ACTIVITY TIME!

K.

Imagine a world where weddings can be steeped in sweet tradition and raucous buckets of fun. Where introductions with the bride's family begin with hugs instead of handshakes, and letters between lovers come with an ounce of good whiskey. Picture for me a dance floor dominated by a fiesty grandma, pulsing with the sounds of live DUELING PIANOS. In the next room there's an ice cream sundae bar and later on, there'll be a late night pizza delivery and a large scale McDonald's run for trays of burgers and fries. Such a world does exist, my dears; Kelley and Carter created it.

And not only did they create this kick ass wedding with the help of one fantastic coordinator, they created something bigger. Something brighter, and even more beautiful than the bouquets. And I think you know where this is headed.

*Drumroll*

UFF-da, y’all. (A Minnesotan married a Texan–it’s cool, guys.) &It was everything you could want in a wedding and then some.

A sunny, outdoor ceremony, tucked in a fringe of tall trees and fluffy clouds.
Words + rings exchanged with a purpose and promise.
Toast after toast, bathed in the warm glow of a dozen, glittering chandeliers.
A cozy dance floor in an historic barn.
And a thick slice of cake and some homemade rhubarb wine.

And amid all of those glorious moments, there lives a boy and girl so crazy in love with one another, they’ve vowed to live the rest of their lives moving forward towards that gorgeous pursuit of pure love. So, yes, revel in the photos. Take in that knockout dress, that picture perfect cake cutting, each delicious detail, but I want you to FEEL this set, guys. Because this wedding–this marriage thing–is a big deal. And woooo-eeee, THEY DID IT!! Jillian and Colton, you both have my eternal adoration + best wishes for a beautiful future. Cheers, you crazy kids! :* :*

I'm a romantic at heart. And this wedding doesn't just make my ticker happy, but every bone in my body. "I fell for you at the very first hello" is how it all began. Both in reality, several years ago on campus, and on paper, as the start of Holly's personal vows.

Fast forward through a series of birthdays, vacations, and family Christmases spent together + transport yourself from Wisconsin to Hawaii. The proposal. On a tropical hike with Holly and her family a few months ago, Anton got down on one knee. (And from the holiday snaps I've seen, Holly joined him seconds later on the ground, overcome with emotion and a jubilant YES.)

Now Hawaii to Minnesota. You keeping up? These lovebirds didn't want to wait. And with Anton scheduled to deploy to Egypt 10 days from today, they couldn't wait. A dress was secured. A date at the courthouse booked. &The invitations? Pffff. No need. Why not an intimate exchange of vows in the grand rotunda and an "engagement party" surprise for their crew afterwards?

Holly + Anton.
You crazy kids are the real deal.
And I'm so happy I got to take part in such an epic celebration of loooove.
Now grab some tissues, yo, and start the scrolling; that really can't wait much longer either. ;)

The first time I met Josiah was last October. We had just wrapped an incredible engagement session and were saying our extended goodbyes in that slow Minnesotan way, leaning up against our respective vehicles. Before we parted ways, I asked Josiah what drew him to Rachel, hoping to further connect the dots in their love story. Rather than shrug it off with a joke and a grin, coming up with a quick flattery for his betrothed, his mood shifted. He became thoughtful. Introspective. He took a few moments to compose his answer, and what he said still makes me tear up whenever I think back on it.

New paragraph.

Because, yeah. I'm completely gonna leave you hanging on that one. Rather than misquote the beautiful sentiments Josiah shared with me, I want to focus not on the what but the how. Because isn't intent the most important piece of any action anyhow?

And then there's Rachel. Several years later, I distinctly recall the first time I photographed our lovely bride. A senior in high school, a cook at the local cafe, she knew I had an ongoing love affair for a certain peanut butter chocolate confection I would stop in so regularly to indulge in. And so: she baked me a whole pan as a thank you. WHOLE pan. Those sweet gestures (... pun!) are everything. It's a gracious thoughtfulness. It's heartfelt intent. And it's completely in line with the heart of Josiah's devotion and adoration. It's loooove, guys!

Now how bout some photos, yeah?!

I wonder what they must have thought, those travelers headed south down Highway 35 that afternoon.
They would have had only a sliver of a moment to see.
Ryan on bended knee and ring in his hand.
Marissa standing before her boyfriend in disbelief.
A cop looking on, having pulled them over moments before, on the side of the road.

It was during year 3 or 4 when I first met and photographed the A+Z duo. Three or four in a relationship consisting of eight. EIGHT! (A concept I cannot even fathom, given that I was still a teenager 8 years ago.) 

Gracious.
That's the word.
While there are several choice adjectives I could use, every single one of them overwhelmingly positive, this one rises to the surface in summing up Stephanie and Carson.

Watch it--
Wait for it--
This wedding: it's all about the smiles.

My muse got married.