
All in all, it was a gorgeous day as the weather cooperated and gave them sunshine and warm temperatures. Everything took place at the home of Michelle's mother. She had amazing gardens which had my creative thoughts flowing the moment I saw them. She cried very happy tears, especially any time "sickness" or "sorrow" was said because of their journey so far. He welled up more than a few times, including when he saw her at the end of the aisle. The ceremony had me in tears because it was so beautiful and personal. Each person in attendance was given a river rock to hold throughout the ceremony. Then the rocks--full of the energy from the day--would be placed in a vase in their home. And during the ceremony, after the ring exchange, the children were given antique stamped necklaces. Beautiful tokens from their parents to bring the family together. The food was amazing and, like everything else, casual. There wasn't even a wedding cake! They also weren't doing *tradtional* wedding dances, but I talked them into one as the sun was setting over the house. I think those are some of my favorite images of the day because their love is so evident. Her smile is contagious and he couldn't take his eyes off her. Beautiful day.
