Natalie and Jared : The Secret Garden

ast year, I received a lovely email from Natalie's mom to talk about Natalie's upcoming wedding. Since Natalie was away at school, I met Brenda for coffee at Starbucks to chat about the wedding. Our coffee date wasn't just about Natalie and Jared's wedding though. We talked about everything including college, engagements, wedding details and just LIFE. For those of you that know Brenda, you would know how warm and sincere her heart is. In just about every sentence she speaks, it screams love. It was so refreshing to talk and spend an afternoon over coffee with Brenda, chatting about the little details of life and all the wonderful wedding plans to come. I didn't know Natalie well, but if she was anything like her mom, I knew we would work together well. I was so excited to meet with her and talk about all her ideas for the wedding and get to know her better. Finally, Natalie flew into town and I met with Natalie's family at the Secret Garden, the venue Natalie and Jared chose for the wedding. We walked the grounds and looked at photo opportunities and chatted about exactly what Natalie was looking for. Her eyes would light up as she talked about colors, flowers and her dress, while she thumbed through her notebook of photos she had clipped out of magazines. We left the venue and grabbed some lunch at Chipotle to finish discussing the wedding and contract. Natalie and I chatted about both our fiances and exchanged stories as we both were engaged to be married within weeks of each other. One thing I remember about our conversation was Natalie describing their relationship. She almost couldn't put together the words to describe how she felt about him. Her demeanor said it all. As months passed, Natalie would write such sweet e-mails about her anticipation of the wedding. We became friends and I feel SO honored to have been a part of this wedding.  
Natalie and Jared's story is quite simple. They met in college at a local Starbucks and talked for hours. It looks like the initial conversation led into alot more than just a simple greeting at Starbucks. They fell in love.  
One thing I adored about working with Natalie and Jared was watching all their emotions unfold throughout the day. They are truly a beautiful couple and Stephen and I felt so blessed to have been a part of this day! To watch a slideshow of the rest of the day, click HERE

Natalie and Brenda were SO cute the morning of the wedding at the Secret Garden

Natalie has such a contagious laugh. While she read a letter Jared wrote to her, one of the bridesmaids said something to make her laugh.

After we took some bridesmaids photos, Natalie wanted to see her dad before walking down to see Jared for the first time. I definitely shed a few tears through the lens this time!

Natalie is one of the classiest brides I've shot. She is not only gorgeous but she's such a classy gal in all areas of her life.

Jared's reaction to Natalie was priceless. Immediate tears filled his eyes.

Jared is REALLY good at getting Natalie to smile.

The light was absorbed through the trees and the entire ceremony just glowed of golden light.

The speeches were SO cute and I think everyone at one point may have shed a little tear listening to them. Jared's dad stood proud as Jared's best man.

Stephanie, Natalie's maid of honor, gave a GREAT speech about her friendship with Natalie.

Brenda may hate me for posting this photo but I just couldn't resist! its just TOO cute!

Natalie's grandparents won the anniversary dance and cracked a joke when asked what their advice is about marriage. I just LOVE this photo!