I am the oldest of eight cousins on my mom’s side, six girls and twin boys. Maribeth is nine months younger than me, making her the second oldest of the bunch. It is a very rare occasion that our family gets together, but thanks to Maribeth’s lovely wedding this past weekend, our family had the the amazing experience of all gathering together to celebrate her new life with Landon!
Maribeth entered the Army four years ago and has been stationed in Hawai’i ever since. (Poor thing… I know.) While there, she met and fell in love with Landon, a kind, caring, fellow member of the Army. Because they live so far away, the wedding was really the first chance I had to spend time with them together– and I could not have been more impressed with how happy Maribeth is while in the presence of Landon. I am so thankful and happy that my darling cousin has found such a great man to spend her life with and feel comfortable that as they head over to Germany for Landon’s newest assignment, Maribeth will be taken care of well. 
Not only was I happy that Maribeth was marrying Landon, I was overcome with such intense happiness that our family was there to celebrate together. I cannot even describe how amazing the whole experience was for me and all the members of our families… so I won’t try. Let it suffice to say that I will never forget that day.
Now, enough of the mushy stuff– I’ll move on to the many, many photos that I adore from the day.
A great moment of Maribeth getting her hair done.
The dress!
Here are Maribeth’s parents and beautiful sister Krisanne watching her put on the finishing touches right before the ceremony.
Absolutely stunning. My cousins are all like models— it’s ridiculous how beautiful they are.
I was so excited when Maribeth told me the wedding would be at a ranch in Tehachapi because I knew there would be a great chance of snow on the ground and I’ve never shot a snowy wedding. Well, my hopes came true! I was so inspired by this landscape and the contrast of the elegant bride with the rustic fencing.
Landon looked extremely dashing in his ceremonial Army suit. Check out all that flair!… A very decorated soldier.
And he even wore a sword! So awesome.
Some of my favorite moments from the ceremony…
The ceremony took place under this AMAZING oak tree. It was definitely the talk of the wedding… It has actually been determined to be the oldest oak tree in the San Joaquin Valley!
Because of a few issues with health and travel arrangements, Landon’s guys couldn’t make the wedding. So the wedding party consisted of these lovely ladies– from left to right: my cousins Shanna, Sarah, and Krisanne, and on the far right, my sister Hayley.
The happy couple.
The image from the preview post.
I think this might be my favorite shot of the year… It’s so classic and timeless and, believe it or not, they stood like this on their own. No posing required. I just love everything about it…
Inspired by the famous painting American Gothic.
Loved this moment.
I dropped one of my cameras in the snow trying to get this shot… totally worth it and no damage done.
Amazing light right before sunset…
Had to post this fun one of Krisanne having fun with Landon’s sword.
Here’s my Grandpa with his five oldest grandchildren. (The youngest three, Johnny, Brent and Nicole, couldn’t attend the wedding.) From left to right: Laura, Krisanne, Maribeth, Grandpa, me and Hayley. I love these people so much and it was so great for all of us to get to spend time together!
A great moment at the end of the first dance.
To Maribeth and Landon,
I am SO happy for you guys and and so honored to have been asked to photograph this amazing celebration. I love you and will miss you so much when you’re in Germany. You may regret offering to have us come visit because I feel like buying my plane ticket now!
To all of my family,
I am so happy we were able to get together for this great day and I hope you all enjoy the photos as they captured some truly happy memories for all of us.
Krisanne | December 30, 2008
love love LOVE the photos!! can’t wait to see all of them!!
Christine Smith | December 31, 2008
Hey, thanks SSOOOOO much for posting all the pictures. I wanted so badly to be there for the wonderful wedding. I’m Landon’s step-sister. My family and I are grateful for you taking such great pictures, because even though we were miles away, it seems as if we were there for just a second.
We are so happy for Jeremy and Mae (Landon and Maribeth)!! My husband, who is also a photographer really enjoyed your photographs as well. He is wondering what kind of camera you used.
Meg | January 1, 2009
Gorgeous Heather! How fun it must have been to enjoy such a different landscape!!! I think my favorite is the one of Landon and his sword
Linda Emrick | January 2, 2009
Heather,
Your pictures are fantastic!! I, too, can’t wait to see the rest of them. Jeremy (aka Landon) and Maribeth’s wedding is a major highlight for our family and you captured the essence of it so beautifully. The trip was so fast that it seems like a dream. I keep looking at these pictures and continue savoring the moments. Everything about it was an enjoyable and memorable experience!
Joanna | January 2, 2009
Beautiful shots. All your family is like super gorgeous (that includes you my dear)!
Hope your New Year was fantastic. Only a 1.5 months until WPPI!
Amber | February 13, 2009
Gosh, everyone of these pictures are amazing!! Gave me goosebumps.