It was a warm day in May, thunderstorms threatening to spill over at any time, and yet it was a glorious day. A glorious day for many reasons; Mark and Linda were getting married, family and friends had traveled far and wide to stay for this wedding in the Napa Valley Wine Country, and the weather held for us! First it was overcast, which didn’t bother me in the least, as I like what it does to saturate colors and cast away harsh shadows. Then, it was sunny, with sweet puffy white clouds floating over the beautiful 19th Century White House Mansion and its lovely grounds, adding drama and dimension to the surroundings. May weddings are always beautiful, but it can lend to nail biting if you’re the bride. I know, my wedding anniversary is in May as well. I can remember having dreams prior to my wedding that we would be caught in a downpour without a Plan B. Nope, didn’t happen. Big puffy pretty clouds and over ninety degrees is what we had! Mark and Linda had amazing weather too. And, they had the most incredible wedding planner I’ve ever met. Sarah Ghazzagh, of A Dream Wedding, has a Plan A, B, C, and beyond. We were in the most capable hands we could have asked for.
I won’t go into the entire coolest-love-story-ever, that is Mark and Linda here. You can click on this link, to read the full blown and beautiful love story and reunion (as in 30 year high school reunion!), to freshen up on that. I do, however, need to emphasize that every single person at this wedding was ready to scream and shout with joy when the minister pronounced this couple man and wife. It was that moving, that meant to be, that refreshing, the kind of love that was ready to blaze a trail of a new life together. Mark and Linda were together again!
This is more of an image rich posting, versus a wordy (sorry, I know I do that) posting, because I think the images speak for themselves. It would be hard to miss the happiness, love and shear joy that prevailed on that day. I was moved and so very flattered after sharing a gallery of these wedding images with the above mentioned, fantastic Sarah Ghazzagh, to read this message from her in my inbox:
“BRAVO! I was trying to wait to watch this until tomorrow, but I just couldn’t! Your work evokes a degree of emotion that is difficult to articulate! WOW! Even if you didn’t know this couples really cool backstory, you were able to communicate the message here with your work of the rich emotion that prevailed on that day! AWESOME! I cannot tell you how moving this artistic pictorial experience was to watch tonight– a HUGE thank you! I honestly cant wait to work with you again!”
Mark and Linda, thank you for putting your trust into me. Getting to know you and taking this journey with you has been a highlight of my life. I’m really, really lucky and thank you for everything. Especially our new friendship.
Much love, Kathi
Let’s go inside for some ‘getting ready’. It always starts with the shoes. Come on, I’m a girl, we dress from the feet up. And, aren’t those fuchsia shoes amazing!
One of Linda’s dear friends approaches as she finishes up, with the help of her niece.
Um, can’t resist those shoes.
Gifts
Love and hugs with Mark’s beautiful daughter. New family.
The men it would appear, had some figuring out to do.
They look great!
It’s show time folks. Beautiful music and an Irish poem.
The bride’s brother gave her away. I love his Top Hat!
The minister brought the rings out to Mark’s aunt and Linda’s mother for a blessing of the rings. This was extremely moving to witness. Watching these women, who mean so much to Mark and Linda, touching the rings that they would wear; pouring their love, hopes and dreams into them. I loved that in the image of Linda’s mother, Barbara, you could see her wedding ring in the mix. The ring Barbara still wears, her dear husband having passed.
They’re just a little bit happy!
The venue was exquisite.
I love that the wedding party is all about family. Mark’s son and daughter stood up as best man and maid of honor, his brother a groomsmen & his niece the ring-bearer, and Linda’s niece a bridesmaid. Aren’t they gorgeous?
All the men, Linda’s brothers both represented here as well. A little bit silly, but who cares anyway.
Mark and his beautiful children. All grown up!
And, the bride and groom.
And, they’re introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Norton! What a fabulous entrance to their reception.
A tad of explanation on these next shots. I wanted to take some photos of Linda’s nephews. For one, they’re handsome and just really nice young men. Mainly though, we wanted to photograph them in their suits with those special neckties on. Those neckties belonged to their grandpa, Linda’s father. In fact, so did their shoes. They were honoring their grandpa’s presence and wearing those ties and his shoes. Amazing, the shoes fit. In fact, you’ll see in the following shots, their dad, Linda’s brother is also sporting a special tie. Yep, his father’s tie. And then, they all get just silly and decide to totally rock the Top Hat!
See what I mean?
The first dance.
The bride and her way fun momma. Then, the rest of the fun. Thanks folks, it was great!
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