Two weeks ago, I got a facebook message from Marissa, asking if I’d be willing to photograph her wedding. It was just going to be something small, with close family, right in their backyard. Of course I said Yes!

I photographed Joe and Marissa’s engagement photos a few months back in the middle of January…It was 14 degrees out. I was nervous as heck, and it was freezing cold. But they turned out awesome and Marissa loved them. I couldn’t wait for their wedding, where I could put to use so many new skills I had learned since their engagement session.

Flash forward five months, and there I was, photographing Joe & Marissa, saying “I do.” Their wedding was small and simple, with just immediate family members. This wedding seemed to fit Joe and Marissa’s style. They are down to earth and low key people. They didn’t care about all the little details that so many brides fuss over. The day was simply about them and their love, none of the extra stuff.

I’ve never been to a small wedding. It was crazy, even as I was running around everyone, trying to take pictures of the whole ceremony, I couldn’t help but feel close to them all. It was such and intimate, joyful, and loving ceremony, you couldn’t help but smile.

Congratulations Joe and Marissa! I’m so excited for you two and can not wait to meet your new little one!

I loved that this small intimate wedding allowed for some non-traditional happenings; such as everyone coming around the bride and group, placing a hand on them and pouring love happy blessings onto the couple.

I’m not crying, you’re crying…

Notice one of these next shots where the groom and his brother finally didn’t have to put their beers down for portraits, such big smiles they have!