I’ve got marriage on the mind this week, and two reasons why: Danny and I are photographing the beginning of a new marriage this weekend, and we’re coming up on our own second anniversary in about two months.

At this time two years ago, I was in full blown panic mode. After biting off more DIY projects than even a great white shark could possibly chew, I was counting down the days to my wedding with equal parts excitement and utter dread. There was just no way, I figured, that we would get everything done to the level of perfection I hoped for. Well, for the most part we did. But only because I finished the last bridesmaid’s gift — I made all seven of them personalized aprons — as my brother yelled over the clatter of the sewing machine, “It is after the time you said we needed to leave to go to the wedding rehearsal!” And don’t get me talking about all those pies we absolutely had to make ourselves. My wonderfully patient mother and aunt, and even maid of honor, finished baking around 1:00 a.m. the day of the wedding.

Yes, it was more than a wee bit overwhelming, so I remember (all too well!) the emotional roller coaster many a bride embarks on just before her wedding. But I can also say that it was worth it, absolutely worth it. Maybe all those two dozen DIY projects weren’t worth the long hours and buckets of sweat, but the end result — the marriage that began on this foundation of hard work and dedication and pots and pots of tenderly cultivated coleus — is worth everything to me.

That’s why I get all giddy when I photograph couples who put a lot of thought and effort and love into their weddings, but even more into preparing for their marriage, for that happily ever after that takes even more thought and effort and love.

Here’s to the elusive ideal of stress-free wedding planning, and the attainable goal of a beautiful marriage.

~ Laura