Molly + Thami - Meant to be...

This weekend I had the enormous pleasure of watching, witnessing, documenting two easy-to-like lovebirds tie the knot. Their story is rich in journey, weathered by soul, lightened with laughter and enhanced by those who have given them the wings it took to find each other and now fly away together. Molly, sharp and savvy, yet sweet and sultry, was giddy to be getting married and about as calm and composed as a bride on her wedding day has ever been. 

I watched with great joy her three best friends and beloved only sister shower her with smooches and sass as they saw the girl they'd grown up with become the bride of her man's dreams.

They clicked glasses and helped their favorite girl into the show-stopping dress her sister had designed and sewn herself.

It was a transformation that evoked so many beautiful reactions.

I mean, just look at this gorgeous girl...

Clink again...

Can't you just see how relaxed and giddy she is?!

With a four-leaf clover in her shoe, like so many strong and beautiful brides who've come before her, this beautiful young lady was ready to take the plunge.

For a few minutes, I did steal away to the party that was already happening downstairs. One dashing, very besotted groom, begging me for details on his dearest, and a bridal party bursting with all kinds of energy for the big event!

Molly, well-known for her thoughtfulness and going above and beyond for those she adores, had special gifts for her parents and bridesmaids that clearly took them aback. What a spectacular bride to remind those around her that this day had arrived thanks, so very much, to them.

With everyone in place and the getting ready rooms almost empty, you could hear the enticing tunes of Chad Hollister on guitar, Molly's uncle, now filling the Yacht Club.

A mother and her daughter peeking with anticipation down the beautiful staircase of the Corinthian Yacht Club, the best yet to be...

Moments I know they'll cherish for a lifetime.

And just like that the ceremonies could begin.

I think as a child, as a girl, as a woman, you now and then think about that moment your husband-to-be first sees you walking down the aisle. You go to great lengths to find the dress, the shoes, the flowers fitting for your dream. You do your make-up that day, imagining the look in his eye and wonder with each piece of hair that is put into place what the beginning of your forever might feel like. You go to town on some accessories that will be just right, maybe even a little more than just right and then you go to greater lengths, as does your bridal party, to make sure he doesn't see you until that sacred moment. Well, I'm pretty sure if I were Molly, I couldn't have asked for a better reaction from her very almost husband than this one...

See why...

Molly's dad had the great honor of giving his first child away and also marrying them. He did both like a truly dignified, diligent Captain, keeping our ship running to schedule and exuding a great pride and presence with his every step. 

There were many show-stopping, awh-out-loud moments in the ceremony and these two were so expressive and loving in their every look and touch.

And just like that... they are married!

One of my very favorite parts of any wedding is that first time you see the bride or groom after the rings have been secured and the vows have been shared. Among the very first to have the honor of a hug from the new Mrs. was Molly's adorable and adoring only brother. The bond between them is truly beautiful.

These tender moments also touched my heart...

After a couple of cocktails, the bridal party got to ham it up for the camera down on the dock. They were about as fun and frolicking as a group of best friends could be! Thanks for being amazing, guys!

This little guy was a crowd-pleaser wheresoever he did run 'n roll!

We quickly returned to the porch where the rhythm of the night was just taking off. An impromtu East African wedding song and dance was just forming its indomitable beat. It was a sight to see and a chant that had everyone joining in!

Molly and Thami were overwhelmed, surrounded many times over with love and fellowship all their day through. From far and wide, so many beautiful families had gathered.

And no crew more bountiful in spirit and disposition than this one... 

With so many young and trendy and truly lovely cousins in attendance, I have no doubt that Mr. and Mrs. will have a great slew of fabulous candid moments captured from every angle!

There were speeches that gave way to tender moments...

There were dances that made any eye well up.

There were stolen moments at every corner that I saw and snapped, creeping from table to table on my knees (which today are black and blue and wood-burned all over) if only to allow the magic of the night to unfold as beautifully as it was written.

Molly's Mom and Dad were such generous, wonderful hosts. I can only fathom the enormity of watching your first born get married and pulling off an event as unique and important as this one, yet somehow they still managed to yield moments of tender fragility and warmth that their daughter will long remember.

Her grandmother, also, such a beacon of pride and delight.

And what love emanating from this gorgeous group of women from Thami's life, full of gracious charisma and beaming with jubilation for the awesome couple...

Here, here to the bride and groom! You are two worlds, two loves, two paths now one. It is a truly awe-inspiring blessing to behold. You have something unique that is only yours, that will always set you apart, that others will see and adore and strive for. I believe Thami called it 'flavor'. Yes, I believe that is perfectly, eternally it.

The sun did set. The cannon did sound. (In fact it went off JUST as I snapped this pic of the bride cuddling her Daddy...!)

And the dance floor officially opened with one crowd-pleasing bop after another...

At one point, I looked around, and I swear the only thing left at the tables was this beautiful bridal bouquet 

by one glowing light of a party, 

a single family now, 

all united on the dance floor.

The sun, 

the universal donor of energy, 

an eternal deity, 

the start and end to our every day 

would set...

But the bond of two families now forever entwined was already etched in heart and soul.

The deck, their greatest fans, and seemingly the whole sky and sea was smitten with happiness for Molly and Thami.

The night was far from over, for sure,

but two people who had started out just as a boy...

and a girl...

from two worlds

who captured each other's hearts

were now looking back on the day of their dreams

towards the horizon of their happily ever after...

Godspeed, you two!

May your forever be even more beautiful than your wedding day...

xo

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