Greg + Nadine
You know that fairytale love story that we’ve all heard about? The kind where the two protagonists are just the nicest people you’ve ever met, and when they are together the world just about stops turning, and everything goes into slow motion, revolving around the love they share? Well, Greg and Nadine, they share this kind of epic fairytale love, let me tell you what!
When Greg first saw Nadine on their wedding day, his smile was literally larger than life and Nadine was absolutely glowing both inside and out. I’d spent a few hours with Nadine and the beautiful women who surrounded her while she was getting into her white gown, and that glow had been growing steadily larger and larger, amplifying as we got closer and closer to the time for the first look.
Dom had the pleasure of working with Greg and his groomsman while they navigated tying their ties and donning their suits and when he brought him down to the lawn in front of the gorgeous 1800’s house for the first look, Greg transformed from a fairly quiet and somewhat stoic man to someone who was absolutely bubbling over with enthusiastic love for his beautiful bride.
Greg and Nadine’s portraits consisted mostly of laughter while Greg whispered into Nadine’s ear and made her giggle nonstop. We strolled around the beautiful grounds of Ainswoth House and Gardens, enjoying the perfect mix of a surprisingly sunny day and the coolness of the early autumn that was just settling into the Northwest.
As guests began to arrive, we tucked the bride away and I got to photograph the reception space which is one of my favorite due to it’s large windows, white walls, and ceilings with multiple sky-lights, basically a natural light photographer’s dream come true for a reception hall!
Greg and Nadine chose to marry beneath the gigantic Pine Tree which is another beautiful feature of Ainsworth House and Gardens and as Greg and Nadine’s parents began the processional and their wedding party followed, Nadine emerged from beneath a tunnel of ivy and there was an audible gasp from her guests as she walked down the brick walkway to meet her father’s arm.
Their ceremony was beautiful and included a beautiful story about how one’s wedding vows play out and offer a foundation of solidity as you work through life’s more difficult times together as a married couple. As the late afternoon light filtered down upon them and they exchanged rings of promise and shared their first kiss, the air was electric with the joy both emanating from their beaming faces, and from the applause of the joyful crowd who cheered them back down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs.
After signing the marriage license we partook in the Ainsworth Tradition of getting all the wedding attendees together on the lawn for a large group photo and then we enjoyed family portraits amidst congratulations, hugs, laughter, and even some tears.
Guests enjoyed amazing appetizers and food while Greg and Nadine made their way table to table greeting guests and enjoying the small but close knit group of friends and family in attendance. Speeches were made which warmed my heart about how these two when they found each other transformed their lives into the one of joy and beauty that we were able to witness on this day.
Nadine’s best friend made the most touching speech about their friendship and about Greg’s angelic-like ability to win over her little girl who ended up being their darling flower girl on their wedding day.
Greg and Nadine shared a beautiful first dance which ended in a dramatic dip and they were kind to each other while nicely feeding a small bite of their cake to kick off dessert for the guests. A live orchestral trio serenaded the crowd until the sun had set and it was time for Greg and Nadine to escape off to their honeymoon.
It was a stunning day celebrating love, and one that will linger in my heart with great fondness for many moons to come. Greg and Nadine, here’s to you and your wonderful future you have together. Thank you for the fairytale that you are!
