When Dana and Nathan contacted me to shoot their Brookside Gardens Wedding,  I was super excited. I had shot an engagement session back in the spring and just fell in love with the gardens. And then I met Dana and Nathan and fell in love with this fun and zany couple!

Dana and Nathan are just a blast to get to know! If their shoes don’t tip them off (take a look at those red shoes!) then their great big smile and sense of humor will tell it all. The happy couple were surrounded by their family and best friends.  And everyone was fun-loving and down to earth. Most of all, they knew how to have a good time while sharing the love!

The Engagement

I should back up a bit to Dana and Nathan’s engagement which is a super unique story! (the more unique, the better, in my book). Nathan planned a proposal that would retrace the steps of their first date at the Spy Museum (Tapas Restaurant). The final culmination of the date was a resounding yes and the family agrees that Dana and Nathan are a great match in interests, athletics, personality, and heart!

Getting to know the couple

I loved getting to know Dana and Nathan and how accomplished they are – independent, grand travelers (From NY to CA, stops in New Orleans and Yosemite- and beyond!), multi-lingual, working in jobs that serve others… There is so much that I could write that is impressive. But, to be honest, the most amazing thing is just to simply see the two together and to see each other’s faces light up! A Brilliant Shining Heart-felt connection is what you see and feel… And that is exactly what the world needs to see.

Special Moments

There were so many wonderful moments captured on Dana and Nathan’s wedding day but some of my favorite moments to photograph were the first look. I also loved the lights at the Brookside Garden. Further,  the penguin wedding rings were so unique.  And finally,  the unique dessert toppers at each table were a delight. I loved the couple’s wedding vision! It was so beautifully uncovered as the evening went on.

Dana and Nathan,

I can’t imagine your Brookside Gardens Wedding unfolding any other way more reflective of your playful connection than the penguin rings, the hobbit jokes, the “electric” dance floor, and the miles of smiles! Although you all have been together about 5 years or so, it seems like your connection transcends time in a way that reflects how well you fit together. My hope for you is that your future remains as bright, playful and hopeful as you both are! That you find the perfect house with a kitchen large enough for you both (I mean so that Nathan can cook and that Dana can tidy up after all the gourmet meals since we know Nathan will be running an amazing one-man show in La Cocina!)

I hope that you have many more adventures together and that you land in Italy one day in the near future! I hope that your desire for children is met in perfect timing and that they are every bit as playful as you are and then some!  May you continue to ground each other while also elevating each other’s needs above your own. And most of all, May you never stop dancing!

All my best to you and yours,
Michelle

P.S. Here is a shortlist of anniversary gift items in case you are ever stumped:
Neon Matching Penguin Onesie PJ’s
All expense paid trips to visit the Alpacas (again because repeating past dates are huge hits!)
A Compilation of adorable animal videos that you can send just because it would make Dana smile
<3 Michelle

 

For a look at a winter engagement, check out this blog post!