When we think of a wedding, we envision the white dress, the black tuxedo, and an extravagant ballroom filled with laughter from the people we love. We conceptualize tears during a ceremony with everyone seated gazing at the couple; the endless amount of food; the dance floor shaking with music. And occasionally, we don’t.

On a sunny spring morning, Sarah and Ryan were getting ready to go to brunch. Ryan decided to take a detour to the beach instead. Sarah was confused but went with it because there was a guttural feeling telling her it was time. They walked along the beach with the sounds of the waves crashing on the sand and the wind trying to wisp away the gleaming droplets descending from a nervous Ryan. Alas, it was time to drop to one knee. Ryan popped the question and Sarah said YES! They never did make it to that brunch.

It was time to start wedding planning!

Invitations, bridesmaids dresses, and cake tastings were not in the plan. Sarah and Ryan chose to have an intimate wedding. They craved the serenity of a familiar place–their kitchen; and the quietude of the most important people–her mom, his aunt, and their officiant. No fancy ballroom. No 100+ guest list. Just the 2 of them (with their 3 people), in the place they call home.

Months later, they found me. It was time to document their love in a more traditional sense. Shall we call it their anniversary session? Their bride and groom session? Either way, it was time to slip into that white dress and tighten up the tie. We spent their photography session in Verona Park, NJ. We started in the open field and made our way down the winding paths along the Verona Lake. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect sunset. What stuck with me from their session was how easily Sarah and Ryan laughed together. I wondered how often they had to massage their cheeks from constantly smiling and laughing together. Their love was beautiful.