How They Met
Taylor found her person. I’ve known that for a while now, but watching her marry him was different than just knowing it. They met through a mutual friend at church. Neither of them was interested in settling for anyone who wasn’t exactly right, and neither of them did. They had their wedding at Tahoe Forest Church in Truckee, CA. It was perfectly fitting for the story of their relationship.
Their First Look
Their first look was down by the river before the wedding party joined in for photos. I love a first look for exactly this reason. All the nerves that build up over months of planning just melt away the second two people see each other. You can watch it happen in real time. The first look with her girls was its own kind of sweet too. There were happy tears, and everyone was talking over each other trying to take it all in.
The Details That Made It Hers
Taylor’s dress was custom-made by hand, and her bridesmaids wore the brightest, boldest colors I’ve seen in a wedding party in a long time. The decor matched that same energy all the way through, nothing muted or safe about it. And then there was the dessert table. I’ve photographed a lot of weddings, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that elaborate. There was something for everyone, and the kids were chomping at the bit to get to it as soon as possible.
A Truckee Reception Built by Many Hands
The reception was at the amphitheater overlooking the river, with the mountains behind them and a train rolling through at just the right moment. What got me the most, watching the whole day come together, was how many hands were in it. The dress, the decor, that dessert table, the practice sessions for the first dance, none of it was one person’s job. Everybody who loves Luke and Taylor showed up and made it what it was, and you could feel that in the room. A wedding like that doesn’t happen because someone hired the right vendors. It happens because a lot of people love you enough to build something with their hands.
Their First Dance
That’s what made the first dance hit as hard as it did. Our friend Jeff had spent time helping them practice their moves, so there was this easy, playful energy to it. Then, in the middle of the song, they played a recording of Luke’s mom’s voice. She passed away and having her there like that, in that exact moment, broke everyone open in the best way. A wedding can hold grief and joy in the same five minutes, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt that as clearly as I did right then.
A Personal Wedding to Photograph
Taylor and I have shared a love of music for a long time now. We harmonize without even trying and sing for fun whenever we get the chance. So being there for her wedding day, in the church that means so much to this community, in the town I call home, wasn’t just an honor as her photographer. It was personal.
Congratulations, Luke and Taylor. I love you both so much.
