Mindy & Leland’s Crimson Winter Wedding

“She cupped his face in her trembling hands as the wind blew through her hair, brushing her rosy cheeks as tears escaped her eyes. In that moment, as he knelt before her with a dazzling diamond catching the last rays of light within it’s small velvet box, all she could see was his face. This breath-taking ring glimmered up at her, demanding her attention, but she treasured him more than anything in the world, so her eyes were locked on his. The boat’s gentle rocking in the waves wasn’t the only thing causing her to feel weak on her feet, and as she wiped her eyes, she enthusiastically agreed to spend the rest of her days in his arms. Yes! The word couldn’t escape her lips fast enough, and just after they shared their first kiss as an engaged couple, and the sun faded behind the trees. Que the pop and fizz of the champagne!”

I was so absolutely thrilled to capture Leland and Mindy’s engagement photos exactly one year ago on November 12, 2015. So you can imagine my excitement this November 12th as I was blessed enough to capture the moment they’d been waiting for 365 days later! Probably the most memorable part for me from their big day was their first look, because it was what we had talked about so many times a year before! We turned Leland around to face the golf course, as he stood with his hands folded in front of him, a smile wanting to escape his lips so badly. The sun was inching lower behind the clubhouse, and Mindy slowly walked behind him under the rows of arches into the light. Her eyes glassed over before she could even see his face, and as he flipped around the tears came rushing out with relief. They held each other so tight, and laughed and chatted as he gasped at how beautifully radiant she was. She slid her hand across his shoulder, telling him how handsome he looked, and it was such a sacred moment that they (or I ) will never forget. I’ll always remember my days in high school with Mindy, practicing our cheers in the gym and performing in choir together, and the fact that I was able to witness this moment and this wedding simply took my breath away. I am so blessed to have known Mindy and to have literally watched her grow to be the incredible wife she is now. In the back of my mind I will always remember her as Mindy Burt, but I’m so happy she gets to change that because of such an incredible husband. So congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrand; I can’t wait to witness so many more incredible moments in your story! Cue the whiskey shots 😉