Good morning!

I am SO excited to start the week with Rachel and Ben’s wedding.  I have been just so elated with this wedding and couldn’t wait to share!

The whole day was so perfect and serene.  Just like Ben and Rachel.  They’re two of the most quiet and SWEETEST people.  They’re peaceful and calm.  And the whole wedding day reflected their personalities. I walked into Rachel’s suite at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort to pure serenity: just her and her sweet mom, Beth, getting ready together, enjoying strawberries and champagne.  Their calm attitudes set the tone for the entire day.  Even the weather itself calmed.  We were supposed to have rain and wind, but instead the perfect temperature and the perfect overcast clouds that made for the perfect photos all. day. long.

These two have a special place in my heart.  You see, they got engaged nearly two years ago while Ben was finishing up at the United States Air Force Academy.  Following graduation, Ben shipped off to the south for pilot training school and last month graduated and earned his wings! (Woo! Congrats, Ben!)  Rachel was the most patient, supportive, sweet girl an Air Force guy could ask for.  Knowing first hand, it’s a hard life… all the demands of the Air Force, yet all the unknowns make are interesting mix which require such patience and grace.

Obviously, these two have waited and waited for this day to come, sometimes not even knowing when this day would be.  Due to the unknown exact graduation date, they changed their wedding day several times.  Honestly, all the changes were worth it; we couldn’t have asked for a nicer day.  And I for one, couldn’t stop shooting these two… the joy that overflowed from them was just so intimate and passionate.  You’ll see what I mean in one of their TWO bride & groom portrait sessions. :-) They were so good to me and gave me two chunks of time for their portraits.

Rachel and Ben, thank you for letting me come alongside this journey with you in this little way.  You have a very, very exciting life ahead of you and I cannot wait to see where God takes you!   You’re so perfect for each other and Rachel, you know you serve our country by taking care of Ben.  So, thank you both for your service. :-) I love you guys a lot and look forward to crossing paths again.  As they say, it’s small world, but an even smaller Air Force.

So much love and joy to you,
René