“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”

— Lao Tzu

You guys, I cannot even begin to describe how much I adore these two. From the very beginning I feel like we have been besties and I’m not sure there is anyone more supportive of my work. Every single time I post I’m going to be in there area they tell all their friends and it just means the world to me.

Last year they trusted me with an extra extra special engagement shoot at Linville Falls Winery which you should totally read about here first if you like. And they have been so very fun to work with on all things planning.

For their preparation time on the morning of the wedding, they decided they wanted to just be chill and get ready together along side all their mutual friends and not make a big fuss about waiting until the ceremony to see each other. I must say this made the day so enjoyable for everyone with tons of laughter, cheers and stories.

An equal star of the day was most certainly their best boy Ketsu who did everything exactly as they asked, and even waited until the perfect moment to bring the rings down the aisle. As the anticipation for the ceremony built I hid them in the back room with just Ketsu so they could have a moment, and I swear, as soon as he saw them he jumped for joy and pulled out all the excited wiggles, instantly bringing down any bits of stress that had built up. He really is the very best good boy. :)

The ceremony itself was one of those where we basically had to mop the floor after due to allllll the tears the entire room collectively shed, myself included. For two beautiful humans who felt the need to keep their relationship a secret up until their actual engagement out of uncertainty for how everyone would respond, the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. Both that first day and this day were a huge testament to how far we have come as a society, and more importantly, how many truly genuine friends they have who adore them for exactly who they are.

May there be no doubt ever again. Justin and Bryan, you are loved, supported, celebrated. Thank you for trusting your community, for being vulnerable and allowing us to come along side you. We are all cheering you and Ketsu on, now and forever.

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Guillermo Delgado

Venue: The Rickhouse, Durham, NC

Wedding Coordinator: Rose at Bright Rose Events

Wedding Attire: Bernard's Formalware and David’s Bridal

The Rings: Lashbrook

Barber: Mike Chops RDU

Florist: Ninth Street Flowers

Officiant: El Fisseha

DJ: DJ Scotty B

Event Lighting: Get Lit

Photobooth: Cynthia Viola Photography