Can I just say how impressed I am with Daniel and Rachel?  Daniel did 3 tours in Iraq - what a good man!  And, Rachel has been loyal to him through all the years of separation.  I just can’t say enough great things about this couple.  They were technically married for a year at the time that they had their wedding, but they truly deserved this amazing day so I hope that this was the culmination of all of their dreams.

Rachel felt rushed to get ready for the ceremony, but I was getting such great shots and I told her just to relax and enjoy.  They can’t start the wedding without the bride!

The ceremony was in a beautiful church adorned with stained glass windows.  They exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends.

Since there was a very small bridal party, I just took Rachel and Daniel for portraits at the Wyndham.  They told me they weren’t a real “smiley” couple and I went with it.  I love that they look so comfortable with each other!

Alright, so I touch up the images before I ever let the client see them.

But, the hilarious thing is that Daniel saw this image of himself (below right) and had Rachel ask me to touch it up a little less.  For some crazy reason he felt like he looked a little too good!  Rachel and I agreed that we can’t get enough of the touch-ups. I guess men and women will just never understand each other. =)  I think Daniel looks like a rockstar.

The reception was a celebration of family and friends who had come from all over the US and even out of the country.  They partied to an eccelectic mix of music and had a blast!

Congratulations!  And, thank you to you Daniel from the bottom of my heart…your service is humbling.  And, thank you to Rachel for lending our country your most precious friend in this world for so many years.  You are both amazing, amazing people.

Alright, kids - this is the big one!  My best friend’s wedding!!  And, by best friend - I mean my best friend since I was 15 and maid of honor at my own wedding 7 years ago!  I may have dreamed about this day longer than she has and it was absolutely amazing.  I’ve NEVER seen Eileen look happier.  She positively glowed!  Kevin and I agree that Jason is the best thing to happen to Eileen in forever and I think she is a ray of sunshine in Jason’s world, too.

After the Katubah Signing, they were official!  We headed downstairs to the streets of downtown Orlando to celebrate…

A huge debt of gratitude to Tina Sargeant for helping me shoot this wedding and taking the weight off my shoulder’s - it is seriously tough to be a bridesmaid and shoot a wedding at the same time!  (But you know I couldn’t resist)

I got so busy at the wedding that I forgot *not only* to get my picture alone with my best friend, but I also ran out of time to toast the happy couple.  I told her I would write it in a note for her later…here it goes…

Eileen & Jason…don’t ever forget how you feel right now.  Remind yourself daily of this amazing love you’ve found and don’t take it for granted.  When little things begin to creep in that tell you that your relationship isn’t perfect, remember how perfect this day was…then let it all go.  Married life is messy, fun, crazy, stressful, exhilarating, monotonous, and complicated.  That’s what makes life beautiful.  Share your joys and help each other through your sorrows.  Build your life together as best friends and know that nothing else matters.

Congratulations!  I love you both…