Earlier this summer I photographed two of the sweetest people to walk the face of the earth: Colin & Caroline. I'll admit I'm a pretty sarcastic person. And more often than not my couples dish it right back to me. I've shot weddings for lively, outgoing, spitfire personalities with wild, outrageous, raise the roof, dance-until-you-drop receptions. But when I arrived at Colin & Caroline's wedding I found a perfectly graceful Caroline waiting for me, already dressed, flowers in hand, with a beaming smile on her face. She was the kind of Jane that makes Lizzy Bennets jealous. 'How can you be so perfect?!" I thought to myself. Because she was. And Colin, well, he treated her like he knew it. A complete gentleman, I would turn around to see him helping her down off a step or slipping his hand around her waist for support. Together they approached their wedding like I wish more people would: gracefully, thankfully, and full of sincerity. And then I met their family and friends. Everyone! Everyone was so kind, so thoughtful, so genuine. I look back at this wedding and I can't help but feel lucky to have just been there. So, Colin & Caroline, if you're reading this, thank you. Thank you for letting me get a glimpse into your very special, very kind, very loved lives.
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(Many thanks to Rachel for assisting me on this wedding! Many of her photos made this post.)

Once upon a time in Poland I met a spunky blonde who loved Beyonce as much as me and that was all we needed to become fast friends. She visited me in Maryland and I visited her in Minnesota. We had sleepovers, dance parties, and long walks talking about how she wanted to marry her Kyle one day. Heidi and Kyle were young. Younger than most who choose to make lifelong vows. But they were ready. Ready to not spend one more day apart from one another. Ready to make lifelong plans. Together.

Early Saturday morning I boarded a plan in Pittsburgh for Minneapolis. In just a few hours I would be in Belle Plaine, Minnesota in the same room as my friend Heidi. And, my word, was she breathtakingly beautiful.

The wedding took place at the antique paradise

Rubies & Rust

in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. It was the perfect backdrop for photos. I honestly forgot what I was supposed to be doing at times because I was so distracted by how cool this house was.

Kyle is kind of guy you want to have as a friend. He's funny, kind, and incredibly loyal. It says a lot about somebody if you can pick up exactly where you left off the next time you see them. And with Kyle it's always like that.

Going back through and editing these photos I seriously wanted to hug all of Heidi's bridesmaids. The excitement and support they offered Heidi all morning was so precious. There wasn't a happier group of girls in the world.

Allllright guys. Take a deep breath. You're about to enter the barn. Also known as the most immaculately detailed reception in the history of time. I knew Heidi's wedding would have a lot of personal touches but, are you kidding me?? I was not expecting something of this magnitude. (I sound like Admiral Ackbar...Star Wars fans?) Heidi combined her own DIY creations with Rubies & Rust magic and

oilà

! And I wasn't kidding about the deep breath. I'd advise you to sit down but

hopefully you're already doing that if you're at a computer.

I love the few minutes immediately following the wedding ceremony. In my opinion, they contain some of the rawest emotions of the day. This next shot chokes me up every time.

Heidi & Kyle - I love you guys a heck of a lot. Thank you for asking me to be your photographer. Let's hang out sometime ;)