Paola & Ben - Raleigh Courthouse Wedding - 12.16.16

I met Paola almost 3 years ago while we were working at Starbucks - she was just the new hire & I her "mean, scary" shift lead. It's funny to think that 3 years later we are still friends, see and speak to each other at LEAST once a week - have gone on vacations together - bought homes - and now witnessed each other's weddings. 

I woke up SUPER early on Friday to meet her to gather flowers for her bouquet. We found a plethora at Whole Foods and Trader Joes an fashioned them into an outrageous and beautiful bouquet. 

Since they were keeping the ceremony small - to just family - it was just me and them all morning while they got ready blasting Drake & Future through their home. The cats were trying to destroy both the cake my mother had made and the bouquet on the table. Paola wanted to make sure her wedding dress was memorable and different - so we looked EVERYWHERE for a giant black tulle skirt - eventually finding and altering a Halloween costume from Jo-Anne's Fabric. 

They shared an adorable first look in their living room before we headed off to the courthouse on the coldest day in December. There was quite a line - being a Friday during the holidays so they waited for their turn. As they shared rings & vows in the courthouse (married by a family friend judge) they were full of smiles & I think I saw a tear or two from BOTH of them! 

I then FORCED them to walk around downtown in the blistering cold to get some photos - which no outdoors shoot would be complete without a stop at Starbucks! Finally we went back to their house to eat a traditional Mexican meal & throw cake in each other's faces. 

I know Ben & Paola will make each other happy forever as they already have for the last 6 years - They are the definition of High School sweethearts, soul mates, & best friends! I can't wait to not only share these images with you but be their friends for many many years to come! I love you guys!