at home wedding

Y’all… Buddy the elf got it all wrong. The best way to spread Christmas cheer ISN’T singing loud for all to hear; it’s inviting your family and friends to your home on Christmas Eve for a surprise wedding! <3

While we wouldn’t usually take a wedding on our anniversary, Nate and I were in Disneyland when we first got Scott’s inquiry and we both got goosebumps! It wasn’t a matter of “if” we’d make it happen, but how, seeing as we’d have to shuffle some family plans to make it happen. I’ve always wanted to photograph a surprise wedding, and I honestly can’t think of a better way to spend our 9th anniversary afternoon than seeing this beautiful couple exchange vows. <3

This was the beautiful view Scott and Michael’s guests were treated to when they arrived for drinks. :)

Last minute cheat-sheet prep by their close friend and officiant, who also doubled as bartender. I told him he could make a killing here in Orlando combining those two services! ;)

THIS GIRL. <3 I fell in love with Michelle on our first shoot together, and she was 1/2 of the reason we got the incredible honor of photographing this wedding! Scott was going to hire a client’s daughter to shoot the event, and Michelle insisted he hire us. After a few minutes, they realized they were both talking about ME! Scott has cut my step dad’s hair for years! Such a small world. :)

It seemed their guests figured out they were there for a wedding at varying times, but I got to be present for a couple light bulb moments. :)

After everyone arrived, Scott and Michael led us to the back porch for the ceremony.

It took Scott’s sweet mom a good minute into the ceremony to realize her son was getting married!!

I loved Scott’s excitement when Michael put his wedding band on! :)

Every time I look at this photo, I get a lump in my throat. <3

The usual suspects! ;) See more photos of Michelle and Pocket HERE!

Marriage license time!!

The real star of the day- Warren! <3

Our favorite. <3

Scott and Michael, we hope y’all know how much it meant to us to be a part of this exciting chapter in your story!! From one Christmas Eve couple to another, we truly wish you the happiest of ever afters. Cheers, friends!!

Continued from Sarah and Christopher’s Wedding Part I. <3

Sarah’s mom did an incredible job on the wedding floral- Look at that bouquet!

The buffet stations were set up in the garage. :)

The band at Sarah’s wedding was the best bluegrass band we’ve ever heard. Imagine our surprise when I asked this man for their card and he tells me they’re not actually a band- Just friends that love to play together. He’s a friend of Sarah’s family… And a dentist. :)