They met in high school, both counselors for the sixth grade camp for their school district.  The kids at camp called them “the couple,” and urged them to date.  They flirted, but life took them in different directions after high school.  Kevin went to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, while Mandy headed off to the University of Florida.  They remained friends, seeing each other off and on, with him even visiting her in Portugal when she studied abroad in college.  Though they each took interest in other people, they always seemed to keep each other in the back of their minds and hearts.  FINALLY, a couple of years ago, they began to date exclusively.  Everyone wondered…would this really be it?   Long-distance dating proved to be difficult with Kevin in Pittsburgh and Mandy in Chicago.  They saw each other frequently, but needed to be in the same city.  The deal was finally sealed early this year when Kevin moved to Chicago.  Within a couple of months, we got the call: Kev and Mandy were engaged!

You see, this story is familiar and special to me because Kevin is my brother-in-law.  I have known him since he was sixteen.   He has a huge heart, quick wit, is a stellar athlete, drove nuclear submarines as a Naval Officer, has multiple graduate degrees, and now consults for businesses with his MBA.  As my husband (Kevin’s brother) says, “life is just better with Kevin around.”   I adore him, just as I know countless others do.

I have known Mandy for a long time, too – she attended my wedding ten years ago with Kevin.  She has always been such a cheerful, kind presence, and has proven to have a big heart as well over the past few years, highlighted by a surprise 30th birthday weekend for Kevin in New York City last fall that she so carefully planned.  She is classy, fun, beautiful, friendly, and as a prosecuting attorney, can match wits with Kevin.   As I have heard Kevin say, “Everybody loves Mandy.”  It’s true.

I have to say, I knew ten years ago, or at least hoped, that they would end up together.  We rode the roller coaster of Kevin and Mandy (Were they together?  Were they not?) for years.  Therefore, this wedding was an amazing celebration long in the making.  It brought together two people who we always thought should be as one.

Mandy and Kevin, your wedding was beautiful, fun, and a fabulous start to your life together.  Thank you for giving me the honor of photographing it (with my rad and fabulous friend and fellow photographer Kiera – I could not have done this without her, and many photos below are hers)!!  I hope you enjoy the photos for years to come.  I love you both!  Let’s celebrate…