we haven’t introduced kristi and brad to you yet. since we weren’t able to schedule their engagement session in time, this may be the first you’ve seen of them. thankfully, we were able to have kristi over to our home studio before the wedding to spend some quality time and prep for the big day! plus, as easy-going and in love as these two are, they had absolutely no problem getting comfortable in front of the camera — and simply enjoying every moment to its fullest! so fun for us to watch and capture!

when kristi and brad asked us to photograph their wedding on the same day as this year’s twilight criterium (internationally famous bicycle races here in athens, ga), we simply couldn’t say no. i had sworn to eileen last year i would never schedule a wedding on a twilight saturday; the race really means that much to me. i’ve been attending since i was in diapers. (and, yes, i mean since infancy. i don’t just wear diapers.) i remember, as a kid, watching the bicyclists whooshing around a tight corner where i sat on my dad’s shoulders. the crowd cheered them on: “go, go, go!” being a literal kinda kid, i guess i thought the spectators didn’t want the bicycles around. so i gave into the crowd mentality and shouted, too, putting my own slant on the cheer: “get outa here! get outa here!” my parents broke into laughter. deeply embarrassed, i distinctly remember becoming self-aware that day for the first time. so, you can see, the race means a lot to me.

why couldn’t we say “no” to these crazy kids? if you have to ask, you definitely haven’t met kristi and brad. i feel like these two radiate light sometimes — it’s really inspirational, and wonderful to be around. in fact, they met volunteering at a charity medical clinic for the uninsured where my mom has had to go for years. (i’ve even had the chance to volunteer my camera and translation abilities there!) it’s a typical example of how kristi’s and brad’s love and compassion spills out into their daily lives. something i aspire to!

never fear — this won’t be the last you see of them. we’re already getting giddy planning their encore portrait session in july! (so keep a wary eye out.)

congrats, again, you two! can’t wait to see you again soon!

eileen and i both got choked up during this emotional moment between kristi and her mom. now, with a nearly one-year-old little girl of our own, we find we have a lot more trouble keeping the tears back at weddings. (little girls, stop growing up! stay small and stay with your parents, for crying out loud! what’s wrong with you!?)

i loved capturing the moments between these sisters. i could positively feel the long history they share through all their interactions.

this is what happens when you decide to get married on the day of the twilight criterium. well, i wasn’t going to miss all the fun, was i? so we took to the streets with the whole wedding party. and a party it was! with the festivities as a background, there was no doubt this day’s images were going to be unique.

again. i cried. just a little. more like watery eyes, really.

every detail of the reception was wonderful. but nothing beat a plate of simply miraculous chocolate chip cookies. a recipe belonging to brad’s mother, who is now passed away. truly, no one make’s ’em like mom. the perfect way to celebrate the blessings of life and love!