Rejoice in the love that is shared
After photographing Lukas proposing to Charae I was looking forward to their wedding day...well, that is an understatement! I was SUPER excited! When I arrived at the Viola Community Center I was greeted with a hug from Charlene (Charae's mom) and Shilo (the wedding planner). I had been working with both of these amazing women with the planning details and felt like we were good friends. There is something amazing that happens with weddings, people you never knew become people that you know better than some close friends. You lean into the relationships and learn about them rejoice in the love that is shared.
Charae was incredibly beautiful, she emitted grace and pure joy.
It never fails to amaze me how stunning bridal gowns are. When I arrived and saw Charae's dress My jaw hit the floor. I'm a sucker for classic elegance, timeless design, and her dress was all of the above! Apart from her dress Charae was incredibly beautiful and she emitted grace and pure joy. The dress was elegant, yes, but it was Charae who made it sensational.
My heart is filled with joy
I consider the Groom a friend. And years ago when I first met him we talked about this day before he even knew Charae. After I photographed him for his dating profile we joked about how he would have to hire me when he got married. As I sit and write these words, my heart is filled with joy. I'm overcome with the realization of how much lives change how one day you are on your own facing life as an individual and then the next day everything can change that a chance encounter, a look across a crowded room or maybe like Lukas and Charae, friends, loved ones and quite possibly the universe knew that bringing them together would create...magic.
The grand story of our lives
The final little adjustments to make Charae perfect for the first look were lovingly sawed to by her mother Charlene, her Sister Brooke, and her long-time friends who were her bridesmaids Naphtali and Candice.
As for Lukas, The men who supported him with laughter, friendship, and making sure he had everything to make him look his most handsome were his good friends Cody, Jeff, and Antonio. They truly had enough stories to keep the laughter rolling.
The people who surround us in these moments are forever part of the grand story of our lives.
Like coming home
Positioned quietly behind Freeze Church, Lukas waited anxiously while Charae braved the cold and her nerves to have the love of her life see her for the first time on their wedding day. When it comes to wedding days the first look is one of my favorites. Charae and Lukas decided to write each other letters that they would read before they turned to see each other for the first time, creating a memorable moment to tell for years and generations to come. There is no mistaking the joy they felt. Just one look at the smile they gave each other. As if no one else in the world were around. One look...like coming home.
The small things that make love so amazing
The look of love exchanged between Lukas and Charea and the gentle caress that Lukas used when embracing Charae are the small things that make love so amazing. It's these things that create a bond and connection we all long for.
The newlyweds raised their hands triumphantly
There is no mistaking the tears in Charae's dad's eyes as he walked her down the aisle. There is no mistaking the joy on Lukas's face as he sees his bride walking toward him. That the moment is upon him, where the love of his life becomes his wife. That going forward his hand will now and forever be holding hers. Charae's grandfather officiated the wedding and tears welled up as he began to speak. Watching him get choked up caused not only family members but this photographer to get choked up right along with him.
When it came to the ring exchange laughter wrang out when Charae couldn’t get Lukas's ring all the way on. With much effort (and a little saliva) Lukas was finally able to force it on. "It's never coming off"! someone declared.
After the I do's the newlyweds raised their hands triumphantly to applause from family and friends.
Freeze Church in Potlatch was the picture-perfect church! So simple and picturesque. It was amazing to photograph with its classic fairytale vibe.
Two families joined forever in love
it's no secret that I'm a sucker for traditions especially when it comes to weddings. So when couples have their first dance of man and wife my heart is happy. When the father of the bride has tears in his eyes showing how proud he is of his daughter and how happy he is for her makes me feel "all the feels". When the mother of the groom sees her son filled with joy on account of an amazing woman who adores him brings her to tears as well. As for Lukas and Charae, their first dances did not disappoint. Laughter, tears, moments frozen in time telling the story of two families joined forever in love.
Something they will keep forever
The evening was incredibly beautiful so of course, I asked Charae and Lukas for some end of the evening shots just before sunset, where the sun is beautifully warm and golden. This time of day is every photographer's dream. It was a romantic moment for the newlyweds and something they will get to keep forever, just like each other!
Congratulations Lukas and Charae. I couldn't be happier for the both of you! thank you so very much for having me part of your amazing story!
God bless you both!
Shout out to my second shooter and good friend Jeana, Thank you so much for being your amazing self! you can find her here.
Here are links to businesses the couple used
To See the blog featuring the proposal click here
Viola Community center for the reception
Cloud nine for the bridal gown
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