When Lisa contacted me on Instagram through her restaurant Lisabella’s page about her son’s wedding just 2 months before the wedding date I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous. Most of my couples book me directly a year or more in advance. I have all this time leading up to the wedding day to get to know them and what kind of relationship they have. I was able to meet with Anastasiia before they officially booked their wedding day photography with me. I was instantly so drawn to her and her sweet nature, even though our meeting was brief it felt so right.

On wedding day we met up at Lisa’s beautiful Port Aransas beach home for some getting ready photos. Even just meeting her for the first time I was greeted with the warmest hug and all the nerves I had felt just melted away. The entire rest of the day was an absolute dream. The sweetest 1st look and gorgeous family photos at Lake Colby in Cinnamon Shore led right to a cocktail hour until the ceremony in the lawn at Lisabella’s.

The thing that stuck out to me the most was the amount of JOY that could be seen on the faces of EVERY single guest. They mingled, and had cocktails, played lawn games and just truly all enjoyed each other.

It was such a laid back and relaxed wedding day that really embodied the spirit and personalities of not only John and Anastasiia but the entire family and their friends.

The reception was full of unique touches like John getting up on stage to perform a song for his bride, both of them skipping the “cake cutting” and just going right in for a bite (apparently a Russian tradition that I am 100% here for!), and even a heartwarming lantern release to honor John’s late brother Luke.

I can honestly say that I LOVE this family. I am so blessed to have been able to be a part of John and Anastasiia’s celebration. I can only hope to be there to capture more and more memories for them and all of the Amundsen family over the coming years!

I hope you enjoy this highlight video and feel the love that was so abundant that day!