dj & leslie: 10-10-10 magic.

so i know that i can be a little bit (okay, a lot a bit) dramatic when i write. it's not uncommon for me to make absolute and grand statements. this annoys my family when it's "you always" and "you never" but with clients it's often that i think they are the the cutest and sweetest people in the whole wide world. get ready for another one - and all kidding aside, this was THE most incredible wedding i've ever been to. as a guest, as a photographer, as a participant... hands down. it was heartfelt and real and emotional and beyond perfect. for those of you who know me well, i recently got married in may. there were nine people there - jesse and i and our immediate families, that's it. i always wanted it to be that way and i loved every second of it. sometimes big weddings overwhelm me. it's not that i don't think that they are beautiful and heartfelt, because i do. and on top of that, the amount of support and the combined consciousness of a ton of people who love you is, i'm sure, incredible. i just didn't want it for myself, but i am definitely the odd one out on that... well, until 10.10.10. so maybe that's why this wedding was so close to my heart, because i could relate a bit to the experience and it was still so raw in my mind. i cried a lot. it was pretty embarrassing actually. i'm really glad i had my camera to cover my face because during the ceremony i was a wreck. they wrote their own vows and they were straight from the heart - humble, powerful, and full of the affirmation of their unconditional love for one another. he sang her the song that his dad sang to his mom at their wedding, when she was pregnant with him. she cried. he cried. i cried. i'm pretty sure everyone that was there cried. they laughed. they held each other tight and there was an indescribable bond between them and it was evident that it wouldn't be broken, especially after this day. it was an honor and a privilege to witness this awesome event. here are some of my favorites... 

[that beautiful house was built by dj's uncle and his partner from the ground up. they used to go hiking on this land and happened upon this property. for 12 years of weekend work, they built this with their own hands. this was where the party started and ended. but there's more...]

before they saw each other for the first time.

tucking away her vows for the ceremony...

& one from their first look. :)

then we started the hike up the mountain. that's what the boots are for. :)

while we walked i was having a conversation with dj's uncle about what a beautiful metaphor for marriage this was. it was a beautiful day but as we weaved up and through the trees, silently for the most part, i couldn't help but think how symbolic hiking to the top of a mountain to get married really was. (why didn't i think of that?) there will be obstacles in your path, and sometimes things get difficult. you keep going, keep breathing, keep walking, keep loving.

and then your reward. contentment. peace. beauty. all of that power came as we stood on that top rock and the cool breeze blew across our damp faces. we all made it up there at about the same time and i heard them say, "whew! we made it." i think that's when the tears started. :)

s

her son, with one of the best seats in the house. :)

married!

his mama, and her only son. the words and sentiments they exchanged were so sweet. i honestly never ceased to be impressed by these people... all day. by their integrity, class, respect, and humility. amazing, amazing people.

the hike back down... & cake. :)

this is love.

thank you guys again, so much, for having me be a part of your special day. it could not have been more perfect and i'm beyond happy for you both!