After 9 years, these two finally tied the knot and I had the absolute honor to photograph their day. Brittany is a my cousin. Growing up, we spent all the holidays together, all the summer days at grandma's pool and all the nights where we designed MySpace templates together. We've seen each other grow up, mature and had each had our fair share in relationship troubles...until she met Tom. Tom is one of the most respectful, down to earth, and kindest people I've ever met. From that moment on, I knew these two would be inseparable. I would have NEVER guessed that I'd be the one to photograph their entire relationship. When they got together back in high school and needed some prom photos, they called me. When I needed a couple's photo for my college portfolio, I called them. 2 years ago when Tom popped the question, Brittany wanted nobody else besides me to be their wedding photographer. Just like Brittany and I watched each other grow up, I saw this couple grow. From prom photos, to a random session a year or two later, to their lovebird session and today...their wedding. This is why I do this. To tell a story. To tell THEIR STORY.

Their day was nothing but fun. I'm not going to lie - Photographing a family member's wedding makes me even more stressed. You know everyone there, there's a ton of pressure on you to nail it even more than usual and you're worried about them judging you! Admit it. However, that being said I had a blast. Knowing everyone there made the day go by so smoothly, being able to be myself instead of being in "work mode" as Jenn calls it, made me less stressed and just being able to be a guest at their wedding too, and not just the hired help was especially nice. I had the best time during the reception. Let's just say there was a certain wedding party member with some awesome dance moves. He fell in love with the tray table at one point (photo below) and maybe even twerked a bit. I was in tears from laughing.

Before we head into their wedding...lets take it back 9 years...to their prom photos!