Linville Land Harbor Wedding | Krista and Steve

“To love is to be vulnerable”

— C.S. Lewis

As Krista made her way quietly toward Steve for their first look, you could feel their anticipation. They had gotten ready in the same house but were both so excited for this moment. The pressure of little details had been building all morning, as they tend to do on wedding days and all they both wanted was to finally spend some quiet time together. As Steve turned to look at his beautiful bride, he was all emotion and Krista’s eyes filled with tears as well. They were both right where they were supposed to be and the rest of the day flowed without a hitch.

Candis spoke during the ceremony of the many aspects of love and what binds couples together for the long haul. Her primary focus however, was on the the fact that they must each be vulnerable to each other with their love and vulnerable to receive it as well. It was evident from their tearful vows they had already opened up to each other over the past months and would continue to do so forever.

Their blending of families creates a vulnerability as well. Steve has 4 children Alexa, Brandon, Katelyn and Nicholas and Krista has two children Landon and Isabella. All must be willing to open up to each other and be willing to work together to make this beautiful relationship a success and everyone did so without reserve.

Their friend Aspen said during her reception speech that no matter how wonderful and happy a couple can be they still have to fight for each other and for their relationship daily. At that moment they looked at each other with such a fierce love, I believe that’s exactly what they intend to do. And I’m so happy I got to witness it. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day you guys! You are truly blessed to have each other!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Linville Land Harbor

Dress: Custom made by Alla Maksina

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Flowers: DIY

Officiant: Candis Parker

Catering: The Pedalin’ Pig

Cake: Publix:

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: Parties Too

Favors: Krista hand made every guest an Ellie badge (grape soda pin) as they are part of their club now.

Wedding Day Moments

“The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place.”

— Barbara de Angelis

Formal portraits and semi-posed smiles are certainly a vital part of any wedding day, but some of my favorites moments are the ones that fall in between. There's life to be found there. 

It's easy to gauge each milestone marker in our lives with the big events: birthdays, weddings, new puppies, births, new jobs, new cities, even concerts and other bucket list items. I like to think of those as the formal portraits and semi-posed smiles that represent each step in our lives. 

But it's the in between moments that are pure gold. The small victories when we choose kindness over impatience. When we stay up late with our spouse because they need comfort more than we need sleep. When a knowing smile is all it takes for two souls to burst into laughter and a gentle touch to bring on the flood gates that wash away the pain. 

Sometimes the camera settings are not perfect and the composition not exactly artistic, but it's the captured moments that arrive for a second and are gone just as fast, the moments that cannot be re-posed that make the day real and move the story forward. 

From epic toasts to subtle adjustments to brothers in the military calling in because they couldn't be there, I live for these moments in my own life and yours.