When one of your childhood best friend’s older sister gets engaged and asks you to be their wedding photographer, you jump up and down and say, “Hell yes!!!”

I’ve known Michelle pretty much as long as I’ve known Avicia, one of my best friends since middle school and Michelle’s little sister. She has always been captivatingly charismatic, kind, and funny. I have so many memories of Michelle driving Avicia and I around our hometown, jamming to all kinds of music, hanging out at their parents’ house, and I always recall laughing so hard. So it was only appropriate that since she and Darik met in her parents’ backyard, that they one day have their wedding there. :) Michelle and Darik have such a fun, loving, quirky, and goofy relationship. Last spring when we shot their engagement photos, I left the session with my cheeks sore from laughing so hard with them and a memory card full of sweetness. (You can see their engagement session here.) These two are rarely serious, but they’re such a joy to be around.

There were so many elements to Darik and Michelle’s wedding that were special. First being that their dog, Barlow, was their flower girl. Then there was also the sweetest gifts that Michelle handmade for all her bridesmaids and mom. There was also the fact that Darik wore his grandfather’s beautiful watch. And that they shared a first look together at the same spot where they met years ago.

This day would not have been possible without the help of Michelle’s parents, siblings, friends, and other family. What I admired most about their wedding day is how people they love pitched in to make food, do makeup, help out, and share their talents. That’s the good stuff, friends!

Xo,
Sarah