Kate & Ryan’s story began at work, which is kind of fitting because relationships, well, let’s be honest…they take some work. But, if you’re very lucky, all the hard work pays off with lots of love, laughter and a best friend at your side through the good times and the bad.
Their wedding, held earlier this month at the elegant Ocean Edge Resort, was a wonderful celebration of Kate & Ryan’s commitment to one another, to their son, Nicholas, and of all the love they are blessed to have in their lives.
Kate & Ryan’s families were very much at the heart of the day’s celebrations. These two lucky people come from very loving families. Kate’s brother, and five of her first cousins were all in the wedding party, as was Ryan’s older brother, Ken, who served as best man, and Ken’s wife, Tracy and their 3 boys, Jared, Brady & Drew.
Both Kate & Ryan’s parents are still married and both families have had to overcome challenges in life. And, sometimes, it is those challenges that make us see more clearly how blessed we are and how important it is to live fully and love with your heart wide open.
The party that followed their exchanging of, “I do’s,” was one of those parties where it’s clear that everyone was living fully, loving with their hearts wide open and celebrating in a big way! Andy & I had such a blast watching and documenting all the fun. Here are just a few of our favorite love-filled moments from the day. Enjoy!
Kate’s cousin Amy helps button Kate into her gorgeous dress…
Beautiful Kate! From our first meeting, I’ve thought Kate was a prettier version of Alicia Silverstone…don’t you think?
Heading to the chapel….and sheeeee’s gonna get maaaaried!
I love the photos of the guys getting ready. Andy definitely has a more challenging job than me when it comes to the getting ready photos because guys normally wait till the very last minute and then it’s chaos. But, Andy has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and can capture some wonderful moments, like this one of Ryan putting on his cufflinks.
On the trolley with Ryan & his mates in all their manliness! Love it! If RayBans needs a new ad campaign this could be it!
This is that moment, when it suddenly hits you, “I’m getting married today, and here comes my wife.” The emotion can be overwhelming, in the best kind of way!
And, then the rings go on and it’s official….
I love this perspective of Kate’s parents in the foreground and Ryan’s parents in the background as the priest asks family & friends to raise their hands and send blessings to the happy couple.
A sign of peace….and LOVE glorious love!
more signs of peace & love…
Usually during communion at Catholic ceremonies, the happy couple gets a moment to soak in what’s just happened, and as is often the case, they look to their rings. Ryan was pretty chuffed with his and decided to show it off to our cameras. Love it!
Although the day was all smiles and happy tears, Kate joined Ryan’s family to take a brief pause and remember Ryan’s brother, Craig, who died from a brain tumor when he was just 27. A commemorative brick behind Our Lady of the Cape, where Kate & Ryan got married, stands in loving memory of Craig.
I love this shot of the family gathered by the brick. I love the sun flare and the composition, but mostly I love the emotion it evokes. Somehow I feel Craig’s presence in this image. Life is raw….it is hard and sweet and beauty can be found in the happiest and saddest of times and I love that about life.
Kate & her cousins…are they adorable or what? Good genes in that family!
Kate’s super cute mom, Sue, and super sweet, Dad, Dan, sure seem happy about their new son in law! Dan is a 20-year survivor of brain cancer, an ironic coincidence Kate & Ryan’s families share.
Kate & Ryan with their uber delicious son, Nicholas.
I call this one, “Flock of birds.” Andy is English and a slang English term for girls is birds, but you probably already knew that.
The guys…
It was a gorgeous September afternoon and Ocean Edge’s private beach was unseasonably crowded, so we just had the group parade the beach and have some fun….which they did!
Our happy couple takes a moment…
The new roof deck at Ocean Edge is a sweet spot for cocktail hour…
Ryan’s mom, Louise gets a little lovin’ during cocktail hour.
Kate’s dad’s cousin, Charlene, sang Kate & Ryan’s first dance, “Songbird,” by Fleetwood Mac. She did an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G job! It was a beautiful moment!!!
As was Kate’s first dance with her dad…
And Ryan’s with his mom…
And then the party really got underway with a little Michael Jackson’s thriller….nice moves ladies!
Kate stretched her pipes and helped out Eye2Eye’s lead singer, Penny Lane.
Big thanks to Erik & the wonderful crew at Ocean Edge, to Meredith Fancy at Fancy Flowers, Cape Destinations and Eye2Eye for all being so good at what you do and for making our job not just easy, but super fun! Thank you too to Ryan & Kate’s wonderful families for making us instantly feel welcomed and especially to Kate & Ryan, for inviting us to be a part of this special time in your lives. We hope these photos serve as happy reminders of your AMAZING wedding for many happy years to come!!!
Big hugs & love, Christine & Andy xo