When I first met Branden and Jessi for our Consultation, I could tell they were madly in love just by the glances they exchanged… the way they paused and looked at each other whenever I asked a question, the way they shared a desire for a simple wedding, meaningful and sweet without all the drama some over-the-top weddings have. “We just want it to be very… US,” they said.
Fast forward to a month before their wedding, and I received an email stating they had eloped!! 
What a nice choice for their desires for simplicity; they seemed so happy with the way their intimate ceremony worked out. They kept their venue date and instead used the planned time to celebrate with friends and family – a reception full of joy, tears, laughter, and love.
Here’s to simplicity, Branden & Jessi: All you need is love – choosing it for each other everyday for the rest of your lives.
Jessi is a nanny for cutie pies D & P – they love her to bits (if you can’t tell)!!!
And she thinks they’re pretty special too .
It was great to meet Branden & Jessi’s bridal party – they were fun to work with for traditional and… not-so-traditional portraits 
.
The women all looked so lovely…
I think Branden and his Best Man Rodney heard more than once that day that they looked like they belonged on “Men In Black.”
Of course we had to get a little mobster action in there:
The light was beautiful and soft in the field because of the clouds – reflective of the simple beauty of their love. I think this would make a perfect gallery-wrapped canvas on Branden & Jessi’s wall:
They are so relaxed and tender with each other.
Our next stop was the railroad tracks, where they had some time to just enjoy each other’s company candidly. I always feel so honored to be the “fly on the wall” when a bride and groom have special time together before they meet the crowds of the day. It’s beautiful.
It’s so fun when I don’t need to encourage additional affection or joy between a couple. The bliss you see on their faces is all them .
A passing car honked in approval, and Branden agreed of course!!
Looking off into their together future…
This one would make a gorgeous wall portrait.
This one too:
They had a Blessing Tree at the reception – each guest could write a blessing on a gift tag and then hang it on the tree. What a great idea, together with such vibrant spring colors!
The reception was a joyous celebration – great food, memorable toasts, fun dancing, plenty of laughter.
The venue was beautiful.
And I’ll leave you with another portrait of the simple beauty of their undying devotion… with a little romantic vintage style mixed in.
Thank you for the privilege of capturing this sweet time in your lives, Branden & Jessi. May every coming year be even sweeter!
I’ll see you soon to show you the rest of your portraits!
Cherish, Love, Remember Always,
Andrea
