I photographed them in their dating phase.
I photographed them as they welcomed their daughter into this world.
And once again, I photographed them in their home as they suddenly went from two to three.

So it didn’t matter that I would be 34 weeks pregnant, or that I’d be flying across the Atlantic ocean, or that I’d have to bring my two young boys with me — I knew I had to be there at their wedding….and I knew I wanted to photograph it. Not just because I’d been there with them, photographing all these huge, beautiful moments — but also because he’s my brother. And finally I was gaining a sister.

 In order for their marriage to be legal in both the United States and in Italy, they were required to attend a civil ceremony at the City Hall of Torrita di Siena. For this ceremony, Jeremiah and Aspen were strictly surrounded by family, and they pledged their vows to each other in front of the mayor himself. He read their marriage statutes in Italian, and they were translated into English by their wedding planner. It was so beautiful to hear the words in Italian first, and then to learn of their sacred meaning afterwards.

After the civil ceremony was over, we were all able to go back to the villa and rest for a few hours – which my pregnant feet were oh-so-grateful for! That evening, just before sunset, I left with the bride and groom to head to their more romantic ceremony, which would take place at the Castello di Modanella – an incredible piece of Italian history, with parts of it dating back to the 12th century!

Since Jeremiah did not want to see Aspen in her second, “real” dress (when a girl has two ceremonies, a girl needs two dresses!!), I was able to take bridal portraits of just Aspen around the castle as we waited for the rest of the family and friends to arrive for the ceremony.

Finally it was time! It felt like Aspen was truly a princess, about to be married in a REAL castle!! I was so excited!

The ceremony was intimate and special, with both Jeremiah and Aspen sharing personal vows they had written for each other. Their words were straight from their hearts – wrapped in honesty, and a sweet, tender devotion to each other and the family they had started together. Following the ceremony, we all met around one table as parents and friends and exchanged toasts, memories, and stories.

And then came my favorite part….the time I had with Jeremiah and Aspen all to myself. We were able to go back to the castle a few days later, just the three of us, and capture romantic portraits of these two as newlyweds. We weren’t crunched for time, we didn’t have family or friends waiting on us, and we went just as the sun was setting over the hills. This is always my favorite time with my couples, because I get to capture the two of them just as they are, in love and — finally!! — married.

I’m so grateful I had this opportunity not just to attend their wedding as their sister, and as Aston’s aunt, but to also be able to photograph it. I see things differently as a photographer, and believe it or not, I pay more attention to everything going on around me. I was able to see Jeremiah and Aspen in a different light as their photographer, and able to force myself to notice the small glances, the light touches, the laughter, and the joy they bring each other. I love these two, their daughter, and am so grateful to call them family and to help celebrate them as husband and wife!