When Jess filled out her questionnaire, I asked what she was most looking forward to and she said, “Seeing two families become one in a real, tangible way.”

That’s exactly what happened.

Jess spent the morning getting ready with her daughters. All of them together at the salon. Kelsey, Aubrey, and Sydney. She chose it on purpose. She wanted them there, close, for all of it.

Dan was excited when I got him set up for the first look. Genuinely, visibly excited. A little bit of nerves too (the good kind), and I could feel it while we waited.

He walked around the venue like a man who had been looking forward to this for a long time. Every time he caught Jess’s eye, his whole face changed with the a huge smile.

And then there were the kids. Nine of them, between the two of them. These weren’t just guests at the wedding. They were the wedding.

Near the end of the night, Jess and Dan had one more dance while guests got their sparklers ready outside. Just the two of them taking in the wonderful wedding day they had together.

And then right before they got in the car, Jess and Dan turned around and started hugging their kids. One after another, laughing, squeezing them tight. It wasn’t on any shot list. I caught it and I’m still thinking about the love and joy in that moment.

Jess and Dan thank you for letting me be there and watch your two families become one in the most real, tangible way.

Nine kids, one family, and a really great day.

Enjoy my favorites!