“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” – Mark Twain
Shared joy is one of my favorite aspects of the wedding day. Bride and groom, family members, friends, father daughter dances… sometimes I just sit back and smile throughout the wedding day. Anna and Noah’s wedding is one of the most joy-filled events I’ve seen in my time behind the camera. I’m not one to exaggerate with the “awesome-sauce, amazeballs, in love with love” BS that is rampant in the wedding world. It just so happens to be the honest truth that I walked away with a sense of appreciation for what was about the happiest wedding I’ve ever been a part of. I like to write about what I see, what is memorable, and what is real. Anna and Noah are real, joyful, and in love.
Enjoy this sweet couple who needs no embellishment or exaggeration.
Kaitlin and Jim laugh and smile and cry in equal proportions, just the way I like it. I’m a fan of a well-balanced wedding 🙂 We had great weather and a super-moon, an incredibly classy couple, and a fun bridal party, it truly was a great day. So many moments stand out to me and even over-shadow the super-moon. The giggles during their first look. The way Kaitlin clung to her dad’s arm, waiting to go down the aisle. The first dance, complete with bad clapping. The laughing during the portrait time. It’s not such a bad job… joining people on their wedding day.
Although I crossed the bridge 15 years ago, a 6 person wedding in the middle of gorgeous Northwest nature is probably what I would do if I were getting married right now. The simplicity just hung over me, much like the wind in the gorge. A dad and his kids, a bride, her self-described “soul-sister” as officiant, and open sky. The modern elopement, for lack of a better term, has brought into sharp focus the clarity of why I love weddings. People, commitment, love. A movable, human home. That’s why I love weddings. And seeing as how the bride, groom, officiant, and I also all happen to be photographers and friends… this truly was a rare honor.
Dad trying to listen to whispered secrets with the officiant, a rock throwing contest, the vows as paper airplane sent into the gorge, wedding pie, the instant images, the tears and laughter, and that first dance at sunset as the kids looked on. I’ll will definitely remember them all with the greatest of fondness. Damn, I’m a lucky guy to do what I do.
A friend of mine wrote a song that was going through my head all through the ceremony, and I thought I would share it:
“Yes I’ll build a house inside your heart…”
Words of Advice from the Bride:
Our wedding was all about the 4 of us becoming a family. Having the privacy of an imitate wedding let us focus on each other, and that was really meaningful and special. Jay asked for my advice for other brides… The only thing I can say is celebrate what is most important to you. Have a wedding that feels right for you. Enjoy it, be present, and have a really awesome photographer so you can relive it over and over.
I did not pay her to say that last part 😉
Polaroids, iPhone, and digital are all mixed in, in case anyone wonders why some images look different.
MORE AFTER THE JUMP (more…)
MORE AFTER THE JUMP 
Janine OlsonWOW,WOW,WOW!!!!!! Incredible photos! Lovely couple, great time of celebration!
Laurie Parke GlazenerTruly a joy to witness through this album. Congratulations Noah and Anna~