Lukas and I agreed to shoot each other’s weddings years ago. He upheld his end of the bargain in March, but I asked him what would happen if he didn’t get married before Rachel and I move to Africa next spring. So, we agreed that if I shot his brother Sam’s wedding, we’d be even…

It had only rained on May 23rd once in 60 years, so everyone was a bit surprised to wake up to a steady downpour that morning. But what started as a reason for concern turned into a beautiful display of everyone’s teamwork and care for Sam and Nicki. As rental trucks started showing up, tents started popping up all over the yard, and volunteers pitched in wherever a hand was needed.

Sam was noticeably excited.

As was Lukas. Perhaps at least in part because he was able to be in his brother’s wedding without having to shoot it.

Brotherly resemblance…

I’m not sure whose idea it was to climb a wet oak tree, 30′ off the ground, in dress shoes, but Sam demonstrated his willingness to go out on a limb…

Nicki made her dress herself, so got to add a lot of personal flair!

Sam works with his hands a lot, so his ring could fit on my thumb…

Nicki’s mom taught me that the New Zealand tradition is to get a photo of each person pinning the boutonnière on for their parent. Sam was happy to oblige too.

Sam’s been Pastor MacArthur’s groundskeeper for years, so he was happy to officiate the wedding….

Sam and Nicki, your wedding was so beautiful! I know it was very different than you expected, but your flexibility and selflessness shone through, and gave a great indication of what your marriage will be like. Thanks for letting me be a part of it!

(Want more? View the complete gallery here.)

Remember Nicholas & Krista from their engagement session in Santa Barbara? Their wedding was a few weeks ago, up in beautiful Loomis, California! A special treat, too, was that I got to bring my beautiful wife along as my second shooter!

I LOVED this truck!

I love outdoor weddings, too!

Nicholas and his dad made the rack for the cupcakes…

Krista and her dad at the conclusion of their dance:

Nicholas and Krista, every aspect of your wedding was completely delightful. Rachel and I loved being a part of it, and felt like we were at our best friends’ wedding. Thanks for being so welcoming and fun. All the best as you settle in up in Oregon!

If Nate and Janna’s wedding was any indication of what they’re like, I really want to get to know them better. Fortunately, Nate is now my cousin-in-law, so I suspect we’ll get many more opportunities for that to actually happen. 🙂

Nate and Janna, thanks so much for letting me be a part of your wedding. I do look forward to spending more time with you in the days ahead, and getting some of the details for the outrageous stories I’ve already heard about both of you. 🙂