“So, what are dads doing down the aisle these days?” A kidding grin spread across Abbie’s dad’s face. There was a sparkle of jest in his eyes that drew me in.

I answered, “Some dad’s cry but most have a stoic expression as they walk their daughters down the aisle. Don’t try to force it either way. Just let it happen….feel the emotions. This is YOUR day too. You are giving away your little girl today. You’ve raised her from a little babe to this day. This is a big deal!

While the sparkle remained, Doug’s eyes were suddenly glistening just a bit. Not wanting him to use up his tears on me. I said, “You know, it would be nice to see a dad smile his way down the aisle one of these days….” That helped. He held his head a little higher and smiled even bigger. His response? “I’ll see what I can do!”

What I don’t think he was ready for was his little girl to be the one to well with emotion on his arm down the aisle to her waiting husband-to-be. These families are special. For many reasons but their closeness and love for each other on both Abbie and Kyle’s sides is incredibly sweet.

I don’t think anyone caught it but I shed a few tears myself during Kyle’s mother-son dance. I’m always a little softened to this moment because I sometimes picture myself dancing with my boys on their wedding days but it was clear that the relationship Lisa and Kyle have is a special one — similar to the relationship I’ve had with my two older boys….just us for a while. The song started….Over the Rainbow. It was the version with the ukulele that played in the movie 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. I watched that movie about 50 times when Andrew was a newborn. I would rock him and sing that song to him night after night just the two of us. I lost it behind my camera as Kyle extended his hand to his mother and she took it with an adoring look in her eyes. Hearing that song…seeing them swaying back and forth the way I used to sway with my son…seeing the love between them. When Lisa reached up and touched his face and then buried her head in her, now tall and strong, state trooper son’s shoulder — I truly lost it.

I adore them.

The weather didn’t completely cooperate for their day. There were some moments here and there that threatened the dream day they had envisioned…then Abbie and Kyle would look at each other and it all melted away. Their love and their marriage was what mattered most. They had a beautiful day, special to them, surrounded by those they love.

It was an honor to stand with them and capture this gorgeous day for them.

Abbie and Kyle, thank you for trusting me and my team with your best day ever. We had a blast with you all from start to finish. You two are the real deal special — kind, caring, generous. Emma’s speech with all those words were spot on.

I hope you love this little sample of photos telling the story of your wedding day. And, because I know how hard it is to wait, there will be a surprise in your inbox later this evening. So, don’t forget to check!

XO - Megan

P.S. I think the fly followed me home!