Derek and Emily

Friends sitting on a couch, snowed in for the day.  Stolen glances, finger grazing each other...Derek and Emily went from being friends to being in love.  

I love when I get to become friends with a bride, it is pretty much the best but on occasion I am allowed a great honor of being a part of a friends wedding.  Derek and Emily's wedding was one of these rare occasions.

I met Derrick years ago in College.  Year past and inches of hair grew (on his end) and where hacked off yet again, till one day he came over elated.  "She's fantastic" he announced to Chris and me.  We met Emily not too long afterwards and we fell in love too.  Her beauty and contagious laughter were enthralling to all of us.  She and I became fast friends and I teased Derek, "If you don't marry her I will." He didn't need my tease to know what he had found and not too long he found himself on his knees in the mountains declaring his love.

On the day of the wedding Emily was as beautiful as ever, calm and waiting for the moment when she got to marry the love of her life.  Excited laughter filled the girls dressing area just moments before the line up began.

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Carrie and Cam

The wind shook the trees over head but Cam and Carrie didn't notice.  They couldn't keep their eyes off each other as they made their way into the reception.  All about the room where the carefully chosen decorations mixed between Carrie's two favorite colors.  Everyone was family today.  

Floating around the room it was a joy to watch the playful way that Carrie and Cam related.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Viktoria and Arsen

Words flying around completely missed by the outsider.  Viktoria swishes about the house preparing for the long day ahead, her day.  The morning breeze runs through the window and cools off her flush face, sitting for the first time that day, and getting ready begins.   

This was my first traditional Ukrainian wedding.  Viktoria did me the great honor of explaining all the traditions.  Family was about everywhere, wiping the counters as well as their eyes.  Never have I seen so much family come together in such a fun and festive way.

 Viktoria's mom and best friend discuss the day to come as the bride works out the last details on her hair and make up.  

 Way across town Arsen has begun his preparation, through the process looks quite different.

 This was an amazing tradition of "bartering" for the bride, and Arsen's first time seeing his bride.

 I love this shot, amidst all the joy and family...

 This was a blessing ceremony

Skyping in family and friends who couldn't make it.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli