Kath and Paul grew up together in Chatham and met in middle school. In fact, Kath’s father was Paul’s lacrosse coach at one point. And while Kath may have been Paul’s crush in high school, it wasn’t until they reconnected in their mid-20’s when Kath pursued Paul that they got serious. From there they had some pretty incredible adventures; from living in London together to many days on Lake Placid, it only seemed fitting that their wedding day itself would turn into an adventure, a pretty epic one.

I think for so many of us in the industry, we’ve been checking weather apps multiple times a day leading into Saturday. I’m sure Kath and Paul were too. It was an emotional roller coaster watching the weather be so unpredictable as Hurricane Ian moved up the east coast. But then Saturday morning came, and it looked like we were in the clear. While we were getting ready, someone even commented how a leaf wasn’t even blowing in the wind. JINX. As we all exited the church after a BEAUTIFUL service at St. Catharine’s, low and behold, the rain clouds have come in with it’s partner in crime, the wind. I checked and the wind in Spring Lake, NJ on Saturday topped out at 28 mph. And I’m pretty sure it was only blowing when it was time for us to do photos because the rest of the day felt relatively calm.

As we were waiting for the church to empty out after the service, I checked in with Kath and Paul to see how they were feeling. I had reconned indoor spots as a back up the day before, just in case. Without hesitation, they wanted to do it outside in all the elements. And for those that know these two, that decision, made in that way is not a surprise in the slightest. And I’m so glad they trusted me to capture them on this incredible day, because while we didn’t plan for the hurricane, we got some pretty ICONIC images that will stand the test of time for so many future generations to see.

Kath, Paul, thank YOU for allowing me to stand next to you in all of our wet clothes, on a beach, with 28 mph winds. Your contagious spirit is profound and felt deeply in the core of the people you love and who love you right back.

xo