I've known Kari my entire life. She's older than me and my cousin, so I really didn't have a choice. :) I have lots of wonderful memories growing up with Kari and a handful of other cousins. Most of the time it was me, Kate, Kari and Mandy that stuck together. We are the four youngest girl cousins. I thought I'd include a few photos just for fun. 

Here we are when we were super little.

And again, in the pool we went to everyday of every summer - and singing a Lion King song on Grandpa's pack porch, Forth of July style. (Side note: Why in the world am I not wearing pants? And why do I look so comfortable without them!!)

The photo below was from the following summer ('95) and I actually remember this photo being taken, which is strange for me. I don't remember a lot of things.

Anyway, all that to say, I photographed Kari's wedding several weeks ago and it was a very special moment for me. All of my other cousins were either married or had booked a photographer before I started shooting weddings, so it really, really meant a lot that I was able to shoot Kari's. It meant more than I thought it would as I found myself tearing up a little more than usual (yes, I cry at weddings all the time) on their wedding day.

Tyler and Kari met while working at Starbucks. (Is there a better place in life!?) Tyler proposed on the edge of a beautiful cliff in Europe and I'm certain it was very romatic. :)

There were record breaking tornados on the day of Tyler and Kari's wedding, so things were a bit crazy. The ceremony was delayed over an hour and for awhile all guests were hiding in the basement. The ceremony had to be moved in under the tent and all portraits were taken in about a 15 minute period while the sun was actually shining! All in all though, it was a great day. Tyler and Kari made life-altering commitments and danced the night away under a doily chandelier. Our families rocked the Smilebooth, enjoyed yard games and told stories. It really was day filled with laughter and God's love. 

Enjoy my favorite images below. And to Tyler and Kari, thank you for letting us photograph your celebration - it's something I'll always remember. [BC]