Chelsey and Dustin’s wedding was my first wedding of 2012. It was also my first wedding since the birth of my sweet babe, so I was a little worried about leaving him for the first time. I could not have asked for a sweeter couple, or a sweeter family. Everyone was wonderful and the day went perfectly. I shot Chelsey’s sisters wedding in October 2010, (view it here) so it was especially great to be a part of this wedding too. They have one more daughter (though, just in high school) and I am crossing fingers to finish the family off with her as well. Such beautiful girls.

Chelsey has a beautiful soul. She is a faithful follower of God and an amazing inspiration. I am certain that her and Dustin will have nothing short than a beautiful and long life together, and hopefully be blessed with little babes as darling as they are.

There is always one part of the wedding day that stands out to me. There is always something unique that I take with me, or some story that I am dying to tell Phil when I get home (when he isn’t shooting with me, that is). And this wedding was no different expect there were so many. So so many lovely moments between Chelsey & Dustin. Between family members. But one that I must share was the toast done by Chelseys dad, Todd.

Speeches, first dances, slideshows, vows. They get me every time. But this speech REALLY got me. Todd started off by talking about Chelsey being a “daddy’s girl”. How growing up she spent much time with him. He told about a time when he was away and Chelsey struggled with him being gone. She slept with her mom and slept in dad’s tee shirt. She did it because it reminded her of him. It made her feel safe. This happened on other occasions too, putting on dads old tee shirts because they smelled like him and reminded her of him. And then one day before school she came out of her room in a football jersey. Todd asked her, “What’s that Chels?” and she said “Oh this is Dustin’s football jersey. He let me wear it to school today”. Todd saw this happening more and more. Chelsey often sported a jersey or a hooded sweatshirt that was much too big for her. And he said he realized that she was no longer “Daddy’s Girl” but was now “Dustin’s Girl”. At that point, I am not sure I was even able to keep it together. I was bawling. Like BAWLING through the lens, feeling so much emotion. I could just feel what Todd must have been feeling. It was beautiful and touching and so true. But knowing the sweet person Dustin is, she is in good hands!

Chelsey & Dustin, I wish you all the happiness in the world!! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day and your lives!

And a HUGE thank you to my dear friend and colleague, Jessica Sands, for joining me and being there when I missed my family so much. You are amazing! Check out her work here.

I normally do not post formal shots like the following. But I just had to post this one. The light in the church was amazing. So lovely. If you are getting married and are not “set” on a specific church, look at the light. Formal pictures like this are amazing!

She looks like a real life ballerina, right?

When Chelsey’s sister Lindsey got married, they thanked me in their speeches. It felt so good and was just so nice. Chelsey and Dustin did the same. Thank you, you two. I thank YOU for this opportunity!