Zagyva {the wedding}

Chris & Katie

When I met up with Chris at his Eagle River home I just had to smile. This was one happy guy!  Most brides are the ones that I watch because they are so excited and exuberant for their wedding day. But for this wedding, Chris was the one I watched. He was ecstatic to marry his “soulmate” Katie.

Oh my! This ring bearer stole the show from the minute I met him. He is Chris’ nephew… and full of personality!

But Chris is not to be outshone… What a handsome guy!

Chris and I went on over to the B & B where his family were staying to do some family photos… and this happened.  He had a custom made bracelet for each of his three sisters and the gift simply overwhelmed each of them.  What a special moment with tears all around.

We left Chris to help his last minute wedding preparations and then drove across town to Katie’s childhood home.  She was just finishing up her prep.

I wish you could meet Katie. If you know her, you know what I am thinking about. She is about the sweetest person on the planet.  (Except my grandmothers… and then only maybe.)   All of her bridal photos were taken at her childhood home in Eagle River, Alaska:

I think at this point we can all agree, Chris is one lucky guy!

I am trying to think of how to describe her…

She is the vibrant girl next door with lots of joy… but she cares about everybody so deeply. I like her a lot.

I think the guests were feeling the excitement! The wedding was moments away from starting.  The ring bearer and flower girl peeked out the window to see the limo containing the bride, waiting outside.

And then it was time!  Chris’ expression as he watched his beautiful bride wavered between confident… to stoic… to overcome with the emotion of the moment.  Goodness… he almost made ME cry.  A couple of times!  (And you know I go to weddings quite a bit!)

But once he had her in arms length… there was nothing but joy.

While the guests enjoyed a scrumptious pizza reception, we snuck away in the limo to make some pretty photos in the pitch dark Alaskan autumn.

Good thing they had their love to keep them warm!

When we got back to the reception, it was time to cut the cake!

I love the fountain!  Classic!

When they went to cut the cake, the flower girl got a little too close. Some frosting fell on her head!  It was hilarious!

The first dance was so sweet…

Chris surprised Katie with a recording of a song he had written and sung himself… It was actually really beautiful and sweet!