Brittany & Aaron’s Historic Pentwater Barn Wedding in Valaraiso, Indiana was SO special for so many reasons! One day, when Brittany was in 7th grade, she came home from school and told her sister, Cassidy, that she had a crush on a really cute boy named Aaron. 10 years and lots of kisses later, they’re married.

It’s couples like Aaron and Brittany that put things into perspective for me. Sometimes I forget why I’m a wedding photographer, and all of a sudden, the bride will say something that just makes my heart melt and I remember why I love photographing weddings. In this case, it was quite late in the reception and I snuck over near the bride and groom to get a fun shot of them twirling around. I hear Brittany shout over the music, “We’re married!!!”, in a “Can you believe it?!” kind of way. For them, they’ve been waiting over TEN years for this day.

Do you remember what it was like to be 13 years old? Now imagine knowing that you’ve met your soul mate in middle school. And now imagine growing up with them, going on your first date as a teenager together, getting your drivers license together, graduating high school together, having your first drink in a bar together… They have done everything together since they were just kids! They’ve know the best and the worst of their person for a really long time, and they loved them through everything.

I keep looking back at their portraits, over and over again. I keep imagining them as kids when they first fell in love. They’re married now! Their story just amazes me. Those are the clothes they got married in. That’s the bouquet Aaron held for her when she was tired of holding it! Those are the friends that stood by them through thick and thin. Those are the smiles that happened on their wedding day. These photos are the actual moments that happened on their wedding day.

Sometimes that concept escapes me, and when a couple as special as Brittany and Aaron invite ME into the most special day of their lives, it reminds me that these photos are what they are going to cherish. These are the photos they will show their children and their children’s children. For this reason, being invited into a wedding day is truly the biggest honor, and Brittany & Aaron reminded me of that again and again.

Congratulations Aaron and Brittany! You’re both so amazing. You’re kind, you’re funny, you’re caring, you’re just remarkable people. I’m so excited for what the future has in store for you! So far, after ten years, the future has led you to marriage. And I bet what’s around the corner will be even better.