the one with Kate and Nicholas getting married at The Chapel at Eberley Brooks
This wedding was a little different for me because I have watched Kate grow up.
Her dad is Devin’s first cousin, and if you know anything about the Bednarz family, you know the family tree is less of a tree and more of an entire agricultural operation. It is a close farm family, and I have been part of it long enough to have watched Kate go from a little girl to a bride.
Which is wild, honestly!
Kate and Nicholas were married in the chapel at Eberley Brooks, and the day started with hair at Drybar. Kate wore her hair down in soft waves, and her bridesmaids wore light green dresses that looked beautiful together. Each was just a bit different to reflect personality and style. How cool is that? Her maids of honor were her twin cousins, Ashlyn and Megan. Ashlyn is my godchild, so there were family connections everywhere I turned. Basically, I could not photograph five feet without seeing someone I had known for years. Cindy helped Kate get ready. Cindy is Kate’s dad’s partner and one of the women who helped raise her. She zipped the dress, helped with the details, and was right there in the middle of all the getting-ready commotion.
Kate had first looks with her brother, her dad, and Nicholas. Each one was sweet in its own way, although I am fairly certain everyone was doing their best not to completely fall apart before the ceremony even started. Did I mention that Kate and Nicholas met in 4th grade? I think that was about the time. Please correct me in the comments if I’m wrong.
There was also a little floral excitement from the day. You see, Kate rented her flowers, and one of the boxes filled with the florals arrived the morning of the wedding. Because apparently wedding flowers enjoy making a dramatic entrance too. LOL She handled it like a champ for sure! I would have been freaking out and chasing delivery trucks. LOL Thankfully, everything arrived, everything worked, and everything looked beautiful!
During the ceremony, Kate and Nicholas washed each other’s feet. It was a meaningful part of the service and a beautiful picture of serving one another in marriage. And then they were married!
The reception included a slideshow filled with childhood photographs and pictures from their dating years. Kate and Nicholas also took time to walk around and visit their guests at the tables, which I always love. Weddings move quickly, and it was nice seeing them slow down long enough to talk with the people who came to celebrate them. They cut their cake, drank milk with it, and served cookies to their guests. Milk and cookies at a wedding reception? Honestly, I support it. FULLY. How did we all get so lucky?!?
Kate’s dad gave a speech during the reception, and at one point he said Elizabeth’s name. You see, Elizabeth was Kate’s mom. She died from cancer when Kate was only three years old. It was sudden, awful, and something I still find myself still processing all these years later. Elizabeth was more than family to me, she was my friend. She was one of the other “outlaws” in the family, meaning she married into the Bednarz crew just like I did. We were not related by blood, but we understood the assignment. We talk about Elizabeth, but hearing her name spoken in that room, that night? Surrounded by her family, on her daughter’s wedding day, well, it definitely hit differently. It was emotional. There is no way around that. But it was also soooooo good to hear her name.
Later, Kate danced with her dad, and he swung her around the dance floor like a true Texas dad. And he did it without boots or slipping which was very impressive! Kate’s aunt Amy also showed up looking exactly fabulous as I would expect. Amy always delivers when it comes to hair and dresses, and her gold gown did not disappoint! If you are reading this Amy, FANTASTIC JOB! Before the weather turned, I managed to sneak Kate and Nicholas away for sunset photos. Just the three of us. The sky was beautiful, the light was perfect, and the storm clouds were starting to build in the distance. We finished just in time because the weather soon became serious enough that the venue decided to end the reception early so everyone could get home safely. Not exactly the ending anyone had planned, but Texas weather rarely checks the wedding timeline. The DJ played one more song as Kate and Nicholas shared a last dance, and then they headed out surrounded by family and friends.
Kate and Nicholas, thank you for letting me photograph your wedding. It was such a joy getting to watch this day unfold, especially after watching Kate grow up. From the chapel to the milk and cookies, the family speeches, the Texas dancing, and the storm rolling in, it was completely and wonderfully yours! Congratulations, you two.
Love does,
Kristin
