David and Melanie's Wedding 2018

Melanie and David are officially getting married in Mexico in a month, but they needed official paperwork completed in the US, and their grandmothers can't make it to Mexico (neither can we), so they had a small church ceremony in New Jersey. Well, it was supposed to be small, but people got excited to see them married, and it ended up being a nice size group of people. It was a wonderful day, and I'm so glad they had the extra ceremony.

Father and Bride, Copyright Richard Flores

Melanie is radiant, Copyright Richard Flores

David and Melanie were high school sweethearts. When they started dating in 2005, David had just turned 17 years old, and Melanie was only 15. Since then they've traveled the world together and run countless competitive races side by side. They even share best friends-- Richard and Andrea, a married couple they've also known since they were kids. Oh, and David and Melanie are the godparents to Richard and Andrea's perfect little baby Julian. This is all to say that they have a fairytale love and life together. 

Amazing, Copyright Richard Flores

The wedding guests, Copyright Richard Flores

Honoring Melanie's parents, Copyright Richard Flores

Honoring David's parents, Copyright Richard Flores

This is Richard, photographer, best man, and ring-bearer extraordinaire

David's vows, Copyright Richard Flores

Melanie's vows, Copyright Richard Flores

Said I do!, Copyright Richard Flores

Things are getting real, Copyright Richard Flores

You may kiss the bride! Copyright Richard Flores

Victory lap, Copyright Richard Flores

Copyright Richard Flores

Outside the church, we throw cellphones instead of rice now.

With our grandmother Daisy

With their best friends, Andrea and Richard

Selfies with Jesus are the best.

Since this isn't their official wedding, there wasn't a planned reception after, but Melanie's parents very generously hosted everyone for lunch, refreshments, and cake at their home. It was really fun, and I'm so glad I got to spend time with everyone they invited. David and Melanie truly have the most amazing family and friends.

Cutting the cake

Oh-oh! (He didn't do it.)

My kids are so happy when they're eating sweets


Some of their awesome friends

She's been my friend for almost a decade, but now she's officially my sister!


She's been Aunt Melanie the whole time but now it's official!

Congratulations! We love you guys!

*P.S. Still waiting for a few pictures, I'll add them retroactively.

P.P.S. Richard Flores wasn't available yet when we got married, but if I were getting married tomorrow I'd definitely pick him and his wife Andrea for our photography. Not only do they take amazing photos, but they have the exact personalities you want on your wedding day: friendly, infinitely patient, classy, and artistic.