Janna & Keith

I had the best wedding last night.

I was a little hesitant and worried about the day, as I knew there were going to be 8 bridesmaids, 8 groomsmen, 2 ushers, 2 flower girls and 425 guests. I especially panicked as we pulled into the church parking lot because the church appeared to be very small. But my outlook sure changed the moment my groom told me he didn't want to button his suit because he wanted his pictures fun and relaxed. He said "that's who I am". I said "awesome, this is my last wedding of the year. Make it fun for me!". And they totally did just that.

Sometimes I will have a bridesmaid, mother, etc who would like to take control or who are not the friendliest. That was not the case with Janna and Keith's wedding. They were all so fun, so helpful, so kind to me. It was so wonderful.

Each wedding is so different. Each so unique. That's why I love shooting weddings so much. Even though at each wedding the day goes exactly the same from start to finish, it never really is the same, if you know what I mean. And it's at the reception where I really see this when the best man and maid of honor give their speeches. So often I find myself crying because I see just how much these people love their best friends. I don't even know these people well, but I still find myself with a strange connection with each of them. I find myself celebrating their joys as friends, just as I celebrate the joy I see and feel in the couple. I know this all sounds cheesey, but this really is why I love my weddings so much.

This wedding I especially felt a connection with. I have only met the couple once, and that was to do their engagement photos. But at the reception I learned that these two had known each other since grade school, dated since 7th grade, and got married right after college. They were still in love, but you could also tell they were the best of friends. They know absolutely everything there is to know about each other, and you could see that in the way they were so comfortable with each other. It was really neat. And then I thought. Oh my gosh, that's me and Neil! We haven't dated since 7th grade, but we have known each other since Neil was in 3rd grade and I was in 4th. We started dating his junior year of high school. We dated all through college and married the summer after graduation. They were us! It was neat to see because you don't see it that often. Their love is different from most that I see. It's a comfortable love that is just so precious and unique.

I also loved this wedding because they made me feel so welcomed. They sat Heather and I at the usher's table. That has NEVER happened. They made us a part of their wedding day, not just as people they are paying. But more like friends. A woman poured the wedding party their champagne, apparently there was still some in the bottle, and she wondered what to do with it. One of the groomsmen said, "give it to the photographer!". So that same groomsmen went to get me a glass and gave me the rest. It was just so nice of him.

So I thank you, guys. I wish you endless moments of joy and happiness. Thank you for having me as a big part of your day. Thank you for making my last wedding of the year a very memorable one. And thanks for having such a great baker! The cake was beautiful but it tasted AMAZING!

I hope you have a great time on your honeymoon. Will be talking to you soon.

(Pictures to be posted when they are downloaded...)