A promise through pictures.

We had our pictures taken about two and a half years ago. I bought a new dress. He bought a new tie. He promised to love me forever, I promised to love him forever back, and he put a ring on my finger. His future best man snapped a few photos of us, newly engaged and ready for the next phase.

We had our pictures taken about two years ago. I bought a new dress. He bought a new suit. He promised in sickness or health, for better or worse, in good times and bad, and I promised back and put a ring on his finger. His best man stood beside him as we became newly wed, ready for the next phase.

{via}

We had our pictures taken just a couple of weeks ago. I bought a new dress. He ironed a couple of his shirts. A friend I met through blogging, Michelle, met us to take a few photos of two people inching out of the newlywed phase, far beyond the people they were in the former two photos.

A promise made on the wedding alter is a promise made without knowing what's coming. When you make the promise, it's huge because you're promising with your eyes closed to the future. There's hope, expectations, and a platform of trust, so you just go for it.

We went for it. We promised.

To have


and to hold

from this day forward

for better

for worse

for richer

for poorer

in sickness

or in health

to love

and to cherish.

I will care for you

honor you

and protect you

now and forever. 
I promise.


{All photography via Michelle Koechle Photography.}