Erica + Pierce | Montana Summer Camp Wedding

Laughter. Lots of laughter. And an endless chatter only a gaggle of girls is capable of.

I climb the creaky steps of the dated summer cabin and a wave of nostalgia washes over me. This place feels like the childhood summer camps of the movies. Like I stepped onto the original set of the Parent Trap.

Another step.

And the laughter transforms into the tiny squeals of sisters staying up all night dreaming about their future husbands and the weddings they will have.

Only one more step to go.

I remember weddings that were simpler, with baby’s breath and bird seed. Bad dresses and big hair. Steel Magnolias. No first looks. No mason jars. Just two people in love.

Moms that were misty eyed and dads trying to hold it together as they said their goodbyes to their baby girls and the new husbands carrying them away.

At the top.

I peer through the faded screen door. Erica and her sister are huddled together like the little girls they once were, huge smiles glued to their faces. Today is that day that Erica and her sister have been dreaming about.

One year ago yesterday, Erica married the love of her life. Together with their family, their really really big family, Erica and Pierce celebrated falling in love and all the wonders it brings to everyone. To the couple, their family, their friends, even to their photographer. Every piece of the wedding had a loved one's hand involved. Her veil was her mother’s veil. The flowers arranged by her sister. The groomsmen were in charge of the center pieces. They asked me for suggestions on techniques for arranging moss. Pierce and Erica are musicians, so they played for all their guests during the ceremony. Erica’s brothers roasted the pig. Everything was touched by a loving hand.

We all went back in time a little that day. All that mattered was two young lovers and all their family and friends.

Happy anniversary to two people that are very near and dear to me. I am so grateful for you both.

Moments after the ceremony ended the sky opened up and it poured. And then I found this old saying on the wall.

And then, Erica and Pierce got one of the most magical sunsets of last summer.