“I was on a bus in Florence. I was living there for a semester abroad, studying studio art and art history and language and being in my hands-down favorite city ever, getting a taste of everything life on my own could be at its very finest, and I was sitting on the bus realizing that that didn’t cut it anymore. Wonderful as it all was, my best daydreams weren’t quite complete without him — and even though it would be a lot longer before I could consciously admit 110% certainty that he was it, that was the first time I understood on some level that my priorities had shifted.”

I’ve photographed a few very intimate weddings before and, each time, I’m reminded how much I love the simplicity of small weddings. I joined Erin & Julian and their immediate families last Thursday for their wedding at the Quad Cities Botanical Garden. It was everything you could imagine for a perfect day: beautiful flowers and a relaxing environment.

I love how happy they are together. When she listed her time in Florence as the time she knew they would be together forever, he agreed, listing the same time frame: “We skyped every Sunday morning (the only time our schedules could be synced). Every time we hung up I just couldn’t help but be very excited to talk to her in a week’s time. It became apparent that we were both very confident in each other and were committed to getting through the tough times. We weathered the storm well and after that it was pretty clear that we both wanted to be with each other for as long as we could.”

Girl, you are STUNNING.

Erin is an avid reader (and a librarian!) and an incredibly gifted artist. Julian is a genius when it comes to energy efficiency (and I’m also jealous of his green thumb) and says, “I know it’s naive and improbable, but I would like to make a difference in the world. I just feel it is my duty to try and improve the world we live in. I’m not sure how, but if an opportunity presents itself, I would not hesitate to take it.” Being invited into their home was such a perfect way to see their interests and talents in action.

Their ceremony was held in the center of the sun garden with their parents, grandmas, and brothers present. It’s always such an honor to document a wedding like this, especially since I end up being the only one present who is not immediately related (or related at all, actually).
This says it all…
Julian’s ring is made out of a meteorite; how incredible is that?! I loved hearing the whole story of how it was custom made for him.
After their ceremony, they hosted a beautiful reception dinner back in their home, a place that oozes their personalities and gifts.
This table was custom made by the couple; it’s a map of their city and includes two X’s, marking their current home together and her parents’ home (where she lived before).

Erin & Julian, thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me into your wedding day. I am so so so happy for you two and have loved getting to know you and your families. I hope when you look back, you see the laughter and the smiling faces of those who love you.