For those of you who know me personally, you know that I am rarely at a loss for words.  I can talk and talk and talk....and usually that translates to writing... I can ramble on and on about any given subject.  Which makes blogging easy and fun becasue I LOVE to write about the weddings I shoot, and the wonderful families that I meet.

This time is different.

Last month I photographed one of the most incredible weddings ever, and not because it was so well-planned (it was), not because everything was so beautiful (it was), not because the bride was so special and gorgeous (she was!! and still is), and not because the families I photographed are so great (they are!).

It was because the couple is my family.

Niki is my niece.  She's just four months younger than I am, so we grew up together like sisters, and I love her like I love the air that I breathe.  So when she told me she was getting married, it was simple math: I was photographing her wedding!

But knowing Niki, I knew it wouldn't be a simple affair.  I even had a laugh at her expense in the very beginning when she was all: "it's going to be small, maybe just 50 people..."

With OUR family?  And knowing that Brian has a large family too?  Yeah right!

Nope, that didn't work out... Everyone showed up to the absolutely gorgeous LAKE PLACID, NY.  Which, by the way... is the PERFECT location for a wedding.  For anything really... I'm sooo going back there!

Anyway, (I think I'm rambling now)... Niki & Brian's wedding was more than just a wedding.  It was an EVENT.  Mostly everyone traveled to Lake Placid, some, from as far as Alaska.  So the wedding turned into and entire weekend of great food, great WINE, lots of laughter, hugs and kisses, and most importantly, a great celebration of two people whom we all love!

Okay so here is where I have trouble...

Normally when I post weddings, I have the slide show AND pictures.  But with Niki & Brian's wedding, I LOVE EVERY PICTURE...and they are all so special to me because it's my FAMILY, so how do I choose?

Simple: I don't.  It's just too much.  I may post some outtakes over the weekend, but until then, theres this:

Dear Niki & Brian~

I love you both so much.  Niki: you know how much I love you, you know how much you mean to me, there are just no words. Brian: I love you too, and I look forward to getting to know you better, and umm... I love your family!! (the Dorseys are so awesome!! I coming to visit!)

Thank you so much for trusting me to photograph your wedding.  Every moment was so special, Every look, every touch, every hug.... I hope I did your weekend justice.

You both are amazing individuals, but together as a couple, you are flawless.  I can't wait to see you both again soon!

The slide show is extra long, so turn up the volume and enjoy...

slide show link: http://www.chantalstonephotography.com/nikiandbrian/

Reception:Charlie's Restaurant

Planner: Mim Frantz, Juniper Events

Flowers: Lake Placid Flowers, Liz Scofield

Cake: Anne Dwyer, 845-401-1812