gia & demetri: wedding

All of us had prayed for no rain. However, the weather stations kept mentioning 80% chances and other gloomy forecasts.

But throughout the morning, there was creamy light and no sign of rain ahead. Dresses were adorned, hugs were shared and flower girls twirled in their beautiful dresses.

Gia walked down the aisle, arm in arm with her dad who joined Gia hand in hand with the love of her life, Demetri.

A few moments later, the thunder roared. But we were safe inside surrounded by a church filled with history and beauty.

As the ministers chanted and the couple exchanged glances, the thunder roared one more violent roar – and then – the lights went out. Our safe haven of beauty was now filled with darkness. But the ceremony continued. A flashlight was obtained. The couple still shared their first kiss and walked out by light given from iPhones and flashlights.

It could have been a disaster for some couples. But Gia and Demetri? They used it as an opportunity to hug every guest. And luckily – since we had brought all of our lighting equipment – you wouldn’t even know from the pictures.

Gia and Demetri, when I think of your wedding day, I think of all the best things in life. Hugs, dogs dressed in wedding attire, exuberant flower girls, friends, family, celebration and your grandfather dancing with the utmost joy on the dance floor, hand in hand with your brother. And I smile. And realize just how blessed I am to know you two and to have been there to capture your wedding day. Thank you for giving us that honor, for introducing us to your family and culture and your story. We are grateful.

I normally start with pictures of the bride getting ready. And trust me, she’s beautiful, so that would be highly appropriate. But before we go there, I have to introduce you to my second favorite bride and groom of the day…

I wanted to keep her. And almost convinced Ted to let us get another dog.

Okay, we’ll move on now. Even though you may still be fawning over them.

OH THE BOUQUETS! And yes, I’m squealing. I loved them,

I now introduce you to the BEAUTIFUL bride. Gia, you are stunning. And your eyes? Oh my goodness.

This moment on the left? That’s what I live for. This is when her grandmother got to see her for the first time.

Holy buckets of beautiful…

This next one could seem like any other photo – but for me – it’s not. Her grandfather couldn’t take his eyes off her. I’ll never forget the way he beamed.

The boys also had some fun getting ready.

We were privileged to have the amazing Carabeth of Tawnee Photography join us for the wedding day. Why? See the next shot… Love this moment of Demetri opening his gift from Gia.

One thing I loved about their wedding? Their families. And both sets of parents had their wedding pictures as well. I love that they were incorporated.

And another thank you to Carabeth for capturing this beautiful picture of the church…before the rain poured in one hour later.

A quick makeup touch-up brought to you by the iPhone before we started family formals. (And though we were ready without, the lights came back on right as we started family formals…)