Chelsea has always been one the quietest and shiest people I know so when her mom, my first cousin, called me to photographer her small courthouse wedding, I thought two things. First, OF COURSE! Second, "Wait, she's old enough to get MARRIED?!" In my mind, she's still ten years old and the mot well-behaved kid at Grandma's Thanksgiving dinner.

But yes, she is a successful nurse and now, a WIFE. She and Alan were married on a Friday afternoon in front of the sweetest and most genuine judge in Topeka. I know at least four of us were crying almost the entire ceremony. Her mom, his mom, Chelsea, and me.

It never ceases to amaze the power and intensity of those words and vows when a couple recites them to each other.  They are strong words to say aloud and then be accountable for. Gets me every time.

Chelsea and Alan have a happy future; it's apparent in the way they look at each other. And really, that's all anyone can ask for.