Oh, my heart. Irina and Nicholas’ Madison wedding was full of so. much. heart. From the love these two have for each other to the friends and family gathered around them as they prepared and pledged their lives to one another, there was no lack of soul-moving love.

I met Irina over ten years ago (I can’t even remember the first time) through my youngest sibling twins who were some of her besties in high school and beyond. Actually, they were such good friends that Irina has been lovingly referred to as part of our family for a very long time. Watching her grow from a girl into the pure-hearted beautiful young woman she is today has been a beautiful journey to both witness and document. Her marriage to Nick was no exception. It was filled with lots of laughter, sweet moments of expectant tears, and many genuine smiles.

The day began at Irina’s apartment (which, might I add was the most beautiful place to document her getting ready – the windows let in such gorgeous light and made for some gorgeous candid images of all the ladies getting ready for the big day). Anyone who knows Irina knows that she has this ability to make the most poetic words flow off her tongue without a second thought. I loved watching her interact with her bridesmaids and joyfully contemplate all that was before her on her wedding day. You know a marriage is starting off strong when the bride’s eyes fill with joyful tears anytime she thinks of how much she loves the man she’s about to pledge her life to.

Nick has the same sense of determination and poetic love for life. And while her deep love and commitment toward him is evident, his complete love and adoration toward her is equally evident. Nick was a day shy of graduating from UW-Madison with his engineering degree on the day of his wedding, so I can only imagine the flurry of emotions and tasks that must’ve been on his mind. Yet both of them truly took the time to enjoy their wedding day. And that may be the one thing that stood out to me the most. Yes, there was a lot of planning and preparation that went into their wedding. They had some gorgeous details and decorations, and Irina’s dress was actually lovingly altered from Nick’s mother’s wedding dress. But to both Nick & Irina, the most important thing about their wedding day was being able to enjoy each other and the friends and family that stood by them. They truly soaked it all in and made it a fantastic first day to the rest of their lives together.

And I have to give a shout out to Nick & Irina’s wedding party and friends. These kids news how to swing dance! Even the swing band commented on how amazing it was to have so many young people out on the dance floor (and they were really dancing)!

Nick & Irina ~ John and I loved everything about your wedding day. You two are precious individuals who make an incredible team together. We can’t wait to see all that the future holds for your marriage! XOXO

Ceremony | Holy Redeemer Church

Venue | St. Francis Xavier Church Hall

Floral | Home Grown Madison

Band | Brew City Big Band

Wedding Dress | Altered by Monirose

Bridesmaids Dresses | New York & Co.