It was innocent really.  We were young, still in high school, and certainly weren’t looking for love.  We were the only Seniors in the school who had apparently failed to realize that there was a mandatory art credit that we had to take before graduation.  I was mortified at first, in a high school sort of way, when I walked in to class and saw nothing but Freshmen and Sophomore students.  Imagine my relief when Matt walked in.  We had a very large group of mutual friends … heck, we even had classes together, but we really hadn’t interacted one on one until this art class.  We flirted in a casual sort of way, but above all, we became good friends. It took a few months, but, then we finally were ‘together’, an item, or ‘going out’ in those days

Throughout school, Matt and I always went to different colleges, a long term relationship if you will.  We were never in the same town, which was hard. We always managed to stay together.  It was a sweet love, the kind that you can’t wait to tell all of your friends about.  He was my best friend, supported me through ups and downs, and also the love of my life.  At one point, we even had internships half way across the US from each other.  It didn’t phase us.  In fact, it brought us much closer together!  Matt proposed to me on the way home from that internship (he had come to pick me up) … in San Francisco.  Man, I love that city.

Regardless, looking back at the past 9 years, I could never wrap my mind around where I would be on our 5 year wedding anniversary.  What would we be doing?  Where would we be?  The truth has shined through, like it always does.  I am still madly in love with my husband who is still my best friend in the entire world, my biggest fan, and now the best Father in the world.  Matt, thank you for always being there for me, for supporting me in good times and in bad, and for making me so incredibly happy.  A 5 year wedding anniversary is a big deal!  I really couldn’t be happier.  I love you!

*Because I couldn’t go without posting a picture of my super sexy husband on our anniversary, here is a picture we used for our Christmas Card in 2007.  Yeah, we are so cool, we took it with a self timer on my camera.  To date, it is still probably my favorite one of both of us. Boom!*

Sweet, kind, articulate, beautiful love.  That is what I experienced from Keri and Kyle’s wedding.  You may remember Keri and Kyle from their engagement session HERE.  They were married at Mt. Carmel Church in Denver.  Their reception was at DU.  Debbie with Save the Date Events coordinated the day and did an AH-MA-ZING job, as usual {seriously, check her and her team out, they are fabulous}.  Keri and Kyle looked awesome, had a beautiful traditional Catholic Mass, and then moved on to a traditional Italian Reception.  The dessert table … oh yes!  I could talk about this all day!  Keri’s Aunt’s made the most beautiful and delicious cookies ever.  When I did Keri and Kyle’s engagement session last fall, they told me they had begun taking dance lessons. Their dance was beautiful … and the way they smiled at each other the entire time melted my heart.  They had an incredible amount of support for each other.  

Keri’s sister Melanie made this pin to go under Keri’s dress.  It was a piece of Keri’s Mother’s wedding dress, along with a blue ribbon.  It was gorgeous … and so thoughtful!  Melanie, you are so sweet!

In the hallway of the Church, there was the door that led to the sidewalk outside.  I LOVE this image.  Keri was BEAUTIFUL!

During the ceremony and vows, I glanced over and saw Keri’s Father getting teary eyed.  I LOVE this image and the emotion that it has!

During the ceremony, Keri and Kyle lit a Unity Candle.  This was on the way to the lighting … the Church was ga-ga-gorgeous!

As Keri and Kyle walked down the isle, they were SO happy!  Love this one too

After the ceremony, we headed to Denver University (DU) for the reception … and the bride and groom portraits.  Get ready … We worked it out!!

WOW!

DU has the most BEAUTIFUL scenery!!

KERI!  STUNNING!!  LOVE the vintage-y flavor in this one!

And you know we have to have some fun!! Kyle has moves (trust me … more later on this very subject)

Are you kidding me with this bridal party?  HAWT

I know that the “jump shot” at weddings is totally over done … but, I really like this one!  Look at the jumps!  AWESOME!

The adorable cake by Kelley Kakes (and it was delicious).  She does a fab job!

During the first dance…

Seriously, I have seen a lot of garter ‘retirevals’, but Kyle … you win … hands down.  Kyle has MOVES and he used them in conjunction with the garter toss!

These cookies accompanied the cake.  Delicious!

Keri and Kyle, Congratulations on your marriage.  I hope you are having an UBER good time in Mexico right now!  Thank you for asking me to capture such a special day for you.  Big thanks to my assistant Julia who second shot for me!

Coordinator: Debbie Orwat, Save the Date Events

Ceremony: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Reception: DU Tuscany Ballroom

Cake: Kelley Kakes

She’s awesome, so caring, and one of the friendliest people I know.  Amber, of Your Beautiful Expressions, has just launched a super fab new website.  I met Amber over a year ago at a wedding that we were both working at.  Ever since, she has been one of my favorite people in the wedding industry.  If you haven’t been to her shop, stop and check it out.  It has so many fun gifts for just about any occasion.