A year ago, I first met this gorgeous couple when their extended family gathered so beautifully around Chandler Hovey Park one enchanted evening for portraits. I had no idea then that I would get to witness their nuptials and capture these moments for them. And that being said, even after I was so amazingly asked to be their photographer, I truly had no sense of what an enormous honor it would be. It is always humbling and, to be honest, usually a little bit daunting to be chosen to photograph a wedding and it is a privilege I take so very seriously. You only have one chance to do it right. You only have one chance to do them justice. For Robby and Michelle and their very united families, the justice to be done was gigantic. I carried that with me in my heart that August 16th and feel it every time I look at these photos. It was important for me to allow myself to feel the profound meaning and magic behind this long-lived union and their wedding did not fall short of my great expectations.
I arrived at darling Michelle's home just an hour before the big event. There she was, barefoot and beautiful huddled with her mama, just about to put her white dress on...
Her sweet sister and brother's lovely girlfriend's hands joined her mother's delicate touch to make light work of the beautiful and and bountiful buttons down the delicate white lace of this stunning gown.
Patience, humor, double vision...
And then... wow!
Wow...
Wow...
Wow!
Such love for this beautiful bride... Such enveloping love.
Lucky for us, this little dancer was invited to the pre-party, too!
With one final make-up check and a big, deep breath, it was go-time!
Michelle's awesome Dad, taken with his first born, was ready to lead the way...
No looking back now...
The limo arrived at Crocker and the festivities were ready to begin...
The ceremony was perfection with the harbor as a backdrop, the colorful regatta flags, and a couple of eager and oh so smiley faces on either side of the bride and groom!
What joy to see these two exchange rings!
Just look at the beaming faces of the crowd!
And the paparazzi that wanted 'in' on this kind of loving
MICHELLE & ROBBY WED!
There were tender moments all around this gorgeous girl. A bride being welcomed with open arms and whole hearts by her new family...
And so much love for this handsome groom... a beloved brother, son and uncle.
We took some formal portraits...
And after feeling just a tad under the weather, the sweetest flower girl felt so much better and stole the bride's heart with her darling innocence and touch...
Oh I do love how the crowds let lose after the ceremony!
And before they clinked glasses and kicked up their heels at the reception, the new Mr. and Mrs. C had just a few of their own moments to take it all in...
But not for long, as there was a party waiting for them at the BYC...
Beautiful details were laid out around the Club...
And it must be said, I do believe I heard more than a few of the ladies exclaim, I just can't believe our little Robby is married!
And while I have only met this fine father of the groom a handful of times, I quickly developed a fondness for this face of such warmth and cheer I saw at every corner, for everyone he met.
And matched with the bride's expressiveness and pizzazz... Simply awesome!
Robby and Michelle stole the show with their vibrant and fun first dance.
And everyone sat down to listen to two poignant and funny speeches.
After, both families and all of their deeply devoted friends joined hands to give thanks and remember, among so much, the heaven-led richness of this couple's journey, and the unyielding, always powerful message that lives in their every moment on Earth. Indeed, may a marriage of course remind us that
My Goodness, LIFE IS GOOD.
Cue the Cheers!
Michelle and Robby - it would seem you two know how to get a party started...
It would seem, too, Robby, that your bride, is really quite enchantingly gorgeous.
And that you, like none other, can make her smile...
It would seem, no, it is clear, that your love is steeped in truth and kindness.
And that no matter the seas, the sand or the waves of life ahead of you, you now have each other.
I am so happy you have found your forever.
May you always hold onto 8-16-14 as your beautiful, blessed beginning...
xox
