I picked my feet up off of the floor and crossed my legs Indian style in the passenger seat. I probably looked like a silly little kid, but I didn’t care because it’s the most comfortable position for long car trips (I promise – you should try it!). I bobbed my head to the rhythm of the music as the trees passed by in a blur on either side of the highway. We had passed Macon about an hour earlier, which put us square in the middle of nowhere on our trek to Sarasota. I reached across the center console and grabbed Robert’s hand. He smiled and kissed it, never taking his eyes off of the road. This has become our own special kind of ritual. He opens my car door for me, and I smile, sit down and press the lock button right before he reaches for his own door handle so that he can’t get in. Eventually, though, he does make it in the driver’s seat and I reach for his hand. As we pull off, the car starts to beep at him and he has to let go so he can put on his seat belt. I laugh, thankful that the car has a built in nagging device so I don’t have to nag him to put it on. Then he picks up my hand again, kisses it and we’re on our way. It’s our everyday kind of love.

I don’t remember what song came on the radio next, but apparently I liked it because I cranked up the volume and proceeded to turn the car into my own personal karaoke stage. I can’t recall a time in my life where I’ve been in the car and haven’t sung along. As I’ve confessed before, I love to sing. I sing everywhere I go – restaurants, the grocery store, wedding receptions – It’s just part of who I am. My soul feels free when I lift my voice, and I don’t really care who listens. So there in the car, I sang my heart out, except this time something was a little different. There sitting next to me was my best friend and my love, and he was singing right along with me. He sang in his own way, of course, tapping the steering wheel when the music roared and making up his own words when he couldn’t remember the lyrics, but he sang. A smile spread across my face, and I thought about how lucky I am not only to have a gentleman, comedian and Christ-following man as my fiance but also a duet partner. It’s quite possible that I’m the luckiest woman alive.

And since I know posts are always more fun when they include pictures, here’s a sneak peek from Dave and Emily’s wedding this weekend.

Oh how I loved being a part of this wedding! Like Christine, Amanda, Corrie and Rebecca, Erika is one of my Alpha Gam sisters. I met her when we were both freshmen in college, and I was so excited when she called to tell me she wanted me to photograph her wedding. As you may remember from their engagement session earlier this year, Dan and Erika are an amazing couple. They are thoughtful and intelligent and their love is beautifully simple. They just love being together.

One of the many things that I love about Erika is that she is seriously stylish. She loves tall, pointy shoes, tailored suits and fabulous cocktail dresses. I knew that her wedding would be full of amazing details, and she did not disappoint! I went a little crazy photographing all of the details, and I tried to cut down how many I shared here, but I just couldn’t help myself. Everything was so beautiful, so I hope you enjoy seeing everything!

Her wedding was full of vibrant, warm fall colors. I adored her bouquet. Isn’t it lovely?

This was one of my favorite details from the day. Dan and Erika wanted to have a truly unique way to remember their guests, so they set out treasure chests full of stones which their guests signed. Of course I had to join in the fun!

Say hello to the beautiful bride…

… and to her handsome groom.

Dear Erika: You are flawless. The end.

I had the pleasure of having my good friend Mark Turner along to second shoot with me. He grabbed this shot.

While I was grabbing this one. It’s so fun having a second photographer around to capture all of the different angles!

Like I said: sweet and simple.

Hello gorgeous

I love capturing these in between shots. Dan was just helping Erika walk through the squishy wet grass, but it turned into a cute photograph.

Everyone spent most of the morning wishing the rain clouds away. The clouds didn’t budge, but it didn’t rain either. I think Erika appreciated the compromise. She opted to have both her dad and step dad walk her down the aisle, which I thought was really sweet.

The Windermere Gold Club is a beautiful place for a wedding. I love the willow trees.

Dan and Erika wrote their vows together, but they left two lines blank so that each of them could write a surprise promise to the other person. Erika spent a large chunk of her morning working on coming up with something romantic and personal. Dan decided to go the true and hilarious route, and this was Erika’s response. Priceless!

Married!

Again: I went a little crazy with the details. I won’t apologize, though. They were worth going crazy over, and they are definitely worth sharing.

I love the way Dan and Erika hold each other.

I love this, too. Dan wrapped his arms around Erika as they watched their parents and other guests dancing together. Do I need to say it? Yep, it’s cute!

A gentle breeze blew through the trees, rustling the leaves that were just starting to change colors. It was a perfect, cool fall day – an ideal day for Josh and Becky’s outdoor wedding. I loved spending the day with these two. Every detail of their wedding was personalized, and they made sure that they had plenty of time to relax and enjoy their celebration together. They didn’t care about putting on a grand production. They just wanted to share the joy of coming together as husband and wife. It was amazing.

I don’t usually post this many detail images, but I couldn’t help sharing these with you. Josh and Becky’s wedding was held on the farm that Josh and his family used to live on part of the year. They lived in this old house for years.

I’m always so excited when my clients come up with creative ways to record the presence of their guests. Josh and Becky had everyone sign their names and messages on baseballs. How cute!

When I first started talking to Becky about scheduling photos, she made one thing very clear: She and Josh wanted to be able to spend time together alone before we started taking pictures. She didn’t just want a few moments. She wanted to take time to talk and pray with Josh privately before the day began, and I was happy to let her. I stood at a distance and snapped this photo. I love it because it shows the privacy of their time together.

I had SO MUCH fun wandering around the farm taking pictures. There were so many beautiful locations to shoot in!

I love this photo of Becky. It shows off her joyful spirit.

The guys looked sharp in their vests and dress pants. It was dressy but casual – perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

HELLO beautiful bridesmaids! These ladies were such a treat to photograph.

Finally married!

They invited all of their guests to their fall shindig reception, complete with delicious barbecue, cupcakes, Frisbee and corn hole.

When they left, the guests showered them with rice. And when I say showered, I mean SHOWERED! Becky had rice all in her hair!

Josh and Becky, I know that God has an amazing plan for your life together. I can’t wait to see how He uses your love for each other to share His love with the world. Vaya con Dios!