Not every wedding is a huge, crazy production. In fact, I think that sometimes those in the wedding industry do a real disservice to brides out there that aren’t planning enormous weddings. We show the most extravagant affairs, decked out in everything you can possibly imagine. But when it comes down to it, that’s not what a wedding is about.

A wedding is about commitment and love. About two families coming together. A man and a woman, promising to be there for each other for the rest of their lives. Not just to each other, but to anyone willing to share the day and witness the promise.

And that is exactly what Leah and Gregg’s day was all about.

I talked with Leah a LOT before her wedding! She only had about two weeks to plan everything. Take that in for a moment, any brides reading this – TWO WEEKS. She had two weeks to make plans, to choose everything. Two weeks to go through a year’s worth of emotions, from nerves to excitement, to crazy joy to freaking out – and everything in between. All in two weeks. People don’t realize that a lot of times the wedding photographer plays several different roles. Other professionals kind of stick to what they do – but the photographer is there for everything, and for that reason, they are the florist (oops something broke), the seamstress (my gown is torn!), and, more than anything, the psychologist. Leah called me with questions before the big day, during some freak out moments, and we did our best to work through them. And in the end, everything came together beautifully!

She kept telling me that no one would really be at the ceremony, and I kept telling her that she might want to prepare for some people that wanted to be there for them. In the end, the courtroom was far from empty. When it comes to weddings, not everyone is there just for the party afterwards. The people that love and support you will be there for that promise.

Leah and Gregg, we (Tom and I) are so happy for you and excited for you both. Congratulations on your marriage, may it be filled with happiness and joy.

If there are kids involved in a relationship, getting ready means more than just the bride and groom!

We didn’t have a lot of time to do photos, but we had the chance to go to the Westin to take a few. It was such a beautiful day, although CRAZY windy. Wind blowing through hair for photos? Yes please! Leah, you are absolutely beautiful!!

While I was outside with Leah, Tom was inside with the guys. Doing what guys do before a wedding – relax.

GORGEOUS!

There are so many moments during a wedding day… but I think the stolen looks are my favorite.

The judge was SO funny, he had a great sense of humor!

The cake topper was super popular, and VERY appropriate. Gregg had said for a very long time that he wasn’t going to get married, but had a change of heart. I can’t tell you how many guys have told me they’re not going to get married… then they meet the right girl, and everything changes!

We can’t let the night get away without getting a little crazy right? The girls wanted a photo, all lined up, smiling and pretty, and they got photobombed by the groom.

The kids surrounded the cake table, waiting. And waiting. And waiting – they just wanted some cake, it was so funny to watch!

Leah & Gregg, I hope that your day was every bit as awesome as you hoped it would be!

The full slideshow will be online within the week. If you would like to be notified when the slideshow is posted, please click here.