Dusty Blue Lake Wedding in Nampa, Idaho: Mark + Amy

I first met Amy long before she was planning a wedding. During my freshman year at NNU, one of her childhood best friends was one of my friends, so we crossed paths! Oddly enough, I have actually known Mark for much longer…ever since I was a shy 3 year old who refused to speak to anyone! Our families were friends since before we ever existed, so we grew up going to New Year’s Eve parties, church potlucks, and get togethers since we were little. When Mark and Amy started dating, I knew they were a perfect fit for each other. Four years back, I was just starting to dabble in photography. I was offering free sessions to simply gain practice and experience. Amy reached out to me about taking photos of her and Mark, and I was so excited! Couples, engagements, and weddings were the reason I wanted to get into photography in the first place. They were one of my first ever couples I got to photograph. Needless to say, when she reached out about wedding photography, I was even more excited. It has been so much fun to come full circle with a couple who supported me in the very beginning of my business!

Letters

Their wedding was simply beautiful and reflected them in every way. One of my favorite moments of every wedding day is the toasts. Getting to hear the stories of the couple and the special relationships each person has with them is so fun–and I may or may not cry a little every time! During his toast, Amy’s father shared that he and his daughter had always written each other letters over the years. When Amy would leave for track meets, mission trips across the world, or to be an exchange student in Costa Rica…or when he would leave for work trips, competitions, or events, they could always be certain that there would be a letter to read. This sweet tradition goes so far back that he could not even remember when it all began. He knew that for his toast, it would only be fitting to write a letter to Mark and Amy, as they embark on the greatest journey of all time, marriage. True to tradition, Amy wrote a letter for her father to open on the morning of the wedding day. What Amy’s father did not expect, however, was to receive a letter from Mark, himself, the night before the wedding. This small and simple act was a beautiful testament of how well Mark fit into their family, carrying on the traditions of Amy and her father.

This is truly only a small glimpse into the beauty of their wedding day. They were surrounded by friends and family in prayer and celebration throughout the entire day. Mark and Amy are continuing to write their story together as they move to Hawaii (today!) to serve in ministry with YWAM. I am certain that they will go on many adventures to all the corners of the earth together. And I am certain that with each new adventure or time spent apart, there will be a letter to accompany them. I cannot wait to continue watching these two as their story unfolds.

And not surprisingly, at the end of the wedding day, there was a letter waiting for David and me from Amy. So with the theme of letters carrying on, Mark and Amy, here is our short letter to you:

Mark and Amy,

Thank you for letting David and me be a part of your wedding day. Each time a couple chooses to trust us with one of the most memorable days of their life, it fills us with pure joy. There is nothing more beautiful than watching two people commit their lives to each other. And even more beautiful than that, is watching two people commit their lives to serving the Lord together. Thank you for reminding us over and over why we love this “job.” You two were one of the very first couples I photographed just 4 years ago when I first started this journey. It has been so amazing to come full circle and be a part of your wedding day! It was an absolutely beautiful day and I know your creativity, planning and eye played such a huge part in how perfect it was. I wish you all the best in your marriage and the beautiful life that lies ahead!

Love,

Karli and David

Below is just a small sneak peek into the beauty of their wedding day! Enjoy! 🙂

Vendors

Dress: David’s Bridal

Suits: The Black Tux

Hair and Makeup: Aimee Sodeman

Ceremony Venue: Brandt Center

Reception Venue: Private Estate

Florals: Karen Chandler

DJ: Kevin Fields

If you liked this blog, you may also like Sarah + Dillon’s Wedding, Abby +Ryan’s Wedding, and 5 Reasons Why I Became a Wedding Photographer. As always, thank you for reading and following along! 🙂