Justin and Nova have an amazing story of amazing love, dedication and faith in God. Nova and Justin met online, worlds apart in distance, but soul mates at heart. Justin is a childhood friend of Nathan's, and gave us a call about a year ago sharing his heart and love for Nova. Justin was completely head over heels for Nova's dear heart, and he hadn't even met her in person yet. He had a trip planned soon after he talked with Nathan, and Justin returned with a confirmation that Nova was everything he had ever dreamed of. He was committed to marry this girl, no matter what it took. It seemed like just a few months later that Justin had plans to return to her country with an engagement ring in hand, and bring her back to the states to live in his hand-made home.
It was only a month ago that Nathan received a text from Justin, inviting us to his small, private wedding at his home. We knew only close friends and family were invited and were honored to be on the invitation list. We actually had an engagement session set for that afternoon, but Mandy and Conner were so gracious to reschedule for a morning engagement session (which actually worked out better in the end). After much thought about a wedding gift, Nathan and I decided to offer one of our Wedding Photography Collections as a wedding gift for this dear sweet couple.
Justin and Nova had a small intimate wedding planned and there was some concern that we might be a little much for their small, intimate wedding. Here's an excerpt from one of my emails to Justin:
So, here's the deal. You're having a small wedding, at your home with your closest friends and family. I totally get that you probably feel like an all-out wedding photographer would be over kill and too formal for your small wedding. But, really. It's a special day. Nova is going to look amazing and you'll be pretty spiffy yourself. You'll be at your home with your dearest of friends. It's not a day you are going to want to forget.
I won't be in your way, but I will be in your face (my camera is pretty big and hard to hide). I will follow you around that day and capture special moments you will not want to forget. I'll get little glances or smooches between you and Nova. I'll make you and your day look incredible, and give you something you can keep to remember the memories of it by. And your day is totally worth having a real photographer. You are. And Nova is. You two have an amazing story and I've only heard bits and pieces of it through Nathan. :) You're inspiring and your wedding photos will be too.
I truly hope, in the end, that they love their wedding photographs. The same with all my clients. I am genuinely concerned about the memories I am helping you to preserve. You only get one wedding day, and it flies by. It is special, no matter what the setting or circumstance. And you deserve to have those memories to cherish for the rest of your life. It is special to you. It is special to me.
Here is Justin and Nova's sacred ceremony and amazing wedding day. Enjoy!
Nova had her own bridal suite upstairs in the loft, complete with her white fuzzy robe and cute white slippers.
She was rehearsing her vows, and keeping in touch with family back at home.
Her dress was absolutely stunning.
Justin was a florist in another life, and was amazed that Nova's flowers were silk. They were absolutely gorgeous.
I absolutely loved Nova's ring.
Justin's mom helped Nova get ready. They have a precious relationship.
Loving her flowers. :)
Justin's home was a perfect setting for an intimate ceremony and reception. How perfect is it that they got married in front of the fireplace. :)
I just love how her train filled the space.
Justin had plans to head out to a few gorgeous places in the neighborhood for sunset photographs.
Justin was getting out of the car and holding Nova's flowers. :) Such a tender moment.... hahaha.
We stopped at an overlook for Lake Arrowhead. It was a gorgeous fall day with amazing fall color.
Did I mention I looooove Nova's ring!?!
One of my favorites of the day!
Next we headed down to the lake to hang out for a few minutes. Justin is so caring for Nova, he's even fixing her dress in this photography. I think it reveals the nature of their relationship.
Silhouettes at sunset are always gorgeous.
I think Nova should be a hand model.
After hanging at the lake for a while, we headed to the park for some fun, playful photos.
Awww...what a gentleman.
Justin was totally working his hat all day long.
My second favorite of the day. *sigh* Creamy colors, amazing flowers, and sparkling bracelets. I love weddings.
I think Justin surprised her with this one!
I thought the dip was a fun pose, so we did it again, just closer this time!
Justin had another surprise up his sleeve. He told Nova, "Okay, when I do this you look at the camera, okay?" I think she was totally surprised (and so were we!!!)
I am not sure where he was taking her, his house was the other direction...
I just love the soft texture of the grass and the smooth, cloudless sky. Aren't they adorable together??
We did some running around and Nova kicked off her shoes. Justin put the glass slipper back on the Cinderella before we headed back to the party.
One of the deep fryers were broken when we returned, so Justin got right to the kitchen. He was doing what he loves to do; hosting his friends and family!
Justin serving his new bride.
He finally sat down and got to the party. :)
The toasts were a sweet and special testament to the faith and trust both Justin and Nova (and their families) have in God.
Remember those sweet little glances I mentioned in the email I sent to Justin?
Nova was just retaliating for the icing on her nose.
Don't you LOVE THIS!!!!?!
I took a little more creative/artistic freedom when editing Justin and Nova's wedding. I love the drama in this photo of Nova's dress. She hadn't seen the back of her dress (which I thought was adorable), and I took this photo so she could see it on my camera. :)
Don't you love it that these two are enjoying their friends and conversations, but are still sitting side by side....
Here's a slideshow of their day with more photographs
xoxo
Natosha
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