Hannah and Jay were married on January 13th, with a ceremony and reception at the Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth, Washington.

Toasts for Days

You know you have two very special people when the traditional after-dinner toasts are not only extended promptly after dinner but also once all the guests were downstairs and an open mic toast started up before the cake was cut. One after the other, people came up to share memories, sentiments, and future advice. You know you’re loved with at least ten people take the mic after the official toasts!

The toasts during dinner were perfection as well. The groomsmen and bridesmaids beautifully defined and expressed their love for Hannah and Joy with stories that made us laugh and cry.

Wedding toasts are always a favorite of mine. I mean, I love the décor and the dress and the gorgeous venues, but what truly gets me is the toasts. Let’s face it: we don’t spend most days sitting down and writing our hearts out for those we love, but we probably should. Special events like this give us the chance to say what’s in our very souls.

People of Few Words

Throughout the day, several people came back to a sort of “theme” that Hannah and Jay are not by nature Chatty Cathys. Instead, they let their actions speak more than their words, which I found incredibly endearing. They mentioned that their vows were probably the most words strung together at one time that they’d ever expressed to each other verbally.

In the toasts, it was mentioned they used to drive long distances just to sit together and enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes, that’s all you need in a busy world: peace and quiet with the one you love. Now, I know, those of you who are “talkers” might be saying “What??” But for me, it was so sweet, pure, and just right for those two.

Shout out to the wedding party

These guys and gals were awesome! They kept the fun going with an impromptu yoga session before Hannah put on her dress, they had everyone laughing as they cracked jokes, and they supported Hannah by carrying her dress train as we adventured through the snow for gorgeous winter wonderland photos. The ladies even took off their heels for a bit in the snow—now that’s commitment!

At one point before the ceremony, I was testing my lighting and asked one of the groomsmen to stand up with Jay at the altar as if they were getting married. He didn’t even hesitate to get up there, hold hands with Jay. . . . I have a special shot for their eyes only that will keep that memory alive! But I loved that they were willing to do whatever it took to make this day special.

Here are a few words Hannah wrote on her social pages in gratitude for such great friends:

"These friends also deserve a wedding shout-out for listening to me vent about stuff, walking in heels in snow to get the prettiest wedding photos, standing around in the snow while Jay and I did our first look photos, and giving awesome speeches/toasts at dinner. The weekend was filled with new family and new friends, but it's nice to know I'll always have these two on my side, too. #middleschoolbesties4life"

My quote for this couple:

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.”

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Okay, so I know this one is a little deep ;) and I only got to know you two in a short time, but I feel like you understand this sentiment. With your natural tendency to not chat too much, you do so because you mean to truly listen, with curiosity, and just be there for those you care most deeply for. Thank you for letting me peek into this part of who you are. Keep sharing this with each other and those around you!