Couples like Leila and Tim are the reason I love my job.

From the very first email, Leila was sweet, funny, and wonderful. We chatted about common interests, their hopes for the wedding, and of course, their pup, the magnificent Huckleberry. When I opened the next email from Leila, there was an adorable photo of the three of them. I knew, right then, that I wanted to work with them. 

Leila and Tim were everything I could ever hope for in a couple. We met in Dummerston, VT at Grandma's house to see the wedding site and take some engagement photos. The charming, old Vermont farmhouse, surrounded by rolling hills and tall conifers, brought back memories of my childhood and my grandparents' house. The house, such a significant part of Tim's childhood, had become a refuge for Tim and Leila; a quiet place away from the bustling city that they now call home. 

We caravanned around the area stopping to take photos at the river and the Grafton Cheese barn. We ended the day drinking wine on my lawn, chatting and laughing. The best days are days when work doesn't feel like work. 

In September I returned to Grandma's house. It was full of people and excitement. Friends and family from all over the world had converged at a farmhouse, in the middle of rural Vermont, to celebrate Leila and Tim. Amazing.

I entered the bridal suite to find Leila, already dressed and radiant, amidst of group of beautiful women, some family, some soon to be family, drinking champagne and laughing. After a lot more laughter and bunch of photos I ventured out to find the gents, drinking scotch and beer on the lawn, ready for the festivities to begin.

The ceremony was beautiful. A table, laden with symbolic Persian foods and traditions sat atop the hill behind the house. Leila and Tim stood together at the table and family circled around them. Vows were spoken, rings were exchanged and honey was eaten as part of a tradition symbolizing the sweetness of life.

During the reception, Leila and Tim's love of good food and beer took center stage as Chef Tristan and the Rigani catering team filled the table with grilled kabobs, persian rice and veggies. 

More photos with cousins, aunts, uncles and friends and then...epic dance party. One of my moments of the day was watching Tim's grandma and Leila's grandma sitting together, lovingly watching over their family and sharing the day like the best of old friends. I took my leave after the grandmas were called onto the dance floor, accepted the challenge and were affectionately swarmed by the entire group of family and friends. It was a beautiful day with a beautiful couple.