Most of the time when I do a wedding in the NNK, I know the couple. They have been freinds from High School, or *gasp, children of people I knew when I was smaller. This wedding was at Pop Castle in White Stone. I didn’t know the couple, Nicole and Joe. They live in DC and decided to have their wedding here in our little slice of Heaven. When I showed up, I noticed several tents set up in the side yard. Several of Nicole and Joe’s friends made the trek down from NOVA and camped at the house the weekend of the wedding. It was really representative of the closeness of this group of friends.
Nicole and Joe had a large bridal party. I always admire brides and grooms that have large parties… To have that many close friends that you have to have standing by your side when you say ‘I do” is a testament to thier hearts.
As I watched Nicole and Joe, when she walked down the isle, when they read their vows to each other, when they lingered after their first kiss as husband and wife to just hold each other, when their guests stood to their feet  at the end to clap and show their love… one thing was clear; these two were made for each other. They both were in tears when they saw each other for the first time that day. Joe was precious as he tried holding himself together but many times was just overcome with emotion and had to take a minute to re-group. The family speeches were by far the best I have ever heard! Like I said earlier, I didn’t know these two, but I was laughing and crying along with everyone else under that tent! It was truly an honor to witness these two promise forever to each other. I remember thinking several times through out the day “this is why I do what I do”.
Nicole and Joe, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your day! I am so honored that you not only chose me, but that you chose to start your lives together in the NNK. I wish you two a lifetime of joy and happiness!
XOXO