This is quite possibly one of our most favorite anniversary sessions, so prepare for visual overload. Natalie & Matt went back to their wedding spot for a special photo session + reading one year vows to each other for a fun and playful anniversary session that has really captured our hearts. When Natalie sent in the submission, she said “We hope to go back as many years as we possibly can to remember the commitment and love we get to share with each other in this beautiful life + into eternity in Heaven” and those words just really stuck with us. How awesome is love, really? When God blesses two people with that special connection, there’s really no other feeling like it.
from Natalie: “It was a surreal experience to step back on top of the grassy hill we got married on a year previously. The wind was subtly blowing through the few trees, the sun was dazzling in the golden grass that surrounded the property, and there was a peaceful quietness to the hill on top of the world — where it felt like time froze as I grabbed Matt’s hand and we made our way over to the villa pool.
For the first part of the day, Sarah from beauty bespoken created my hair and makeup for some couple shots in a light grey suit and white dress — and boy was it fun to dress up again! I completely stole the idea from Sarah, actually! She and her husband do anniversary photos every year.. and I thought, what a fun tradition! I cannot wait to document our relationship, how it evolves, what hobbies we are into, how we age, and all the smiles that come from intentionally growing and loving together throughout the years to come. I can only imagine what it will feel like placing a 50 year anniversary photo next to a 5 year anniversary photo of Matt and I. It is so much more than just taking pictures. It calls on our mind to remember: one of the most powerful and moving acts we can engage in as human beings. Remember is one of my favorite words.”
“The second look represents more of us in our day-to-day life. We love the ocean, we love to surf, we love to mountain bike, hike, and enjoy the outdoors. Especially a beautiful pool that lies countryside to gorgeous vineyards. 😉 Lekai Ranch’s pool was a favorite from the moment we said “this is where we’re going to get married.” I really wanted to jump in after our wedding, but I was a wimp and it got too cold. So it only made sense to come back and enjoy a hot summer’s day by the pool while sipping on our favorite beer (fancy, I know) and splashing around, reflecting and laughing about all the wonderful and hilarious things over our first year of marriage. And of course, chatting about our wedding too. One of the best days of my life, truly!”
At the very end of the day, when Nicole put her camera away, Matt and I walked out to the edge of the property and overlooked the vast rolling hills as the sun set behind them. We read to each other letters we wrote after we reflected on our first year of marriage. It was almost like mini vows, with new things we wanted to work on for each other, highlights of the first year, and all the gratitude we felt towards Jesus for bringing us together. We both cried a ton in that moment. Our God is so magnificent. He carries us in our lowest lows and celebrates with us on highs. And Matt & I are so incredibly thankful to know that He gifts us all the wonderful things, and that He holds our lives, our marriage, and our purpose in His hands. Cannot wait for many many more wonderful, simple moments with you Matt Lee. I love you and your beautiful heart so darn much.”
Photographer: Nicole Clarey Photography / Venue: Lekai Ranch, Paso Robles / Stylist / Planner / Designer: Natalie Schutt Photography / Makeup Artist + Hair: Beauty Bespoken / Rentals: Scout Rental Company / Film Lab: Photovision Prints
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
NO COMMENT