It was a combination of events that led to the union of working with Max and Andie for their backyard wedding celebration. Like a lot of the couples I work with, their wedding was amazing and beautiful, and unlike the norm! They had their wedding ceremony on one weekend, and their reception the following weekend. The ceremony was very small, intimate and in the mountains. Their reception was taking place at Max’s childhood home in Cary.

The week of their reception the photographer they had planned on using became ill and was no longer able to photograph their reception. Scrambling, Max’s mom was searching high and low for another photographer. Her coworker, a past client I had worked with, recommended me to Max’s mother. She reached out, I was luckily available (as in, I was the lucky one because this reception turned out to be awesome) and I showed up for their backyard wedding.

& let me tell you, what a party this was. The string lights in the trees, the dance floor that they swayed on all night, and the company was everything you could imagine. When I arrived, Max and Andie were not there yet, so I got to mingle with guests. It was beautiful to see so many friends and family travel from near and far to celebrate these two. Family from as far as England had made the trek, and I could tell it was going to be an exciting night. 

Once the newlyweds arrived, the party started. Dancing, and eating. Laughter and smiles filled the backyard. It was truly such a fun evening. After a bit of time, they shared their first dance, a (semi) choreographed dance, with Max lifting and twirling Andie around, their love on full display. It was so fun. & when I say fun, I don’t mean in the way that’s childlike, and immature. I mean fun in the way love should always be. A carefree display of unequivocal admiration for one another. Dancing, laughing, smiling, and beyond all else – having fun.

The rest of the night went off without a hitch, and it was such a good night. We had good drinks, and great food from Sassool, one of their favorites in Raleigh. As I was leaving Andie said to me, “I feel like I’ve known you for years, you made this night so easy.” I smiled from ear to ear, filled to the brim with elation. “Thank you, I really try.” I smiled and said back to her.

I pride myself on learning about my couples before I meet them in person, so that way I feel like another friend hanging out with them, and not a stranger tagging along. It makes for great photos, and an even better time. As I reached my car, I had the feeling that I just met a new friend. I love this feeling, and I hope I leave all my couples feeling the same way. Filled with love and excitement, tapping on my steering wheel, headed towards my next destination. 

With love,

Han