The first time I met Taran a few years ago, she greeted me like she had known me for years – she cheerily asked me about my brothers, and my parents, and my job, and I was astounded by not only how much she knew and recalled from her previous conversations with my family members, but also by how genuinely happy she seemed to talk to me. I would later learn that this is how Taran is with everyone she meets – she is interested, and engaged, and listening, and enthusiastic, and genuinely wants to get to know you.

I’ve known Michael for even longer than Taran, although I don’t remember the exact moment when I met him – he started coming around when he was friends with my younger brothers years ago, so I knew him first as one of the faces that filled my parents’ basement when my brothers were in high school. Michael appears to be ‘the quiet one’ when you first meet him, but his reserved nature dissipates once you get a chance to talk with him one-on-one. So while their immediate, visible natures may appear to be polar opposites, deep down, Taran and Michael both want to know how you are doing, and they want to grab you a drink, and they want to catch up on how life is treating you. Because of all this, spending their wedding day with them felt mostly like spending a day with friends. While the bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done in the morning, I had to remind myself that I wasn’t one of them as I laughed at their jokes and jumped into their conversations. And while I photographed Michael putting the final touches on adjusting his tux and tie, he filled me in on his job and their upcoming move like an old friend would.

Michael’s new job is taking the two of them to Tacoma, Washington, and he made the move about a week or so after their wedding day, while Taran can’t officially move until May. So, this means they’re viewing this sneak peek from their wedding day while in separate states; while this would be disappointing for many couples, Taran and Michael, quite simply, aren’t like most couples. They spent 10 out of the 12 months of 2016 apart while Michael was in South Korea, so distance is no new feat for them. Instead, they get to view these photos knowing how much they soaked up every second of this day while surrounded by their loved ones, and just as importantly, that they’ll soon be choosing which of these photos to hang in the new place they will call home – together.

Bride’s Gown + Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Flowers: Flowers by Julia
Cake & Cupcakes: D & K – Karen’s Cakes and Kreations
Tuxedos: Seno Formal Wear
DJ + Lighting: T Entertainment DJ & Photography
Reception Venue: Wise Guys Bar & Grill