There are some people in life you meet, experience something significant with, and then hold that as the beloved memory of them in your heart as you part ways in life.

These are not those people for me.

Drew & Nathaniel were SO STOKED to invite me into their lives that our initial Skype date became more like a first real hang out than talking about photographing their wedding. We matched authenticity from the get go, so that’s what our relationship has been full of: good laughs, good cries, good times.

Both Drew & Nathaniel are old souls. They’ve been together since before they learned how to drive (but not officially allowed to date – Drew was Nathaniel’s “good friend who was a girl” lolol), prayerfully discerning marriage while getting to know each other. After a few years they knew marriage was what they wanted, but being “so young” they didn’t know if they were crazy for thinking it was the next right step.

At World Youth Day in Poland the summer of 2016, they went to adoration and Jesus’ message to them was, “You don’t have to justify it to anyone. Go for it.” #micdrop

And so they did. They know discernment is important and love invokes action.

It was spectacular. Community driven, a real celebration, joyful tears as both families had their first experience of children getting married. A blend of generations and living faith woven into every detail.

We joked after their wedding that Drew & Nathaniel’s day was full of Catholic celebrities. First, the Bishop of Victoria said their mass (and that’s the Bishop’s golden retriever you’ll see), then the Apostolic Nuncio (the Pope’s representative) to Canada concelebrated mass and gave them not only their nuptial blessing but his & hers rosaries blessed by Pope Francis, AND THEN Nathaniel’s mom arranged for Jason & Crystallina Evert, Fr Mike Schmitz, Jackie Francois, Matt Fradd, & Canadian favourite Ryan Mitchell (from FacetoFace Ministries) to send congratulatory videos to the couple during the reception. Plus twitter famous Fr Harrison was in attendance, too.

Casual.

A beautiful day for a couple I’ve only known to become more spirit-led, wise, and loving as their marriage continues.

Love you, friends.

xoxo

 

Ready to inquire about your wedding?

Contact me here. I can’t wait to meet you.