Charlie and Drake’s wedding was just shy of a year ago, now. And honestly I’m only getting around to blogging it now because I’ve tried to write about it several times in the past and struggled to come up with the words to adequately describe these two and all the love and community that surrounded them on their wedding day.

Charlie and Drake were married at the church they regularly attend – Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, RI. Their ceremony took place in the stunning sanctuary there, and the reception was just next door in Grace Church’s lovely Pavilion – which is a modern, light-filled space with stunning vaulted ceilings. The wedding ceremony was beautiful. Surrounded by their family, friends, and church community, Drake and Charlie held one another’s hands and made their vows. They walked down the aisle with their parents. They listened to beautiful music, heard the words spoken over them, prayed together, and helped give communion to their guests.

After the ceremony, everyone made their way over to the Pavilion for cocktail hour and the reception. Toasts were given by parents and members of the wedding party, while Charlie and Drake and their guests laughed and cried along with them. There was a mother-son dance Celine Dion sing-a-long. I cried probably more times than was professional for a wedding photographer.

Throughout it all, the most beautiful part of the day was the love that was imbued in every moment. The love was there in the way the wedding party helped Drake and Charlie tie ties and pin boutonnieres. It was there in the letters Charlie and Drake read to one another on a sunny rooftop after their first look. It was there in the floral arrangements and decorations their mothers made for them the night before. It was there in the way everyone embraced them, spoke about them, danced with them. It was just so palpably there.

Charlie and Drake – truly you both honored us by entrusting us with the documentation of this day. We adore you two and wish you so much happiness in your life together.

Massive shout out to William Ference Catering, who cooked up one of the best meals I have ever had at a wedding, and to Pauly Danger for the great music. Big thanks to Emily Kaar for second shooting this one for me, and for Jess for doing the video (this wedding was actually the first wedding film we ever made!).

Sufjan Stevens – All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands