A wedding should reflect your personalities, the sentimental things you hold dear, and be the beginning of one of the biggest blessings of your life.

And that’s exactly what Leslie and Brian’s wedding was.  They married in the church Leslie has attended all her life, and their reception was right down the road in their own back yard.  Leslie and her girls dressed at her niece’s home. The entire day was full of laughter, a few pranks, and many eyes sparkling with tears that threatened to spill down their cheeks.   I laughed as hard as anyone else when Brian and his guys attempted to drive the tank to church, and most of them ended up having to walk the last mile there.  And then his mom couldn’t get the vette’ started to bring it to the church either.  All these moments might have made you sigh or even say a word or two I won’t put on here, but they are part of your story.  That’s a story that will be told from time to time all through the next few decades.

But what makes this story the best is the love in both these families.  There is fun and laughter for sure, but the genuine words, the hugs, the heartfelt words – they create the heart of the new family that began on April 26.   This couple brought new  siblings together, and a new life to all involved.  I watched Parker walk his mother down the aisle with pride and listened to Anna’s carefully prepared and perfectly delivered speech that spoke of her happiness for your new family. And that love extends to their whole family.  Leslie wanted to do a first look with her mom and dad and both reacted with emotions which brought us all to tears. Then, when Brian’s mom presented his “door” to him at the reception, it made my eyes almost leak too.  Brian’s dad talked to me about Hudson and Brian, and the pride in his voice told me volumes.  And  I know that there were countless other sweet moments before, during, and after that I didn’t even see.

Brian and Leslie, your genuine joy was not lost on me.  And the way you look at each other touched my soul.  And even when Brian came out with his crazy shorts (followed shortly by his brother-in-law), Leslie’s laughter and how she just shook her head still makes me smile.  And I think sweet Hudson is a little chip off the same block.   I will always remember your wedding with a giggle for so many reasons, but I will also always remember your first dance and how you appreciate and love each other most of all.  Here’s to years of laughter and blessings,  Pat

You can view Leslie and Brian’s engagement session blog here.