All morning, she had been getting ready. Calm and unnerved. Everything was quietly and smoothly falling into place. True to her nature, she was ever gracious and gentle even just hours before her wedding. In the getting ready room at the Paradise Seventh Day Adventist Church, she was calmly putting the finishing touches of their slideshow as the room buzzed with nervous chatter and excitement of her bridesmaids getting ready. She got dressed, assisted by the two most important women in her life, her two mothers. As soon as she put on the veil, the room gasped. She is the bride.

When it came for the first glance, she waited in anticipation around the corner, heart beating. I could hear every exhale and watched her chest heave. He stepped gingerly, almost tiptoeing, to his spot around the corner. She closed her eyelids tightly. As she extended her hand around the corner, he immediately clasped it and started kissing the back of her hand. Her bridesmaids were gushing and she whipped around the wall for him to see. His face beamed like a thousand shining stars and tears started rolling down his cheeks. Their embrace was tight, their tear streaked cheeks met. He withdrew and whispered “Mikie likes.”

Hollie and Mikie, thank you so much for having us on your day. We worried for you guys through the Paradise fires, we cheered at the church and we laughed at your reception alongside your family. Which other cool couple would have a trampoline for their wedding reception and smashed all of the bridal party in a bounce house? You guys were the best!!

What to do when you can only work in a tiny little chapel room to do portraits? You get the next three photos!