Sometimes I sit down to write my blog posts and I just can't come up with the words to express what I want to say. So it takes me a while to craft the post before I click publish. For Meaghan & Chris, it really comes down to love because, in the end, I love these two people so much than trying to put all my emotions in to writing about their gorgeous, snowy, winter wedding back in January... well, it's impossible. And so, months later, I know I just need to do it and cross my fingers that it comes across ok.

For me, Meaghan & Chris' wedding was personal. Chris is one of my husband's best friends. They've been coworkers for years now and we've spent a lot of time together and, as such, have a lot of history. Chris asked Alan to be one of his groomsmen. Having him in front of my camera instead of behind one of them as my assistant/second shooter was funnier than I can say. As for Meaghan, our relationship has a much shorter timeline. I first met her last year after Chris had been absolutely raving about her to Alan. She brought out a side of Chris that we hadn't seen before. She made him mushy and lovey and goofy right off the bat. If a girl could do that to our truck, mud, and motorcycling loving friend... I knew I had to meet her. What I hadn't expected was just how much I would connect with her through our shared love of Harry Potter and Legos in addition to being my gal pal while our guys were hanging out. When Chris proposed, Alan and I were so elated for them both, especially since it had been clear to us for a while that they were a once in a lifetime match for each other.

Fast forward through a couple whirlwind months of planning (and getting their engagement photos taken care of) and it was time to seal the deal. They wanted a winter wedding complete with big, fluffy snowflakes. They dreamed of temperatures a bit above freezing so that they could stand to be outside super quickly for photos. And they got it all. It was an absolutely spectacular day from start to finish! The entire event was held at the White Mountain Hotel & Resort at the base of Whitehorse and Cathedral Ledge in North Conway, New Hampshire. The view is absolutely stunning just about everywhere you look from the cliffs behind you to the view across the valley at Cranmore. Meaghan got ready with her ladies and mom in the bridal suite, which was absolutely massive! I dare say it was bigger than all of my first apartment. It was crazy! Chris, meanwhile, went for one last drive with his cousin/best man on the Kancamagus Highway before walking down the aisle. It was the perfect way to start the day for both of them.

When it was "go time", all of Meaghan & Chris's friends and family filled the hotel lobby awaiting their first glimpse at Meaghan. Chris and his guys waited patiently for her entrance. Emotions were high. I was smiling so much in excitement for the two of them. When Chris saw his bride for the first time... you could just see the love pour over his face. The was meant to be. This moment. This day. As Meaghan walked down the aisle at her dad's side, his pride radiated out as he looked at her. And Meaghan... oh, Meaghan. The pure joy and excitement was so crystal clear. There was no way that she could smile any more than she was. Happiness feels like such an understatement. The ceremony itself was perfect and topped off with vows that they wrote to each other. Then there was the kiss. Oh, that kiss! I think everyone in attendance just melted from it. Meaghan included. Good job, Chris!

Immediately following the ceremony, I whisked the newlyweds outside to capture them at the base of Whitehorse Ledge before the light fell. I am SO jealous that they had this view for their day! Talk about incredible. Cliff behind them and a view of the valley in front of them. Gorgeous, new, white snow everywhere you could see. I love you, Mother Nature.

Once we had finished the family portraits in the dining room and the bridal party portraits outside (quickly enough that the ladies didn't freeze!), it was time to really get the party going! With the majority of the guests staying right at the hotel, the celebrating lasted well in to the night. Highlights of the evening included a very big announcement, Meaghan's dad hitting the dance floor next to his baby girl, some swanky moves from Meaghan's Aunt (hot stuff!), nighttime portraits under a starry sky, and a bridal and bouquet toss that left everyone in stitches. What many missed was the snow angels they attempted at the very end before heading to bed for the night. Yes, they were completely in their wedding attire. Yes, it was very cold for dear Meaghan.

Dearest Meaghan & Chris, thank you, once again, for letting both of us be a party of your day and for letting me be there to capture it all. We are truly blessed to have you two in our lives and we know you two are meant to be together. We can't wait to see what the rest of 2014 brings because we know that your wedding was just the start of one awesome year for you both.

Although their final gallery has been posted for a while and they've received their cute mini albums, be sure you check out their sneak peek over on my Facebook Page and hit like while you are there.

And, to anyone else planning a winter wedding, I'm your gal! I super, duper love winter weddings!

Date: January 19, 2104  |  Getting Ready, Ceremony & Reception Location: White Mountain Hotel & Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire  |  Bridal Boutique: David's Bridal  |  Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse  |  Caterer: Stone Cove Catering  |  Ceremony & Reception Music: Double Platinum Celebrations  |  Event Coordinator: White Mountain Hotel & Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire  |  Florist: Dutch Bloemen Winkle  |  Officiant: Denis Duprey  |  Hair & Makeup: Jill Daigle from Adalia Salon in Westbrook, Maine