JJ & Paul -i do, i do- Kelly Hornberger Photography

There are some things in life that will only happen once…and we only have one chance to get the documented. This is why I love my job as a wedding photographer.

This is also why I LOVE the fact that Claire & I were blessed with getting to document JJ & Paul’s sweet day in the wine country.

Yes…it was stunning.

Yes…we had a blast.

But more importantly to me, there were many moments along the way that will never happen again, that even as I sit and write this post I get a little emotional just thinking about.

A son and his mother. A dance to remember due to the fact that her ailing body needed help to stand together, but her strong mind made that dance happen.

An opportunity of a first look beyond comparison at a winery where their rehearsal dinner was hosted.

A bridesmaid that did everything in her power to walk down the aisle after breaking her foot the week prior and still wearing heels so not to ruin any pictures.

A pocket watch worn by Paul’s grandfather and now worn by him.

A stepfather of the bride who did a beautiful job performing his daughter’s wedding ceremony.

A get away car that wouldn’t get away.

These moments…now framed in time…to be shown for many generations to come…these are the moments I was most thankful for from JJ & Paul’s BEAUTIFUL wine country wedding.

Some of JJ & Paul’s memories from the day:
Q. What was your favorite part about the wedding?

A. JJ – The entire wedding weekend was unbelievable. Every single day was beyone my wildest dreams. Thinking on just the ceremony, I will always remember getting really emotional as soon as I started down the aisle. Without having to say anything, my dad paused and let me take it all in. So many brides talk about their ceremony being such a blur and that pause allowed me to absorb all of the love and joy of the moment.

Paul – It was seeing my Bride walk down the aisle for sure, but nothing beat walking back down as Husband and Wife.

Q. What was one quirky or crazy thing that happened on your wedding day?

A. The car that wouldn’t go!!
Paul worked really hard to set up a special exit surprise for me. I had always assumed that after the wedding we would just walk out with everyone else and across the street to the hotel. But, behind my back Paul organized a great send off with all of the wedding guests showering us with birdseed and had an amazing car waiting for us. When we walked out of the reception I was shocked to see a stunning Austin Princess was waiting to take us away. The only problem is, it wouldn’t run! Luckily, we had a wedding full of great guys who pushed us down the road. Ha! Talk about a memory!

Q. What was the most special moment on your wedding day?

A. JJ – Oh, there were so many! Obviously, seeing Paul for the first time the day of the wedding was an unbelievably emotional moment. It was the moment of I’d been waiting for since the day we got engaged! Standing next to Paul during the ceremony readings was a moment I will treasure forever.

Paul – Seeing JJ for the first time in her wedding dress at Trentadue for our wedding pics. I never thought I would have that rush of emotions, she was beautiful as expected.

Q. Did you do anything yourself?

A. Thank goodness for my mom!! She was able to turn all of my wild ideas into reality. Aside from all of the wedding caligraphy, my mom made the beautiful chair sashes, which really dresssed up the ceremony site. Each guest was given a personalized wine charm that my mom made totally from scracth (we’re talking shaping the iron ring herself. Talk about a mother’s love!!). Other DIY projects we took on were the table numbers made of wine bottles and chalk spray paint. I also turned an old thrift store gold mirror into a great seating sign. My mom was probably glad it was a destination wedding, because if it hadn’t been across the country, I would have REALLY kept her busy with DIY tasks!!

Q. Q. What do you look forward to most about being married?

A. JJ – Calling Paul my husband. I’ve done it several times now and it makes me happy each time!!

Paul – Getting to have JJ with me forever.

Q. Where do you hope you will you be as a couple in five years?

A. JJ – That’s a hard one. I hope to always make Paul glad that he married me and I dream of a future where the two of us are closer and happier than we can even imagine now. I don’t know where life will lead us as the years go on, but I do know that I will treasure each day I spend as his wife.

Paul – With 5 kids as JJ works to keep me fat and happy at home taking care of the kids.