He was 12 when his mother first found him praying for his future wife. Which means that on the day of his wedding, Ryan had been asking for God's blessing upon Lene for over ten years. And though they had met before, something about seeing each other at the barn dance they attended last summer was different. Ryan was a little more handsome and Lene a little more beautiful. Both were a lot more smitten.
After a handful of exchanged emails and phone calls, Ryan and Lene began dating - though dating in this situation is hardly a fitting word. Both knew this relationship was different, it was special, and it was real. Over the course of the next eight months Ryan wrote Lene a series of letters. Lene knew nothing about these letters until one day this May when Ryan delivered the last of the notes to his future bride as he asked for her hand in marriage. At that moment he rejoiced that Lene said yes and that God had answered a decade of prayers for his future wife.
Ryan and Lene, I could not have been more thrilled to photograph your wedding day. And Lene, I could not have been more honored to one of your bridesmaids (don't even THINK about calling me a brides matron). You are two incredible people and who will make an incredible life together as husband and wife. Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting Colton and I document your day and thank you for being the amazing people you are. The world is a better place for it.
I love the above photographs of Lene. She was such a timelessly beautiful bride and I can't help but think these images would have looked just as classic fifty years ago.
This was my view of Ryan + Lene's first look....
...And this shot was Colton's view of the same look.
Lene, you are truly stunning. And Ryan, you are totally handsome.
It's beyond me how two people can make hay look so good. SO good.
While I was getting these shots...
...Colton was getting this shot. This makes me both completely jealous and incredibly proud.
I love this image because I think it shows just how much Lene + Ryan are loved by their friends and family.
If you'd like to see more from Ryan + Lene's Oregon wedding, CLICK HERE.
Congrats, you two. I feel so blessed to have been able to document the most special day in your life together thus far. And as your friend I will say that I truly could not have asked for a more beautiful couple - inside and out.
Lovelovelove,
Michelle
