I first met Lindsey when I photographed her sister Katrina’s wedding, where Lindsey was the maid-of-honor. I love their family and truthfully I’d missed them quite a bit since Katrina and Steve’s wedding. It’s an unfortunate side effect of being a wedding photographer…after getting to know couples and their friends and families and intimately documenting the most joyful day of their lives, I must say farewell as they return to their lives. Lindsey and Katrina come from a dynamic and loving military family. They are devoted to each other, they all have blackbelts in tae kwon do, they have incredible work ethic and teamwork, and there are multiple creative passions in the family (mom is a romance novelist!). Lindsey and her mom are both Russian linguists and Lindsey and her dad are both Army officers. I’ve had multiple opportunities to serve their family and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. So, when Lindsey became engaged to Ryan, also an Army officer, I was enjoyed that one of their first wedding planning decisions was to call me!

Lindsey and Ryan are a joyful and playful couple. They frequently laugh and joke together. They also both have strong characters, visions, and leadership skills, and I know they will both thrive as Army officers. Our nation is so fortunate for their service. One of my most vivid memories from sister Katrina’s wedding was the blessing that Lindsey gave before dinner…Lindsey led all of the wedding guests in such an earnest prayer, it really stayed with me. Years later, it was a joy to see Lindsey and Ryan pray sincerely together on their wedding day…not all couples have that!

As Lindsey and Ryan had been stationed separately in different parts of the country in the year prior to their marriage, they planned a “destination wedding” back at Lindsey’s parents’ home in Virginia. The Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel in Stafford was a beautiful ceremony location, and the tented reception was in Lindsey’s parents’ yard. Congratulations, Ryan & Lindsey! It was a joy to photograph your wedding and I wish you a lifetime of love together.