I might not remember the exact words, but I will not ever forget the sentiment of how the Minster said it: “At the end of your days, you can look at the person next to you and know that the love you two shared with each other allowed you to live the life you always dreamed of.”  I teared up so many times at Liz and Neil’s wedding celebration day, 14 months after they chose each other forever in front of a small group of loved ones last year (click HERE to see).  There are a LOT of reasons why, and some that everyone who reads this might not like or agree with (which is fine).  But it ALL boils down to kindness and love.  There are not kinder more loving people than these families, and it showed in every moment of their day.  I am going to share a lot of their story so that you can see what I mean here, some that I would typically save for them to tell, but I know they would be ok with me sharing it.

At their rehearsal dinner, they got the call: Liz’s dad, who began feeling sick just that day, was diagnosed positive with Covid.  He would have to leave immediately and quarantine, and a handful people had obviously been exposed.  Super thankfully, everyone who was exposed was also vaccinated, which allowed them to not have to quarantine themselves and still move on with their plans- but their concern, love, respect, and kindness for everyone else told them they still wanted to be as careful as possible, so with the exception of very very few moments (you will see), they all wore masks all day every time they were within 6 ft of others who weren’t exposed (even though they according to medicine and science were protected and didn’t have to).  They did it at the expense of some comfort, perfect untouched makeup, the vision that they had pictured, and what exactly every photo would look like.  They did it because they love others.  And their photos? They are beautiful.  There is no doubt about the smiles and emotion behind those masks.  It was a small thing (wearing a mask all day) to them- but a huge statement of who they are.  I will never forget it.

Liz and Neil have been married for 14 months already, and saved so many special moments for this day (a day that Liz’s dad largely watched on facetime).  Liz and Neil’s love? I am so confident it will allow them to live the lives they always dreamed of, and wrap everyone else they love into that same hope and peace as well.

These details were SO perfect!  They represented Liz+Neil and their passions so well! Liz and her beautiful mama, who was the picture of strength and warmth all day long. First (or second look!)! Just as sweet as the first time! So many favorites! I LOVED all these beautiful colors together! I had to share just a couple family portraits from this one…family portraits outside in beautiful light makes my heart sing so much!

Another beautiful, kind, and thoughtful family that I am thankful to know. These details (and all the florals) were done by my friend Angela of Rose Colored Notion…she is a GIFT to the world of creativity and style! It’s the most respectful, kind first kiss I’ve ever seen. I respect this woman and her husband way beyond what I could ever put into words. Loving toasts from people who waited well over a year to give them.

Liz and Neil, I was truly moved by your day, by your families, and by your love.  I am honored to know you and have gotten to witness it all.

To see Liz and Neil’s lovely downtown engagement session, click here! To see their intimate 2020 wedding, click here!

We absolutely loved working with Liz and Neil’s awesome creative team!!

Event Designer + Florist: the amazing Angela with Rose Colored Notions

Venue: Inn at 835

Wedding Dress: Gowns Bridal + Formal Boutique

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Videographer: Nic Brockhouse

Hair + Makeup: Willow + Birch

Band: Fun DMC

Caterer: Conn’s Catering

Cake: Three Twigs Bakery

Officiant: Rev. Chuck Goodman with Hope Presbyterian Church 

Invitations: Mandy Smith

Tailoring: The Perfect Fit by JK