This was the first official wedding I photographed and my nerves were calmed by the fact that Jenna is my dear cousin! I felt honored to be asked to photograph her and Bryent's special day, but was also really excited for the chance to fly out to the Midwest to spend time with my extended family who I don't get to see often enough. I always forget how well, Portland, Portland is until I visit other states far away. All of a sudden my vegetarianism is like a strange disease I am carrying around that nobody can help me with, "We only got chicken. You want some watermelon?" I couldn't meet anyone without them remarking about my nose ring. And a six hour drive to the lakeside house the wedding was at wasn't a scenic route over hills and lush, dark green forests, but a long stretch of asphalt carpet carved through corn and soy fields. But, I'll say this:

The people don't get more genuinely sweet and hospitable than here, and those skies are somethin else. 

 

It wasn't the outdoors like I knew from the Northwest, but Bryent's family lakeside home hosted a wildlife refuge on their property that was perfectly pictaresque. Grasslands, old growth trees, and constant birdsong. Jenna's oldest brother (there's four total) officiated their wedding and spoke beautifully of the seriousness of love and the lifetime commitment of marriage. Their talented musican friends from college played and sang songs and their families blessed them with prayers. It was true Midwest goodness,

full of family and laughter.