A Maroon, Blush and Navy Wedding at The Lodge at Liberty Forge | Katie + Jon 9.14.19

The PhotosWeddings

Sep 17

It was the end of the night. The party was going strong in The Lodge at Liberty Forge reception hall. Lights flashed and guests sang and waived their arms as they laughed and danced to the music. I happed to be standing by Katie’s Uncle who had diligently pushed her grandpa Joe in his wheelchair for much of the day. It was his turn to let loose. On his own, he seemed to be taking it all in. He stood tall and proud with a look of genuine joy and pride in the family he saw before him. I asked him if he had enjoyed the day. He affirmed that he did. I told him how much I had enjoyed his family…how emotion-filled the day had been.“Criers….we’re all cries!” He said. I laughed and relayed my story of greeting Katie earlier in the day: I walked into the girls getting ready room where Katie was having her hair curled. She was faced away from me looking into the gigantic, gold-framed mirror before her as she was primped and pampered. As soon as she heard my voice, she jumped up and exclaimed, “Megan’s here!!!!” We both squealed about three octaves higher then normal and I ran up to her to give her the biggest hug on her wedding day. She immediately started crying tears of joy. She said, “It’s just so real now that Megan’s here!” It was a moment I will never forget.

In THIS moment, at the reception at the end of the night, her uncle said, “See! Criers. It’s genetic!”I said, “It’s wonderful! I LOVE IT!” He argued that as a man, it’s embarrassing. He confided that he even cried during Monster’s Inc. when Boo realized Sully was gone. He said he wished he wasn’t so emotional. My response? “I think you should take pride in the fact that you have a heart big enough to feel with such depth and clarity. It’s a gift you should treasure. I will admit that my husband would take Katie’s uncle’s side in this disagreement but I stand strong in my opinion here. The emotion showed in this beautiful wedding day is a testament to the love these two families have to share in together. They love deeply. They share in their sorrows together as one. They laugh and dance together and celebrate life together. The union of these two families on this perfect of days is a lovely match. Not only Katie for Jon but also the Algers and the Roths. May Katie and Jon’s lives be filled with as much emotion and joy as their wedding day was. I don’t think two people have ever laughed together on their wedding day as much as Katie and Jon did. It was a genuine celebration.

From the florals to the entertainment, the day was as perfect as it gets. The few drops of rain made the pond photos possible and for them, Katie and I are grateful. Watching Grandpa Joe watch his beautiful granddaughter marry the man of her dreams was something truly special. Even when (as the ceremony ran a few minutes behind) he said a little ‘too’ loudly with a devilish chuckle, “Maybe Katie changed her mind!” Every guest was laughing. Still having fun at 96! Something we can all aspire to.

Katie and Jon, what to say. THANK YOU. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your family and friends on this most special of days. I hope it was everything you dreamed it would be and more. Jon, I’ll never forget how clearly you stated, “Yes I do” in your deep voice with a grin when asked if you would take Katie to be your wife. Katie, your joy is contagious. I don’t think it is possible not to smile in your presence. You have light inside of you that shines so brightly it fills in the shadows of those around you. It’s no wonder you have such wonderful family and friends. It is not possible to not feel loved in your presence. You two are destined to live a life full of happiness and love with a dollop of laughter and fun. I can’t wait to watch it all unfold. Maybe uncle Earl will even get his wish to officiate a baptism in the future! 😉 I hope you enjoy this sample of photos from your lovely wedding day. And, because I know how hard it is to wait (even on your honeymoon), there is a surprise in your inbox RIGHT NOW! Enjoy! XO – Megan