Michael + Katie . Married An Intimate Bed & Breakfast Wedding

Michael + Katie

What we love most about photographing weddings is that at almost every single wedding we become a part of the family dynamic of that wedding.  We truly pride ourselves with this.  It’s kinda our thing!  If you don’t believe me (which you should) read our reviews.  Michael and Katie’s wedding was no different, except that we got to photograph Michael’s sister Amanda’s wedding this past October.  So if we didn’t already feel a part of the family dynamic we sure did at this wedding.

As I was photographing their day and just watching Katie as the most gorgeous bride there ever has been.  Yes, I am totally bias, but you have to be honest she is absolutely stunning by far.  Isn’t she?! I flashed back to the reception of Sean and Amanda’s wedding.  I remember hearing that Michael and Katie were engaged and that they lived in Williamsburg.  I made sure to go over and tell her all about our favorite venue in Hampton and show her all the photos. To be honest, it was so in hopes that we would get to photograph their wedding day.  The memory kept flashing through my mind all day and I kept thinking how lucky we were to be able to be a part of their special day.

Speaking of special these two have a story that would make such a good Hollywood movie.  Both early life widowers that lost their first spouses to cancer.  They met in a group that brings these people together for support.  Truly these two are the sweetest couple and God most definitely gave them beauty for ashes in each other.

Some of my most favorite things about these two people (and the list can be long because there is a lot) is Katie’s love for Michael’s daughter, Sarah, from his first marriage.  My heart leaped when I heard her for the first time on their wedding day call Katie, “mom.”  Up to this point she always called Katie, “Ms. Katie,” but today I heard her call her mom.  You can see the beautiful love in Katie’s eyes as she looks at Sarah.  She is so gentle and kind toward her.  Actually, that is Katie’s overall personality…gentle, sweet, delicate, and kind.  Watching Katie and Sarah’s relationship kinda unfold through the year that we’ve known them has been such a joy.  As a mother, it brings me so much joy knowing how much Katie loves Sarah and how much Sarah adores Katie.  I’d so want that for my kids if anything ever happened to me.

And then there is the romantic love seeping out of  Michael and Katie’s eyes for each other almost constantly.  Every single time I’ve photographed them I have loved watching that behind the camera.  As a wedding photographer, I often have to coach people to bring out their authentic in front of the camera.  These two are so different.  The love truly pours out of their eyes.  I often have to pause because I feel like the awkward one.  Do I just keep shooting?  Or should I interrupt their always moment?

Now let’s talk about their day and my favorite parts.  I loved the moment I walked into Katie’s bridal suite.  She was sitting all by herself eating strawberries.  So calm and quiet.  I quickly asked her if she wanted a moment to herself and she said, “no, I am just hungry and getting a snack.”  I am not sure what about that moment that I loved.  Maybe her just sitting quietly enjoying a peaceful moment on her wedding day or that she was so calm altogether without the usual hustle a wedding day brings, but I loved it.

I loved their ceremony at the church.  It was a full catholic mass.  The church was stunning and every single part of the ceremony just magical.  It fit these two’s personalities so well.  And finally, I loved getting to see their family.  Teasing Michael’s brother,  Drew, about when he was going to propose to his girlfriend, Judy.  Bribing him with a free photoshoot if he did it the next day.  I know all in the right time it’ll happen.  I loved seeing some of our favorites, Sean and Amanda and their gorgeous parents.  The whole day was truly wonderful and Jake and I were so glad to be a part of it.

To Michael, Katie, and Sarah, thank you so much for allowing us to capture this memory.  We are truly grateful.  We so pray your life together is beautiful and perfect. With so much love!

Jake & Jennifer