The kids were having snack.

I walked by to see Gabe making some kind of creation.  I heard him singing to himself, and the closer I got I heard:

“happy birf-day to Gabie, haapy birf-day to GABIE”

The kids and I all joined in the singing….which seemed to shock him a bit.

But then he got really excited, like it really was his birthday.  :)

Then he so adorably proceeded to blow out his “cracker candles” on his watermelon cake.  ;)

And continued to decorate away….

It’s these little simple things in life that I adore the most.  They remind me of how beautiful each and every day should be. And with all that I have going on, this is what I needed to be reminded of today.

The wedding of Maggie and Nathan was a direct reflection of who these two are- sincere, simple, loving, and intimate.  I first “met” Maggie via email over a year ago.  She wrote me out of the blue telling me how she wasn’t engaged yet, but when it happened she knew she wanted us. Since then she has been an avid blog follower and all around studio3z supporter.  :)  When she wrote me saying she was engaged, and was ready to book, I was SOOO excited!!  It meant so much to be there for her on her big day because I knew just how much the photographs would mean to her.

Then I got an email that she moved her wedding date from May 2010, to October 2009.  :)  Well, we did some shifting of things around, and we made it happen.  And I can’t tell you how glad I am we did.  Brett and I just adore Maggie and Nathan, and seeing the love they share with one another and their amazing families warmed our hearts immensely.

Maggie and Nathan were married at her parents’ home.  The small intimate ceremony went perfectly and was filled with so much emotion…truly a beautiful day.

Maggie had this adorable grin on her face while getting ready.  Every now and then she busted out with a, “I can’t believe this!  I am getting married TODAY!”

As she was getting her dress on she was trying to remain calm.  She was breathing and trying her hardest not to cry.  :)

Nathan and the boys were off-site getting ready.
Check out his amazing smile!

Hellllllo good looking!

Maggie was such a STUNNING bride…

as she was walking out her front door I said, “STOP!! Come back!”

Nathan wasn’t so bad himself.  ;)

Maggie and her beautiful girls!!

I don’t even know what to say except, I dig!

A few final touches….

so lovely….

she was peeking out the window down to the ceremony site.

Right before the ceremony Maggie lost it when her Mom came over to hug her.  So so sweet.

Their ceremony was in their front yard, under this amazingly decorated tree.

One of the most sweet and heartfelt ceremonies.

Then we played around with the bridal party…

Can you guess which half of studio3z shot this?  Can you guess where he was?

Yep. TOTALLY WORTH IT though.  ;)

Their first dance was sweet as could be.

Later we went out to do portraits of the two of them.

We can’t say “Thank you” enough that they set aside time to spend with us.  It paid off…these are some of my favorite I’ve ever taken.

so in love with this shot!!!

We went looking for Brett who we found (oblivious) laying in Poison Ivy.  Yeah. Not cool.

He’s had it since then….but he got this rad ring shot in return.  :)

So I kept telling her how she looks like Natalie Portman, but laying here she reminded me of Angelina Jolie.  I think it’s safe to say, Maggie, you are GORGEOUS!!!

I’m thinking canvas for this….YEP for sure!!

(Brett, I forgive you for making us walk down that hill.)  :)

Maggie, thanks for your patience.  :)  Nathan clued me in on how anxious you were to see the photos!!

What can I say about you two??  You are so sweet, kind, beautiful inside and out, and your love for each other and God is so evident in everything you say and do.  It makes us so happy to be a small part of your journey, and we can’t wait to see you go through the years together.  :)

Thank you so much for having us there on your big day!  You both are just beyond precious.

much love~

jess+brett