Five years ago Ben and I started dating. After a few weeks, he took me to meet his aunt and uncle and cousins. (We were in college in Utah; Ben’s family lived in Virginia so we couldn’t just go to his parents’ for dinner.) That was the first time I met Jeni. She was a junior in high school and just as sweet as could be. She wrapped me up in love and accepted me as family before it was ever official.

The age difference between us never mattered. When Ben and I would go to her house for dinner, she and I could stay up late talking for hours. Being Jeni’s friend is just easy! She’s easy to talk to, easy to laugh with, easy to be in silence with. I think that’s the mark of a true friend, don’t you?

I have had the great privilege of watching Jeni do so many things – graduate high school, start college, serve as a missionary in Arizona for 18 months – and now she is getting married to the love of her life.

For a long time, Ben and I were skeptical that any man would ever be worthy of Jeni. And then came Colten. You know when you see a couple together for the first time and you can just sense that they’re right? That’s how it was. I loved listening to her rave about her man. I could tell she was truly in love! And I’m so glad I got to meet Colten in person!

On my whirlwind 30 hour trip to Utah, I was so lucky to take engagement photos for the best couple. We met at Sundance Resort and had so much fun out in the aspens! It’s one of the things I miss the most about Utah. (Besides the people. And the soda. I swear the sodas are better out there.)

I loved getting to watch Jeni and Colten interact. He ADORES Jeni, and I like I told her mom, his face just radiates kindness. I don’t know him super well yet, but I can tell that he’s right for our girl.

Even though I won’t be able to be at their wedding, I’m so glad that I could gift them these portraits.

PS the fun rainbow shots at the end are film! I shot some really fun film called Dubble Film – tinted film that gives you a surprise in every shot because you don’t know what the coloring will turn out to be! I LOVED them.