My LDS weddings are a bit unique, compared to a “traditional” wedding. Sometimes, couples are traveling to the Washington DC Temple from far away – which means I don’t even meet my bride and groom until the day of their wedding…the moment after they step out of their temple! This was exactly the case with Stephanie and Sayan! I showed up at the temple and quickly made friends with all their family waiting out front for them, and as more and more people gathered around the entrance and waited with me, I felt as if I was just another one of their friends! I was welcomed with a smile and warm handshake from Sayan’s father, a grin and a giggle from nephews and niece, and casual conversation with everyone else.

When Stephanie and Sayan appeared at the entrance of the door, and raised their arms in excitement and joy, my camera was up and ready and they smiled at me because they already knew they could trust me with their day! As time went on, and I got to experience Stephanie and Sayan interacting with each other, I knew I had found a truly special couple to work with, and that their family had raised them right 😉

I may have teared up a bit as Stephanie’s sisters recounted tales from her childhood, and both ended their speeches by saying their sisterhood had brought them a best friend. Isn’t that what every mother wants to hear from their children? Since not everyone at the reception had been able to witness their ceremony within the temple, they decided to include everyone in an intimate moment as they exchanged personal vows with each other in front of everyone. As Sayan expressed his love and devotion to Stephanie, everyone in the room was dabbing at their eyes:

My priorities have changed. Now….it’s just you. It’s only you.