You all know I have a sweet spot for small weddings. So when Andrea called to inquire about her private wedding, I was thrilled to take part. Andrea had planned to have a ceremony for her husband at their home surrounded by nothing but their daughters and candlelight. As a photographer, you can imagine capturing images indoors in the evening on the shortest day of the year can be a slight challenge, but I loved that Andrea had a vision and was determined to make it a reality. Walking into their home, you could feel the love exploding between these two and their girls and the end result was absolutely magical. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it was so nice to take a break and be with a family on one of the most important days of their lives.
We started with a few casual family shots in their backyard. Meet Andrea, Wen, Juliana and Elena: the sweetest family ever.
If you know me at all, you know it took everything I had not to squeeze these cheeks! Little Elena was so much fun to be around.
And have I mentioned she’s bilingual? Little girl’s already smarter than me!
While Andrea and Wen got ready for the ceremony, I got to hang out with girls and talk all things Christmas I don’t think the world’s ever had a sweeter sister than Julianna. I’d imagine most 16 year-olds might not be thrilled being left alone to babysit their little sis and entertain a random photographer who was running around like a crazy person in her home, but Juliana didn’t seem to mind. And I loved talking to her about what high school was like now as opposed to what it was like for me in “the good old days”–you know when we had to walk uphill both ways? Good Lord, I’m old.
Again, look at Juliana…she can babysit/do an outfit change for her and her sis/act as wedding coordinator to get the room ready, all while pretending like there wasn’t a really annoying photographer snapping pictures in her face all night.
Monogramed cufflinks for the groom. Have I mentioned that Andrea is THE most thoughtful bride ever? She had thought of every detail for the day and had surprise gifts for all. You know what they say about being beautiful inside and out? Andrea’s that person, for sure!
My favorite picture of the night…
Andrea and Wen, thank you for letting me be part of this magical night–wishing you and your family nothing but health and happiness for years to come!