You’ve felt it—that undeniable shift.

The quiet moments between you have deepened, the future feels more like a shared vision than an abstract idea, and the word “forever” has started to feel less intimidating and more like home. Maybe you’re thinking about proposing. Maybe you’ve already said yes. Maybe marriage has been on your mind, but you’re still deciding what that commitment looks like for you.

As a wedding photographer documenting love stories since 2009 and a Humanist Celebrant officiating marriages since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing hundreds of moments that define love and partnership. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: commitment is personal, powerful, and uniquely yours.

The beauty of modern love is that there’s no single path to “I do.” Some couples crave the magic of a grand celebration, while others find meaning in an intimate elopement, a courthouse vow exchange, or a backyard gathering with their closest people. What matters most isn’t how you commit but that your commitment feels honest, intentional, and entirely yours.

Through the lens of my camera, I’ve seen the way love speaks in subtle gestures—the way hands instinctively find each other, the unguarded laughter, the tearful exchange of vows that feel like the most natural words you’ve ever spoken. As a celebrant, I’ve had the honor of crafting ceremonies that reflect the depth of these commitments, bringing words to what couples already know in their hearts.

Creating a Moment That Feels Like You

If you’re stepping into this next chapter, here are a few things I encourage you to consider:

• Honor your story. Your relationship has been shaped by your experiences together—celebrate that in your commitment. Whether that means incorporating personal vows, meaningful locations, or elements of your shared journey, make it yours.

• Let go of expectations. There’s no “right” way to get married. It doesn’t have to follow tradition unless you want it to. The best weddings are the ones where the couple feels at ease, fully present, and genuinely excited about the experience.

• Surround yourself with people who support you. Whether that’s a handful of loved ones or just the two of you, the energy of your wedding day should feel affirming and full of joy.

• Capture the moments that matter. Photographs aren’t just for the day—they’re for the decades ahead. Whether you elope in the mountains, have a city hall wedding, or host a weekend-long celebration, invest in documentation that tells your story authentically.

More Than a Wedding—A Beginning

Marriage isn’t just about the wedding. It’s about the life you’re building together, the small, everyday ways you show up for each other, and the commitment to love not just in the big, cinematic moments but in the quiet, unglamorous ones too.

As someone who has spent years witnessing love in its rawest, most beautiful forms—both behind the camera and at the altar—I can tell you this: your commitment is yours to define. Whether your wedding is grand or simple, traditional or unconventional, all that truly matters is that it feels like home.

When you’re ready to take that next step, I’d love to help tell your story—through my lens, through ceremony, or simply by being a resource as you navigate this journey. However you choose to say “yes,” I hope it feels like the most natural thing in the world.