Kristen opened the little white box her sister/matron of honor handed her. She peaks up through her lashes to see Danielle holding back her tears, at this point Kristen knew it was something special. As she lift the sterling silver necklace in the air Danielle whispers to her, “The numbers are the coordinates of grandma and grandpa’s house.” The room was still, then a soft sob escaped Kristen as she grasped Danielle into a tight hug. In that moment, everything was perfect — she was about to marry the love of her life, everyone she loved was under one roof, and her grandparents were there in spirit. Just… perfect.
Two of the sweetest souls were married on June 28th. Why the specific date? I learned that not only is it the newlyweds wedding date, but also the wedding anniversary of Kristen’s grandparents who recently passed. When I heard this, my heart went into pieces — I know what it feels like to lose someone you love so much — but to have your wedding date to celebrate yours and your grandparents anniversary is a whole other level of awestruck.
Alex and Kristen’s intimate DIY wedding was beautiful from start to finish. Keeping a chic theme with a touch of Star Wars and literature, it easily became one of my favorite DIY weddings to-date. With a backyard ceremony and scrumptious lunch on the balcony, Alex and Kristen shared this precious time in their lives with only their family. In the past, I used to say an intimate wedding was about 100 or less people, however the couple changed the meaning for me when they literally had an intimate wedding. With just their parents, siblings, in-laws, and nieces + nephews, they celebrated the day with laughs, cheers, and love.
Words can not express the special place Alex and Kristen have in my heart. Not only did I shared their day as their photographer, but I was sitting at the same table as them. A part of me felt I was intruding, but a second later those feelings disappeared as the Bride and Groom’s family welcomed us with open arms. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful day with us. It was an honor to have been there celebrating both new love and old love.
