Hanna loves Austin. He loves her right back.

We who have known them both for years couldn’t be happier.  To see them together is to see joy.  Hanna’s smile is even more beautiful than before she met her love, and Austin is a certain kind of smitten that only happens when a girl has captured your heart.  I don’t think she’s gonna give it back either.  I asked him during the bride/groom photos if he ever thought he’d hear me tell him to kiss a girl?  And no wonder!!  Hanna is beautiful, but she is also incredibly kind and sweet.  She has a way of saying what everyone is thinking, but she does it in a way that is hilarious.  I keep thinking how time is also quite funny.  The last time I was around him, which was middle school, I would have never believed Austin Mungle would be “head over heels” and ready to promise the world so he can kiss his girl anytime he wants.  And I don’t even know how to say that differently.  He always had a good heart – I loved being around him then.  But he was all middle school boy, figuring out his next fun joke and having a great time with the guys.

And speaking of jokes, Austin married into the perfect family for jokes and a whole lot of love.  The laughter that quite often erupts with this crew is simply good for the soul.  Life is just too short to walk around with a frown, and the Woods family has taken that thought and run with it.  They will make you laugh with their wisecracks, or double you over with their moves and antics. If that doesn’t work, they will play a prank on you or each other.  Either way, you’re going to laugh – more than once.  And you will see family love too.  Their love and appreciation for family, for each other, and their friends is refreshing.  When Andrew and Aaron gave their toasts to Hanna and Austin, both talked about fun and family; how much they love their cousin, and how Austin just fits in perfectly.  Andrew mentioned that folks who didn’t know their family would often ask where their sister was on the rare occasion that Hanna wasn’t with them.   Aaron laughed remembering how quiet and watchful Austin was the first time he came around, but by the second big gathering, he was joking with the best of them.

Every wedding should be a refection of your love for each other, tastes, and personality.  I LOVE how Hanna and Austin mixed up their wedding party.  If you’ve followed my blog long, you probably already noticed that I do a couple of shots in traditional pose, but then I mix up the guys and girls to create visual interest and balance.  They took care of it for me from the beginning. Each chose one close friend, and then Hanna added her cousins. Austin’s remaining attendants were his sisters.  The result was a really pretty and balanced look from beginning to end.  In addition, Seth created stunning florals that amazed everyone there, and the bride and groom’s obvious love and happiness brought the joy that each of us felt all afternoon last Saturday.  The result was breathtaking.

Hanna and Austin, your wedding was gorgeous in every way.  I know that you have both found the one whom your soul loves.  You complete each other in the perfect way.  We all know that life will not always be as beautiful as your wedding on September 11, 2021.  There will be ups and downs, and sometimes you will climb mountains only to fall back into the valley.  But through it all, if you depend on each other and the Man Above, your love will continue to grow in ways you can’t even imagine.  I wish you years of pulling together and watching the stars together.   Love and blessings,  Pat

Father-Daughter first looks are just the sweetest.  Weddings are exiting but also a bit heart tugging for parents.  There’s such a mix of pride and joy, but also the reality that their daughter and son is now grown.  We all know that the seasons of life pass fast, but there’s no quicker reminder than looking in the face of your beautiful daughter and knowing that just yesterday she rode on your shoulders.

First looks – my favorite. They aren’t for everyone.  Some couples feel strongly against them.  That’s ok.  Your wedding should reflect who you are.  But if you are even 10% on the fence, DO a first look.  It’s so relaxed; you get through the jitters of seeing each other the first time in private.  Almost all grooms will tell me that they are so nervous, but when they turn around to see their bride, it’s all smiles, and sometimes tears.  In addition, you get so many more poses and options for photos because you don’t have guests waiting for you yet.

I think this is one of my favorite first look shots ever.  This moment represents way more than a picture can show.

Austin’s sweet niece ADORES him.

Hanna’s Uncle Bryan performed their beautiful ceremony.

Justan Borth blessed everyone with beautiful music and song.