I am looking through Kara and Vince's wedding photos and I realized that something was wrong.  It started out gradual, but the longer I went through and edited...the more nagging the problem got.  I finally figured out that the problem was pain.  My cheeks were hurting.  I'd been smiling so much without realizing it that my cheeks actually started to hurt.  How crazy is that?  I think it was looking at Kara's big grin and super laugh.  It just made me laugh and grin, even a week later!

Kara and Vince both grew up in Alaska.  They went to the same high school.  At one point during our wedding day photos I said in a sappy, slightly sarcastic voice "Oh, it looks like you guys are standing for a prom picture.  Awww."  They both looked at each other and sorta giggle-grinned.  Vince says "Well, I actually did ask her to prom.  And she turned me down!"  Kara answered, slightly sheepishly "I already had a date.  What was I supposed to do?  I said YES today." 

So, I learned a lot of things from this wedding...Alaska is now on my list of places to visit during summertime.  I could never live there, however.  Someone said it is regularly in the "teens" during winter.  Ummm...no, can't live like that.  I think that's equivalent to zero Kelvin for me (inside joke for any fellow nerds out there).  I learned that a seven year old boy clearly has more rhythm than I do (although that was not such a surprise, more of a confirmation).  And I learned that Alaskan salmon is on my top five favorite foods now.


I thought their guest book was a great idea. Kara took photos of the two of them through the years...school pictures, Halloween costumes, trips together, etc.

Of course I love candids, and this was one of my favorites from the day. Just before getting announced back into their reception...Kara and Vince were just out of people's view. But, I had a little peek as they both paused to look at Vince's new piece of bling.

This little guy just had to see up-close for the toasts. So cute!

And then there's the "look". When you're looking at your new spouse. a little piece of chocolate cake in your hand. wondering. will he actually smash this cake in my face??