On New Year's morning, a special time ripe with anticipation and dreams of adventures yet to unfold, Jon and Arin got married. I joined them for a mere two hours of their morning to tell their story...today and for years to come.

New Year was their day. They started dating on New Year's Day 9 years ago and 5 years ago he asked her to marry him. This long awaited day was worth waiting for. It was the most lovely winter day...clean and warm and crisp all at the same time.

This day was pure and simple.

Cooking and bustling and all hands on deck to help. Mama's hands carefully weaving babies breath around the cake, babes underfoot, love all around. I found myself holding my breath at times not wanting to break the spell.

This is what weddings should be, whether in the comfort of a home or in the largest cathedral.

Weddings should be enjoyed.

Finally when it came time for toasts, it hit me. Not only was I just effortlessly able to document the day without really interrupting it, I was overwhelmed with the intimacy I was experiencing side by side next to their most loved ones. It reminded me of the feel I get in a birth room. Then gratitude filled my heart and spilled over into laughter.

Take a peek into their beautiful wedding day...

At a time when I usually feel burned out from my busy season, this simple wedding energized the depths of my soul and reaffirmed the direction I am wanting to go in this coming year.

Here's to love!

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