They finally shared in those much anticipated hugs and kisses, they shared letters. And shortly thereafter, they got married…they made those promises, said those vows, and moved into the phase of forever and always!

They held hands, they shared tissues, they exchanged vows. And not just any vows - the kind of vows they wrote on their own. The kind of vows that made their hands shake and tears flow.

Wedding reception toasts are one of my favorite times during a wedding day. It's always a chance to hear really special stories and intimate details of the lives of my couples from the people who know them best….and for Yuki and Anton’s toasts, well..

There might have been some unexpected surprises...like storm clouds and thunder, downpours and steady rain showers. But the thing that matters above all those unexpected things is the thing that Haley and John expected the most from their June wedding day....They expected to get married.

Those two giggling lovebirds - Amber with her perfect dimples, and Zach with that adoring smile - their wedding day rolled around it was a day full of fun and surprises, love and memories, and just endless good times.

In a beautiful church in Kansas, these two tied that all important knot

It'd be easy (not really) to showcase my favorite wedding day portraits only, just those shots I love SO much of my brides + grooms.....but it's not just those portraits that tell these stories - it's everything, it's all the things in between. It's every moment. 2017 best of weddings is here!

Two dresses, two ladies, two hearts....and one love.

McKenzie and Nick spent their whole wedding day dodging raindrops and running for cover as storms moved in and out over and over in the skies above...And yet, despite all that, never once...not even for a little bit, did their smiles or joy fade!

Samantha and Jared have had such a wonderful start since their days of college, where they met, and where they fell in love. It's taken these two no time at all to realize the love they share, and now, they've sealed and tied a knot solidifying their future together. Her as his. And him, as hers.

In a huge sea of rice excitedly being tossed their way, Amanda + Ryan came out of those church doors two people who had just become something so much more, something that binds them as one

What can you say when you're standing face to face on your wedding day - to the person you love more than anyone else? This person, this soul that you've hoped for, wished for, waited for, and prayed for.

the answer: you pour your heart out. 

And then....they saw each other, from across a church aisle, Lorraine on the arm of her sweet Dad, and Travis standing up front at that immaculate altar, beaming from ear to ear.

"You guys JUST got married!!!" I shouted, as we three stood in epic evening sunlight in a field of green, trimmed around its borders with the picturesque white picket fence. Julie laughed, beautifully as always, and Nate couldn't help but stare.

What Britta and Patrick share....You can't beat it. It's a matter of luck, of being blessed, and of being in love with your absolute best friend in this entire great big world.

The second those sheer white curtains were pulled back....and Christa emerged on the arm of her sweet Dad...Jeff's entire head just dropped. A mixture of gigantic grins, giggles, the feeling of his breath being knocked right out of him, and maybe a few tears welling up in his eyes....it all happened so fast.

A wildly calm bride, and an equally calm groom - tie the knot!

Here she came, that girl he's known for so many years, the girl who made him wait 3 years before wedding bells could chime, the girl he couldn't wait to marry, and the girl who on this day in March - he would finally tie the biggest knot with.