There are times that just a few photos tell the whole story.

And sometimes with weddings I can be distracted from the better story by the pretty things. The details. The flowers. The cake.

I’m not saying I don’t love those things. I do. They inspire me creatively in so many ways.

But I think that these photos of Jody and Bobby’s first look – the first moment they saw each other’s face on the day they would become husband and wife, tell a story of joy far deeper and more meaningful than their beautiful wedding day.

These images inspire me in a different and deeper way. They speak to my heart and light it on fire.

I want to take meaningful images. Ones that tell the hidden story, the buried truths.

These images speak to me about the joy of finding the one your soul loves.

They remind me that that joy is still there in marriage even on the days it gets hard. It’s just buried a little bit and it needs to find it’s way out.

But these images - there is nothing buried here. It’s all on the surface.

All the heartwrenching love is right there on their faces and it fills me with so much hope.

 This. This is reason I love what I do. The reason I pour my whole heart and soul into it.

It’s so worth it.

…

Jody + Bobby – I was so blessed to be a part of your wedding day. Your love magnifies the deeper love of God, and it blesses everyone around you.

…

xoxo,
Em

You know how they say that there’s no harm in asking?

This story started with something as simple as that.

Jessica had just met a wonderful man, and as she described in detail how amazing this Kyle was to her friend Jillian, Jillian decided there was no harm in asking: “Does he have a brother?!”

He did. And when they met for the first time it was clear that that one question would lead Jillian to the one.

The one that could not take his eyes off of her the whole meal. The one who would later ask for her hand. And she would be his bride.

They married last Saturday, on a dusty and rustic and charming little farm, and everyone sighed a happy sigh because these two were just right.

And it’s tempting to look at Trevor + Jillian’s wedding and be distracted by how ridiculously beautiful they are and how wonderful every little detail looks – a perfect little rustic farmhouse wedding.

But I mean this when I say that they are oh so much more than just that.

I was completely overwhelmed listening to their family and friends toast them as they sat under the twinkling lights at the Farmhouse Inn last Saturday in Julian, CA.

Person after person said the same thing : Trevor and Jillian CARE about other people. Plain and simple. More than any dream they have. More than any stuff. More than the things they have gone through, they are committed to their friends.

You can tell, the way they celebrated. There was such a joyful noise.

Trev + Jillian – I am completely amazed by you two, and thankful for your friendship.

It was an honor to be there with you as you said I do.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

xoxo,

Em

p.s. did you see me on the dance floor? I could not. help. it.

The day was warm and the breeze slightly cool in the mountains of Aptos, California – and Pacific Oaks Vineyard Estate was still calm.

Birds were actually chirping and Becky was anticipating the arrival of her groom in the bridal suite.

Every now and then some little thing would move her and all of her sweet bridesmaids kept reminding her not to ruin her makeup. But Becky couldn’t help it. On this perfect day she would marry her Matt, a teacher with a passion to change lives, and the long wait would be over.

She hugged her mom, slipped into her dress, and one of her bridesmaids pinned her grandmother’s lace into the inside of her gown.

Surrounded by their friends, family, some chickens, a few horses, and a rocking motown band Harry + the Hitmen – Matt and Becky said I do.

Everyone else just plain got down. You’ll see. They really did.

Becky + Matt – I wish you nothing but years and years of happy dancing together.

Thanks for allowing me to document your day.

xoxo,

Em

Wedding Venue : Pacific Oaks Vineyard Estate, Aptos.

Florals: Boulder Creek Flowers

Cake: Hollyhock Cakes

Catering: Five Star Catering (DELISH!)

Music : Harry and the Hitmen

Day of Coordination: Aerin Murphy