This intimate wedding took place at the beautiful and private family property of Brendan and Sydney. Weddings this size are absolutely perfect, as it gives me the opportunity to not only meet the bride and groom's family and friends but to really get to know them and how they know the couple. And wow - what an amazing and kind group of people!

The moment I arrived to hair and makeup the ladies were all so genuine and fun. The laughter and moments shared between them was so special to see.

From getting to photograph the reaction of Sydney's bridesmaids and mother seeing her in her gown for the first time, to them helping her with her finishing touches, to the teary-eyed moments shared between them all, everything was so adorable.

Afterwards my second shooter, Kalen and I, headed over to the wedding venue to meet the groom and his groomsmen. We lead them through the forest to a clearing where we were able to photograph some fun and heart-felt moments between them all. We then gave Sydney the go-ahead to come over for the first look between the bride and groom.

Their first look was so touching. I couldn't help but tear-up, myself. Brendan's reaction to seeing Sydney for the first time on their wedding day was exactly how you hope it would go on your wedding day. They were both emotional and so in awe of their soon to be spouse. Brendan and Sydney shared vows between one another that they wrote themselves and shared a much needed quiet moment together before heading into bridal party portraits. I was SO glad this beautiful couple decided to opt for a first look because as we were headed back to start the ceremony, lightening flickered in the distance and a powerful thunderstorm rolled in. Before they could start the ceremony it started to rain. The rain, although heavy, didn't stop this ceremony from being so magical and perfect. Sydney walked down the aisle into an enchanted forest styled ceremony, with string lights hanging magically around them. They held hands, cried, laughed, hid under an umbrella and shared their first kiss as a married couple in a thunderstorm. For the rest of the night the couple and their guests (who were SO amazing and stuck out the storm for them) warmed up inside the tent, where they toasted to the couple, ate a delicious dinner and celebrated the night away. Soon enough the skies cleared up and the couple were able to open the tent onto an outdoor dance floor surrounded by twinkle lights. These guests wasted no time and danced up a "storm" - that pun had to be made. Sydney and Brendan worked so hard to organize this gorgeous wedding and it showed throughout the whole day.

Sydney and Brendan, I truly wish you two the happiest future together. Congratulations!

As you scroll through these images, enjoy seeing the highlights of their day.

Thanks for reading!

— Hilliary, Waves & Wildflowers Photography