There are very few weddings I’ve photographed that I would describe as effortless, simply because that’s typically not a word associated with a day for which people have been planning for roughly a year. That said, it’s the only way I can describe not only Megan and Scott’s day, but the two of them + their love in general.

When I walked into Megan’s home on their wedding day, the vibe was quiet and relaxed – a few of the ladies were getting their hair and makeup done while the others laughed over mimosas and an episode of Friends. Megan herself has an effortlessly chill way about her – she says she feels calm and you immediately believe her, simply because you can see it on her face and feel it in her presence. I made my way to the hotel from there to photograph the guys getting ready, and their demeanor mirrored the ladies as they hung out and got dressed. I laughed as the best man demoed tying his tie for the groomsmen, and again when Scott said, “oh no, she got me a gift? she would one up me” as I handed him a box from Megan. I told her later that he said this, and she laughed and nodded her head, as if perfectly satisfied with his reaction. I love little moments like this – glimpses into a couple’s playfulness, even when they aren’t in the same room.

Once they both made their way over to the venue, they saw each other for the first time amongst the gardens at Independence Grove. One of the coolest things about watching people see each other for the first time on their wedding day is how different each reaction can be, and how perfectly suited it can feel for each couple. Scott turned around to see Megan, and instead of tears, I swear I saw a look of disbelief on his face; he seemed stunned as he looked at this woman he was about to marry, in a way that makes total sense to me as someone who witnesses these days often. If you really think about it, this entire process is so incredibly surreal once you’re in the midst of it – this is the day you commit to spending your life with the person you’ve been dating for years, the person you call your best friend, the person you may even start a family with someday. It’s a wild thing, really, and I completely understand (and love) Scott’s reaction because of all this.

They spent the rest of the afternoon taking some photos and hanging out with their wedding party, and then Megan’s uncle married the two of them in front of all of their friends and family. They entered their reception and immediately called everyone out to the dance floor with them, starting the party with a freaking bang and setting the tone for the rest of the night. A lot of couples refer to each other as their best friends, but I felt that in a very specific way with Megan and Scott, in a way that suggests just how much they “get” each other without either of them ever having to actually say it – I watched them roam the room both together and separately, jumping between friends and family at the bar and on the dance floor, cheersing and dancing and hugging along the way, and ultimately always making their way back to each other.

Venue: Independence Grove
Florist: Petal Peddlers
Dress: Volle’s Bridal & Boutique
Catering: Catering by Michaels
Hair + Makeup: Lips & Lashes Bridal Studio
DJ: Music in Motion