So today my little brother got married.

First thing this morning I decided I had to take a few minutes to get all the emotions out of the way so that I could successfully deliver the promise I made to Blake and his now wife of capturing their day. I decided the best way to do this was to take some time to give in the tears (I’m 100% a Cryer) and what easier was to do that than by reminiscing on the childhood we had next to one another. I dug through old photos and thought of old times and ended up sharing the following on facebook along with some of the photographs I had gathered.

“Please forgive me for any typos that are bound to happen in this post. Guess that’s what happens when you’re writing things up with tear-filled eyeballs. UGH! Today is the day. I will be watching my little brother wait at the end of an aisle for his soon-to-be wife. I’ll see him make a forever promise to the love of his life. Can’t believe the day is finally here. I am so proud of everything these two are doing for each other, those around them, and more importantly for the Lord. // Blake is my longest friend, my three years younger twin, a best bud, a partner in crime, the one to blame for my mischievous side, a dependable comrade, a sincere heart, a bold protector, + countless other favorable qualities. Blake is bad at one thing, and that’s memory. Ha – I constantly have to remind him about our childhood but that’s okay. I remember it being filled with playing on our little tikes plastic slide, chasing one another around the house, dancing to mom’s Celine Dion tunes while we were supposed to be cleaning, laughing till we cried when we watched Balto, fighting over my Gameboy, seeing him have to get stitches time…. and time again, having to get spanked for stuff that was mostly just his fault, making fun of the way his face would look when he’d cry, tricking him into finding dad’s loose change to come participate in my “fair”, the times we’d stack on one another’s shoulders so we could reach the things our parents had hidden above their dresser, always trading toys from our happy meals, creating our own version of fear factor, being stuck together in the backseat for hours as mom + dad took us “property hunting”, the time we went with mom to a ritzy mall and pretended to be rich, never being able to successfully kick him out from my slumber parties, experiencing awkward teenage years together, being forced to drive him to school my senior year, him stepping up and kicking butt when I begged him to fill the whole in marching band, and now seeing him become a man we all can be proud of – geez, when did you become so grown up Blake?! Thanks for being an amazing brother, I can’t wait to witness your special day! Gaining a sister + my heart couldn’t be fuller. I love you!”

A really neat part about their day was seeing how much they are loved – I couldn’t keep track of all the hands that came together to make their day possible. I’ve been a part of a lot of weddings and this one had all sorts of people joined together to make this happen. Everything from a cousin towing his old fashion car fifty miles north, their church family pulling together to decorate and cook, an aunt that fixed what began as a cake disaster, dads that did more than their fair share of hauling and moving, moms that kept things together, uncles that stood on 16ft ladders, friends that picked up the lost details, family that came from near + far, and so much more.

Now let’s talk about Indiana proving to be INDIANA yet again. We started the day being covered by a light misting, that turned to rain, which turned to sleet, that ultimately ended up with snow that was definitely sticking. It was the end of March, but Indiana doesn’t care about that. Brittney, the bride, said she blames her cape for bringing the snow. (And don’t we all love a good Frozen/Elsa reference? It got even better when the last song to come over my radio was ‘Let it Go’, which was after an hour long commute home in the almost blizzard.)

To keep things short(ish) I just want to say thank you to my brother + my new sister for allowing me to be a witness to their day in its entirety. I was able to be present for the most vulnerable/intimate pieces of their day and I will forever cherish that. I don’t take it lighting when couples open up a window into the purest representations of their relationships + that’s no different for the ones that are family.

To Blake + Brittney - love you both so much + seeing you carry out your forever promises will be such a gift!

Such a breathtaking day spent celebrating at the Pavilion Center in the middle of Washington Township’s lovely park. Can’t wait to document these two love birds for a lifetime!

*Full Disclose: It took me twice as long to get through culling/editing their photos because I was an emotional mess. Those of you that follow me over on the gram probably saw my watery eyed ramblings. I’m thinking I was too business mode the day of – so it all fully processed when I was revisiting the photos. Still would 10/10 recommend taking on the task of photographing your loved ones special day if you aren’t already involved in another way!*

Since this wedding was one I had personal roots in, I decided to ask guests what their favorite memories were from the day and this is what they had to say:

“I loved when they read their letters to each other. You couldn't hear what they were saying but their words and feelings shown in their faces as they read.” – Thad, father of the Groom

“I loved it all!! Her dads 1st look, Blake’s 1st look, when she made her grand entrance thanks to her brothers opening the doors & letting her in, her walk down the aisle with her dad, the three speeches, lighting the unity candle, hugs, prayer, their pastors words to them, they way they looked at each other saying their vowels, the kiss & Cant wait to see all those memories Loreal captures because I did not get any photos of that day...... It was all beautiful & only because the family & friends came together to make it happen for such a sweet couple!!” – Tammy, mother of the Bride

“I’m sorry I can’t pick one thing!!!! The whole wedding was absolutely perfect - embraced in God’s perfect love!!!!” – Suzy, grandmother to the Bride

“One of my favorite moments was when Blake was watching his bride walk down the aisle toward him. I also loved that both Blake and Brittney hugged and kissed their parents and grandparents. Family is everything!!” – Kasey, aunt of the Groom

“Well...since the photographer trusted me with one of her fancy cameras to capture moments before/during the ceremony, I got to be there with Brittney, her brothers, and Dad right before she walked down the isle. I got to help make sure the dress was perfect for the grand entrance and hear her brothers telling her they loved her one last time before it was time for them to open the doors for her to walk down!

Also another sweet moment was before Blake walked down with Pastor Oliver and his Best Man, his parents made sure they got one more hug and “I love you” in.” – Breanna, sister-n-law to the Couple

“I loved it as I was walking down the aisle Blake looked at me & gave me a wink ... he knew I was reminiscing his whole entire life... it was a flash... I loved everything about that day! Pure love was seen between the two of them! “ – Karen, mother of the Groom

“I loved the first look--- the love in their eyes, the emotion on their faces-- and as they shared their most intimate thoughts through their letters oblivious to all of us looking through the windowpanes with tears in our eyes. Inspiring to all of us!” – Denise, grandmother to the Groom

“As silly as it sounds, my favorite part was opening the door for Brit to walk down the aisle. It just seemed so fitting for me and Josh to get the opportunity to stand by the doors like her personal body guards, and when she was ready to make the walk, swing the doors open to reveal her to her groom and the rest of the guests. As the ceremony went on I had to hold back the tears standing by the doors as it really hit me that our days as her protectors had come to and end, but that she had found a man that would work even harder at it than we had all these years.” – Tylor, brother of the Bride

“Their departure .The snow was so peaceful; like God and nature were confirming their union ..” – Becky B., family friend

“My favorite part was the time the photographer said "Chris can you hold this I have to take pictures " hahaha just kidden. It was a beautiful wedding from start to finish.” – Chris P., family friend

“Brittney's choice of gown and cape were really stunning and I loved how when you spoke to each of them they each made you know they were the "lucky" one.” – Debbie C., family friend

Blake + Brittney, you are so loved!