Love // Nikki & Benjamin

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Okay, yesterday, I swear to you, every single thing I read or watched just hit me straight to the bone… something was in the air.

One of those things was this oh so true post by Jonas Peterson…

If you read magazines and wedding blogs today, you’d think it’s all about the dress, the decorations, invitations or a million other things.

THINGS.

It’s not.

It’s about celebrating love, a manifestation of commitment, a gathering of friends and family.

Because you’re in love.

Jonas’ message needs to be said, and heard, again and again. It isn’t that the details aren’t important. They are. But what is really important… what really matters on the day is just, ever so simply… love. It is so easy to lose sight of that fact.

And I agree that the wedding industry often lends itself to the problem. How can it not? Blogs and magazines are there to provide inspiration for the details of the day… many are also there to provide much-needed advice. They (we? I’m not sure I’m worthy of “we” yet) serve their purpose and they do it well. I don’t know where I would be without my favorite blogs and magazines.

But it still stands to be said, and repeated again and again, as each wedding is planned, posted, or photographed…

Strip it back.

Peel the layers off.

And start again.

Look within… because what really matters, what will matter for years to come… is you. Your love. Not the food, not the timing of each and every second, not the very last detail… what matters is the person across from you… and the family and friends who are there for you.

It is so easy to lose sight.

Now, with all of that said, I have to admit that today’s wedding has its fair share of amazing details. The bride DIY’ed almost everything… from the flowers, to the centerpieces, to her own hair and makeup.

And although her mother couldn’t be there to witness the ceremony, having passed years ago, Nikki made sure her mother’s old sewing machine and a quilt she had made were incorporated into the decor in her honor.

Some details say it all.

Some photographs say it all.

There are so few days in life that bring a family together like a wedding… the time is precious.

Let the day be you.

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And speaking of letting the day be you… can we just talk about how awesome this is…

Photographer: Courtney Bowlden Photography / Event Venue: MoonDance Inn

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