It’s a crystal blue sky on a humid summer’s day while my cousin Gretchen and I lay out on inner tubes in front of her lake home in Illinois. The moments of stillness were too peaceful because out of the calmness swiftly came a jet-ski that took a speedy turn in front us. In the quickness, Gretchen and I fell off our tubes and my other cousin Kristen who was riding the jet-ski, also fell into the water. It was a brief comical playful moment that I shared with my cousins, but it’s a glimpse of a fun memory of many that I shared with them my summer trips to Illinois. It’s amazing to reflect back and realize that about a decade ago we didn’t know who we were marrying but God did.
God wrote my cousin Gretchen’s love story to marry Derek. 
Saturday, September 28, 2013 was a festive day of celebrating my cousin Gretchen and Derek tying the knot and reconnecting with family (after returning from a year abroad in China).
Gretchen walking down the aisle with Uncle Jim (her father).
Derek and their dog Otis watching Gretchen walk down the aisle. I love Derek’s expression of seeing his bride.
There are so many details that go into a wedding and my cousin Gretchen thought of everything, all the way to when women get sore feet at the reception. She provided a basket full of flip-flops for women to borrow. =)
The guy on the right with the camera was the main photographer. 
It was truly fun for me to capture some moments of their wedding day as a guest. Below is their first kiss as husband and wife.
I asked my Aunt Karen to share with us the story of how Derek and Gretchen fell in love.
If you missed their wedding here are their vows.
The wedding took place at The Dent House in Matilija Canyon. (Ojai, California)
Our vibrant grandmother. 
The entrance to the reception.
The first dance as husband and wife.
Father/ daughter dance.
My cousin Gretchen is so impressive; she grew all the succulent center pieces. 
If you would like to see more pictures from the wedding Click Here to see their slideshow!
Thank you Gretchen and Derek for inviting us to celebrate the union of your marriage.
10,000 Smiles
10,000 Smiles is a photography project that I am doing for the year 2013. If you were a guest attending Gretchen and Derek’s wedding you might find your picture below for Day 88 of the 10,000 Smiles Project. Read more about why I am doing this project. You can vote for the picture that makes you smile by listing the number of the picture in the comment box at the end of the post.
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