You think you have complete control over your wedding, right? Like, if you want a small intimate wedding, all you have to do is plan a small intimate wedding, and voila! All of your dreams come true. 

But sometimes things end up bigger than you expect. For bride Ty, being surprised with a trip to wedding dress wonderland (AKA Kleinfeld’s in NYC), after she had already bought a $10 dress from Philly AIDS Thrift was the first surprise. 

The second surprise? Having the Philadelphia Inquirer write up a story of Ty and Kurt’s beautiful wedding, complete with kilts, a pancake brunch, and a barefoot bride. 

Even though Ty and Kurt got a little bit more fanfare than expected, this wedding still had an intimate feel. Ty’s mother did her makeup before the wedding at Normandy Farms, and her grandmother walked the aisle as the flower girl. The ceremony was short, but punctuated with beautiful, emotional moments. My favorite was when Kurt saw Ty for the first time as she walked down the aisle. 

Usually, couples request a private “first look,” and we find a little secluded spot for them to share a moment before going in front of their friends and family. I love photographing that moment when one partner turns around and sees the other all dressed up for the first time. It’s a special moment, but I am usually the only one to witness it, face hidden behind my camera. 

There is something so magical, though, about everyone getting to share in this moment. When Ty began walking down the aisle, Kurt literally had to lean on his groomsmen for support, he was that taken aback.

Kurt shared an Irish blessing in his vows, and it seems appropriate that I share one with you:

May you always have bare feet, 

a pile of pancakes, 

and companions to keep you steady. 

Ty and Kurt certainly did, and their wedding will be one to remember. 

Take a look at some photos from their sweet wedding, and scroll to the bottom to read a review from Ty!

“Heather was INCREDIBLE. She shot my wedding day photos and was so easygoing and professional. The pictures came out incredible and she was so lovely I wish I’d hired her for the entire wedding day instead of a few hours so she could enjoy herself. She’s great at direction and concept without ever making you feel cheesy or contrived. 10 out of 10 hands down.”