Tears welled from her eyes as she grasped her father's arm. She took a big breath and started walking. Jeff stood, solid and present at the end of the aisle with his eyes locked on her. Nicole glanced at the family and friends who were there lifting her up. There was so much fullness, but also a very obvious missing presence. Nicole's mother, and Jeff's father had both unexpectedly passed away when Nicole and Jeff were teenagers, and their presence was missing like a roaring lull. The day was clearly incomplete without them, and yet, as her eyes met his, and the warmth of their communities poured out in support, their ceremony started with joy and sent the best kind of shivers down my spine. Joy. Fullness. Love. Sunshine. Everything was there. It had been a long time in the making with lots of ups and downs, but there they were - presenting themselves as the imperfect beings we are - ready to become husband and wife. The entire day was filled with moments like those, and after an extremely hot summer in South Dakota, it was as if Nicole's mom and Jeff's dad were anointing their wedding day with the most *perfect* 75 degree wedding day weather anyone could ask for. The entire day went flawlessly, and we were honored to share in Nicole and Jeff's wedding glow. Nicole and Jeff: you have both been through so much. We adore you and love the way you light up when you are together. We wish you nothing but the best in your new life together and know that together; you can face any storm that may come your way. We love you!
Samantha + Ben = Married
Samantha (aka, Sam) and Ben are fun loving people. They share a love for animals, good food and lazy Saturdays spent together (amen!). With their adventurous spirits and a slight obsession for nerdy humor - they are a perfect match. The New England Aquarium was an awesome backdrop for their outdoor wedding which was oozing with love and laughter. We started the day by photographing their wedding preparations at the beautiful downtown Boston Hilton Hotel. Once they were ready to go, we met at Post Office Square down the street where Sam and Ben shared an adorable first look. In retrospect, they were waiting for us to tell them to turn around and see each other (which we don't usually direct), but before that happened a good five minutes passed where Sam stood behind Ben as he waited to see his her - and they just talked to one another. Their body language changed just by the sound of each other's voice, which was so sweet. After their first look we walked around and grabbed some portraits of the two of them, including some of our favorites on a carousal. Once photos were done they prepared for the ceremony which overlooked the entire Boston harbor. The ocean breeze was refreshing and all of their guests were enamored with their sweet vows and first kiss. Cocktail hour was spent among the fish tanks and penguins which everyone loved, followed by a rocking reception behind the Aquarium. The wedding party even had a surprise choreographed dance which was a lot of fun. Based on some of the reception photos, there is a little hint to what song they danced to. Anyone? Leave your guess in the comments and I'll personally high five anyone that gets it right. Sam and Ben, we were so happy to share in your Wedding Day and know you'll make each other eternally happy. Congratulations!