Today.

Today I doubted.
Today I questioned. 
Today I tried to think through all the possible outcomes and prepare myself for each currently non-existent circumstance I could imagine.

Today I realize I wasted a lot of time.

So in this moment, I'm leaping in blind faith.
I'm giving up the contemplation of what all that possibly come and trading it in for what God has given me - this moment.
And I'm giving up all those - "I can't do this" mind games.

It's frustrating.  And yet it's freeing.

Because I know that even though this past year has been full of heartache, God really is good.

Kalyn and Ryan

They were friends.
But just that.
Friends.
And at the time - that was perfect. 
God had a lot for them to learn.  Questions to ask.  Friends to make. 
But a few years later...they couldn't help but notice.  Ryan knew that not only was Kalyn gorgeous, but she brought out the best in him...she challenged him and she was well...someone he knew he needed and wanted in his life.  And Kalyn started to feel those butterflies when she was around him...  He was so, well...amazing. 
And so it began.  And in a matter of months these two will officially start their journey as husband and wife. 
And we could NOT BE MORE EXCITED!

We all got together on a CRAZY COLD Chicago day and took some pictures.  And though I did lose feeling in my fingers at a few points - I LOVED every minute with them.  (Keep in mind - these two are AMAZING.  It was SO cold and they were so great about it all.  Not to mention - their love for each other - beautiful.)

There will be more to come on a warmer day, but in the meantime - enjoy their awesome-ness.  And Kalyn and Ryan we can't wait to celebrate and thank God with you in October!  Atlanta - here we come!


Um...did I mention that they are ADORABLE?!?  (Yes, Ryan...I just called you adorable)

KALYN.  You.are.gorgeous.

Work it, girl.

LOVE.

Again with that whole "you are GORGEOUS" Kalyn...

Ryan...you make my day.

Seriously....Ryan and Kalyn - you brought it.

If you'd like to see more from their engagement session, click HERE.  And thank you to Devin Bustin for the great music.  Check out his original work HERE.

Remember?

Do you remember that time that I looked you in the eyes and whispered the words, "I love you..." into your ear for the very first time?  (PS: You swear I said it first, but I didn't.  You totally said it the week before.)
I do.
Remember the night you proposed in the middle of downtown and the guy eating his fried chicken then took our first engagement picture?  (How funny that now I take pictures...)
I do.
Remember that day when I looked at your hopelessly on our honeymoon and told you I wanted to die because I had to get a shot in the butt from the hotel doctor in Mexico and you just laughed and crutched (probably not a word - but since you broke your foot, I can't exactly say that you walked...) your way down to the lobby with a backpack on to buy me snacks from the gift shop?  (And on your honeymoon, you laid there with me while we watched movies hour after hour with Spanish subtitles because I was too weak to stand?)
I do.
Remember those 9 months when I basically dropped off the face of the earth while puking so much I clogged a toilet and you stood by my side and listened as I whined for hours on end?
I do.
Remember the day when the car broke down in the middle of the cemetery at a funeral and you came rushing to get me?  Remember how I fell into a heap and you just held me close?
I do.
Remember that time you worked so hard to buy a D-SLR camera for my birthday because you knew I desperately wanted one and I then tried to take it back because I didn't have a business and it was too much money and you looked at me and told me there was no way I was taking it back and I'd just have to deal.
I do.
Remember those weeks this summer when I couldn't stand for more than 10 minutes and during the busy season at work, you still managed to work and watch the kids by yourself pretty much all day?
I do.
Remember those nights I questioned if I could even do this - or if I was just delusional - and you told me that it wasn't a matter of can or can't...I already was...?
I do.

Thank you for these memories and so many more.  I don't know what I'd ever do without you.  And though I don't even begin to say it enough - know that I remember.  And I cherish...

Kiersten and Eric

Ice cream.

Honestly, it's where the best stories begin.  And it's precisely where their story began.

He came to do an internship of sorts with her family's custard business.  (And yes, if you're in western New York, you must go visit Anderson's.  You'll thank me.)  And then years later, when she moved to Philadelphia and needed a job, she turned to his ice cream shop.

But they soon realized they had much more in common than just a love of great ice cream.  And before long they found themselves engaged in long talks, adventures and learning more history together - all the while starting theirs.  

Kiersten and Eric - it was an honor to document your wedding.  We loved getting to know the two of you and so many of the stories that have shaped the two of you and your friends and families.  Thank you for sharing your love with us.  We are so honored.

 

Kiersten's BEAUTIFUL vintage dress at the ever-so-gorgeous Roycroft Inn

 

The hair accessories that Kiersten MADE HERSELF.  (She's incredible)

 What vintage wedding would be complete without top hats and bow ties?  (Guess who made those ties?  Are you noticing a pattern?  Yes, the incredibly talented Kiersten...)

I may have wanted to steal the bouquets and keep them for myself...  But of course, I didn't.

And let's not forget her elegant Tahari shoes...

And without any more delay, the stunning bride...

One of my favorites.  Kiersten - you are adorable!

A few of the wonderful bridesmaids...

While the ladies applied their finishing touches, the groom and groomsmen were busy tying their ties...

Sisters...

KIERSTEN.  You are gorgeous...

Eric and Kiersten decided to have a "First Look" so that they could have a few moments to themselves and plenty of time to take pictures beforehand so they could focus on their family and friends after the wedding.  (Such a great idea and such a beautiful moment for just the two of them...)  This is a picture of Kiersten on the way to go meet Eric.  They were so excited to see each other.

Eric's face when he first saw his beautiful bride

After they had a few moments, we all headed out for pictures at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.  It was perfect.

And so were they.  Can we say coolest bridal party ever?

My amazing husband/second shooter/love of my life captured this moment while I was putting together the group shots.  LOVE LOVE LOVE!

And he took these next two...

With such a vintage wedding theme, we had to recreate an old wedding photo...

And did I mention that Kiersten is STUNNING?!?

Afterward, we headed to the church where Kiersten's dad was able to see her for the first time that day...

And before long, it was time for the ceremony to begin

This melts me every time.

We then headed to the reception at the Roycroft for dinner, celebration and ice cream...

Instead of opting for cutting the cake, they served a special ice cream they had made for their reception...

And soon it was time for some dancing.

Afterward, Kiersten and Eric went out to their getaway car to discover that some clever friends had buried it with snow...  Here's a glimpse of what ensued.  And yes, they were able to dig it out...eventually.


Because every bride wants a shovel on her wedding day?

If you'd like to see more pictures, visit Kiersten and Eric's wedding SLIDE-SHOW.  And we'd like to say thank you to Devin Bustin for the music!