I can’t think of a sneak peek that I’ve been more excited to post this year than Marisa and John’s. We had such a good time photographing their fun wedding at Pendarvis Farm. The whole day seemed to come in happy waves: the low key getting-ready wave, the hot and sweaty portraits wave (John and I hot and sweaty as we fruitlessly cast about for open, even shade), then the tender and sweet wedding wave (with a tradition I’ve not witnessed before, more on that in a minute), and then as dusk fell, truly the best after-wedding-party. Ever.

Ok, here was something really neat about their wedding ceremony. Instead of the officiant conducting the entire ceremony, John and Marisa’s friends one by one shared stories or observations about the couple. About their relationship. Or about the funny or kind or wonderful things they’ve done with and for each other. Or the sweet ways that John loves Marisa or that Marisa loves John. While an officiant can conduct a meaningful wonderful ceremony, wouldn’t it be fantastic to be married by the kind words and blessings of those who know you best and love you most? Makes me wish I could have a wedding re-do just so that I could have a ceremony just like theirs.

Here are a few of our favorite photos from the day. It was hard to edit down to this hundred or so. I didn’t get to put in all of the horses. Or the adorable kitten by the barn. But, hey, it’s a wedding, right? My favorite of the day: your perfect dance posture struck amidst a sunset vineyard. Only you two could pull that off. Congrats to you both. You two are the bomb.

See the slide show here.

click here for all of John and Marisa’s wedding day pics.