Kim and Alex are high school sweethearts and have been dating for over 10 years before getting tying the knot. Throughout the entire day we spent with them and their families, it was evident how well these two know each other and how ready they were to take this next step in their lives together.  During the tea ceremony, we caught them whispering to each other, exchanging quick smiles and holding hands through what was a very important and special moment for both families. It’s honor to be a part of a tradition that goes back many generations and we relished the opportunity to document it.

After the tea ceremony at the bride’s home and a full wedding at Holy Redeemer, the reception got rocking at the Hilton in downtown Portland. Complete with a candy table, photobooth and a karaoke machine, it was obvious that Kim and Alex really know how to throw a party. Kim changed from her beautiful ball gown style wedding dress to the traditional Vietnamese attire for a bride as they greeted guests and friends who had some surprise games for the newlyweds. Then Kim did another quick wardrobe change and when we saw her hot pink party dress with gold stilettos, we knew it was going to be a true dance party. We had a blast with Kim, Alex and their entire family, who treated us like family.

What life’s all about right here. A few of my favorite frames from a beautiful family shoot on Cape Cod.

Here’s just a little music to accompany the photographs.

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This was a very special wedding for both families because Jaimie and Chris first met as young kids. They grew up a little together but time passed, families moved, the kids left for college and the two lost touch. Then one day, through Facebook, Jaimie and Chris found each other, reconnected and began a friendship. Fast forward to August 27, 2011, their wedding day that we had the privilege of photographing. It was an emotional gathering of friends and family from as far as England and France as childhood stories were told and toasts were given to the couple who were so obviously meant to find each other and start their life together.

In her first email to us, Jaimie said her wedding would be “an urban-chic, super fun and energetic” event. From the Portland streetcar ride that took the bridal party to the venue, to the amazing floral arrangements by Alicia Goodell and the rooftop party at Portland’s EcoTrust building in the Pearl District, we definitely felt that Jaimie’s vision had come true.

Cheers!