Hello internet! Remember me? It’s been quite a while since I’ve published anything on this here blog – but I’ve been busy!!!

Never fear, though. I’m here with an update and will be posting several more in the near future. Today, I am so excited to share Alayna and Joel’s intimate wedding from earlier this year. Furthermore, this particular wedding is near and dear to my heart, not only because I had so much fun shooting it, but also because Alayna and Joel are family! Joel is Alex’s first cousin (slash quasi younger brother since Alex is an only child), and it was so special to have the opportunity to be included in their big day in this way. Also, it made family pictures SIGNIFICANTLY easier because, let’s be real, I knew 50% of my subjects by name (and could yell at them as needed accordingly).

Joel and Alayna are possibly two of the most laid back people I have ever met – no bridal party, no big proposal story (unless you count pizza and a ring pop as a big story, which I do but they don’t!), no fuss and muss. Rather, it was just the two of them, loving the heck out of each other, surrounded by their family and friends who love the heck out of them, too.

They even kept their engagement a secret for like, six months (how on earth they managed to do that I do not know, but kudos). The whole day was full of intimate and personal touches, which are pretty much my favorite thing ever (like you guys didn’t know that): Joel’s mom did Alayna’s hair, Alayna’s dad officiated their ceremony, and her mom made her bouquet.

All in all, it was a beautiful day that was so clearly about the two of them and their love for each other, as well as the life they are building together. Furthermore, they are stinkin’ cute- Joel looks just enough like my husband to be mildly unnerving, and Alayna has these awesome crazy blue eyes. Plus, we got to sneak out during golden hour and spend some time alone together and in doing so, created some of my new favorite couples’ portraits, so prepare yourself for Insta-spam. Oh also, Joel has an identical twin, so no, you are not seeing double .

Enjoy and congrats again to Alayna and Joel!