Last Saturday we were off to Lee and Kami’s wedding. This was a particularly enjoyable day for us since we hadn’t seen Lee and Gary and Kate since we were married three years ago! They moved to Maryland and we’ve been missing their company so much! These were Rich’s roommates when we were engaged, so they shared our wedding planning enjoyment with us and many other memories as well!

Rich says “If you botch a great shot, what do you do? You experiment with textures and colors!!!” He had just come out of the (much darker) sanctuary into the well-lit hallway after the ceremony, and hadn’t yet changed the settings on his camera. So, before he got creative with this photo, it was entirely blown-out and not usable! I love the result! Kami was a gorgeous bride, and she was radiating with joy!

And here is our good friend Lee, handsome groom, awaiting his bride!

Gary and Lee…yes, they are twins! Rich and I love that while Lee is watching Kami come down the aisle, Gary is watching his brother. So sweet it gives me chills. This shot really does capture how proud Gary is of his brother and close they are. These two guys are golden. I love them like brothers, and they are incredibly sincere, fun, and hilarious. I wish they still lived in Chattanooga, but I know their family is happy to have them close to home.

A stunning panoramic of the Bridal Party during the ceremony that Rich captured from the balcony.

A beautiful moment immediately after the ceremony. Lee and Kami are husband and wife!

Here we are at the Walden club for the fun, special, and beautiful reception!

We were hoping to spend a LOT more time with Gary and Kate after the wedding, but the day presented some logistical glitches and so they waited several hours until Lee and Kami had left for their honeymoon. We were thankful to be able to have dinner at the Mandarin Garden, along with Kate’s brother and some friends of Gary and Kate’s who had also come to the wedding.

It was so good to see them again, and it was truly like picking back up where we left off. We chatted and laughed, and reminisced about our dating stories all around the table. Such good times, and such good friends. Here we are with everyone, and Kate is holding little sleeping Brennen!

One of my many fond memories of Gary is that when he was living at working in Chattanooga, at our local ice cream joint “Clumpies,” he knew of my love for Cookie Dough ice cream and brought me home an half gallon that he had made specially for me that day, with extra cookie dough. Man, that was truly the best ice cream I’ve ever had, Gary, and you made my month! Gary is also a big teddy bear and gives GREAT hugs!

One of my best memories of Kate was when she helped to plan a bridal shower for me, and when I came over to their house one day, she had several samples of invitations that she was designing for me! She showed them to me and I ended up choosing my favorite…but that is just one example of her thoughtfulness and generosity! She also willingly complied when Rich and I needed some engagement photos and she did a great job! We will always cherish those memories!

Gary and Kate, it was SO good to see you, and we hope for another chance soon! We love you! And congratulations on your beautiful baby boy!

Lee and Kami, thank you for including us in your special day! We are thrilled for you, and will be praying many blessings on your marriage! Congratulations!!!