It was barely light outside as one eye opened to find my alarm. As my brain came to life after, what felt like, a short sleep… I remembered…. Today’s the day. Lance and Laurie are getting married today!!! From there, a flood of jitters and butterflies fell into my chest and the coffee I was sipping at the breakfast table only made them flap their wings faster. “Today’s the day my girl marries the love of her life.” “Today’s the day Lance has been waiting his whole life for.” I felt the beautiful tension of their love story burst through my nerves… and a flow of excitement and pure joy filled my heart. As I pulled into the driveway… I said a quick prayer, “This is your day God… can’t wait to see you move!”
Quick steps and a “Come on in!” placed me in the living room of the Kohlenberg house staring at this beauty….
Laurie’s a ridiculously beautiful girl even on a bad day… THIS day, however, there was an extra glow that made her absolutely stunning! I had to fight back tears because I was so proud/in awe/excited/nostalgic.
While I spent the morning with Laurie and the girls, Christopher hung out with Lance and the boys. Apparently it was quite the silent and peaceful morning for them… they went about their business and got ready for the big day…. Lance just couldn’t wait to see his bride!
Just look at this guy! I couldn’t help but think about how just grateful he was for this day and for his bride… there was nothing but happiness in his eyes all day.
This was one of my absolute favorite moments of the day. They wanted to be with each other SO BAD. I love how this shot just shows the excitement and anticipation Laurie had for when Lance saw her for the first time. This isn’t just a moment people… this is a moment we, as women, dream of our whole lives…. what our future husband’s reaction will be when he first sees us on our wedding day. It’s a day when we look and feel our best… a day we’ll remember the rest of our lives. And Laurie was GORGEOUS!
The day went without a hitch… and the love and support I felt from all angles definitely left me feeling full and inspired. Something that struck me during the ceremony was how the central importance of their entire event was God. Lance and Laurie’s life and love story is such a stark pointer to the gut-wrenchingly powerful love of their Savior. He is present and active. He is Good. He loves us.
I owe a big thank you to a few people who made my life easier, more beautiful, and basically fantastic! First of all, Laurie and Lance, you are clients to covet and irreplaceable friends… I’m completely humbled and honored that you think so highly of me and your support has been so encouraging! Thank you! Bob Botsford of Horizon Christian Fellowship–you ROCK! Also, Diane of Whimsey Florals was the genius behind all the beautiful flowers. I was IN LOVE with the bouquets she did and would recommend that EVERYONE use her! Lastly, I had two amazing shooters with me… first, Christopher outdid himself this wedding! Not only did he get quite a few Ah-Mazing shots, but I couldn’t have done everything I did without him. Mucho Thanks also go to Amanda Patrice, who battled traffic and a super early morning to come all the way down to San Diego to shoot with me! I had so much fun with you and basically… you’re amazing.
And now, without further adieu… the slideshow.
Beautiful (as always)!!
I think the one of them in the trees is my favorite. 🙂
YOU are amazing, too! I love these photos, they turned out gorgeous. Thanks again for letting me come, I had so much fun.
What an amazing gift you have for capturing the emotion of the moment! We are blessed to count you as a friend (practically family)!
loveeeee them, it’s so cool to see the ones you blogged about in the past getting married- makes me feel like I know them a little- even though obviously I don’t. Great job Katie and Chris!!! an Congrats newly weds!!
Beautifully done! love the groom shots and the last one rocks
Great job (again) Kate. A very special couple and a very magical day. God has truly blessed you with His Eye and a gifted ability to capture His love in ways for us to see clearly & enjoy.
WOW, came here to see the Grable’s photos and got to see little Laurie Kohlenberg who we loved as a tiny girl when we worked up at FH! Beautiful photos, Kate. Loved them all.
These are just beautiful! You did such a wonderful job capturing their love..plus the couple is stunning!
You ABSOLUTELY got them and their love for each other. It’s shown on their faces in their eyes. And knowing how God brought them to each other makes these pictures shine brighter for me. Lance is one of the most wonderfully precious guys I know, seeing him grow in the Lord while we worked in youth group. And after meeting Laurie, I knew it was a match made in Heaven. She is a beautiful young lady. Congratulations to them! And great job on the photos – you and your helpers. You all got amazing shots.
Hi Kate–You are amazingly gifted! Wish we lived back in San Diego so you could shoot my family as well. You captured the Kohlenberg’s, Botsford’s, Gamboa’s, Grable’s and Bennett boys (all friends of ours) so perfectly. Love your art. To God the glory!