Capturing timeless love at the historic Church of the Transfiguration in Manhattan. 💒 #NYCWeddingPhotographer #ManhattanElopement

Rebecca and John, a Match.com success story, saying 'I do' in the heart of NYC. 💍 #ElopementPhotography #LoveInNYC

Discover the magic of the Little Chapel, a hidden gem for NYC weddings. 🏙️ #ChurchOfTheTransfiguration #NYCWeddingVenue

True love knows no boundaries in the city that never sleeps. 🗽 #NYCWeddingPhotography #LoveInManhattan

Stunning stained glass windows and wooden pews set the stage for romance. ✨ #NYCWeddingVenue #HistoricChurch

Intimate moments captured in the courtyard of this iconic NYC church. 📸 #ElopementPhotographer #NYCWeddings

Rebecca and John's smiles say it all – love, happiness, and a bright future together. 😊 #NYCElopement #HappilyEverAfter

Adding a touch of history to their love story at this Underground Railroad stop. 🚂 #NYCWeddingHistory #LoveStory

A romantic stroll through cobblestone streets, a perfect backdrop for love. 💑 #NYCWeddingDay #LoveInManhattan

An invitation to cherish moments of serenity in a beautiful Victorian parlor. 🥂 #IntimateWedding #NYCWeddingVenue

In the bustling heart of Manhattan on a sunny afternoon, where just across the street there was a long line of 20-something women waiting for a big Reformation Sale, I had the privilege of photographing Rebecca and John at the Little Church. As a seasoned NYC wedding photographer, specializing in elopements and micro-weddings, I have had the privilege of witnessing countless tales of love, and it never gets old seeing how special each couples’ story and romance is. No one could have written their love story but them. Even they might not have known they would find each other and find love again.

Let me tell you about these two lovely humans. Rebecca and John's journey began in the digital realm of Match.com, where serendipity had them cross paths and ignited a connection that would lead to a lifetime of love and commitment. Their love story, like the city they chose to wed in, is a testament to the beauty of finding your soulmate in the most unexpected places.

Their choice of venue, the Little Church, nestled in the heart of Manhattan down the street from the iconic Ace Hotel, was a blend of tradition and history that resonated deeply with their spirits. This charming chapel, known as the Church of the Transfiguration, holds a unique distinction - it marries more couples than any other church in New York City. But what truly makes this place special is its storied past as a stop on the Underground Railroad, a testament to its significance in both the city's history and the lives of the people who pass through its doors.

Walking into the Church of the Transfiguration is like stepping back in time. The wooden pews and the intricate stained glass windows exude an old-world charm that adds a timeless quality to any wedding ceremony. It was dark. Intimate. Lovely. For Rebecca and John, this setting was not just a picturesque backdrop but a connection to their roots, as the very same church where Rebecca's grandparents had once exchanged vows.

Throughout the sermon, the smiles on Rebecca and John's faces said it all - they were not just excited but truly elated to be joining their lives together in this sacred space. I quietly snapped my photos and tip toed around the room as every step made a small echo.

After the ceremony, we explored the church's courtyard and its surroundings for some intimate, candid shots that captured the essence of their love. The taxi-filled streets, historic architecture, and the vibrant energy of Manhattan all came together to frame this precious chapter in their love story.

To me, what made this elopement particularly memorable was the warmth and kindness radiating from Rebecca and John. Their love was palpable, their happiness infectious. As a top NYC wedding photographer, capturing these genuine moments of joy is what makes my job truly rewarding.

As the day concluded, the minister extended a heartfelt invitation to Rebecca and John to enjoy drinks in the church's beautiful Victorian-style parlor. It was a gesture that added an extra layer of intimacy to their special day, a moment of serenity amidst the bustling city. He even extended drinks to me as they signed their wedding license, which was so so lovely! I feel honored to have been present for their intimate ceremony!

Looking for an NYC wedding photographer to capture your special day? Contact me today for stunning, heartfelt wedding photography that blends history and modern romance in the heart of Manhattan.

I walked into Katie and Stan’s apartment and everyone was gathered around the kitchen island waiting the final few minutes before heading up to the roof for their ceremony. Everyone was just beaming.

That’s what celebrating love is. It’s beaming even while you’re waiting for everything to get started.

Katie had shopped for flowers at the farmer’s market that morning with her parents and Stan was showing his family around NYC as they were visiting from out of town (and his little sister was making some really cool core memories as their flower girl).

They walked themselves down the aisle and their good friend married them. You can see it in the photos, their love and admiration for one another is real, tender, and sweet.

They valued getting to spend time with their closest family and friends, eating, drinking, and karaoking!

Their vision for their wedding day was for their photos to candidly show their relationship with one another and those they love most.

While also giving off funky vibes. And when I look at these photos, I think they give off funky vintage vibes! I love the blurs, the double exposure and the old hollywood flash photos.

The best way to get intimate fun photos in my opinion, is to embrace your wedding photographer as a guest/friend at your wedding. I’ll take care of the professional parts of being your vendor, but when you view me as a friend and let your guard down, it allows us so many opportunities to make magical photos! And that’s what Katie and Stan did. They invited me to eat with their family and friends and let me do my artistic creative thing all while chatting with me and sharing about life! It was laid back and 100% them.

For those who might not consider themselves fans of traditional family photoshoots, there are occasions that call for a more authentic approach. In the heart of Brooklyn, one such memorable experience unfolded as this sweet family embraced a cinematic documentary style to capture their everyday life.

They weren’t seeking perfectly posed snapshots; they craved a deeper connection that would genuinely reflect their life within the walls of their home and the heart of their neighborhood.

From reading children’s books checked at the library to playing spirited rounds of Candyland, every moment was documented with a keen eye for authenticity. The beauty of the documentary style lies in its ability to encapsulate the mundane yet extraordinary moments that make a family unique, especially when we see photos of this kids’ favorite elephant also sitting at the kitchen table with the family. As a photographer, I don’t interfere as much with families if I can help it because I want them to feel as comfortable as possible being themselves. I love these sessions because they capture the laughter, hugs, kisses, and interactions that are often taken for granted but hold the essence of daily life and relationships.

These photos are a legacy. And I get emotional looking at them.

This sweet kiddo will one day look back on these images and witness the profound love and care that his parents showed him. Each photograph serves as a visual time capsule, transporting him back to a time filled with warmth, connection, and pure everyday love.

To me, these candid photos illustrate bond between lovers, parents, a child and his favorite humans, and, of course, the magic of ordinary moments.

And for those of us observing, this two hour family photo session in Brooklyn reminds us that life's true beauty lies in the unscripted, genuine interactions that occur when the camera is allowed to capture life as it is. And it’s absolutely refreshing to see.

If you’re in New York or the Tri-State area and are interested in a low key laid back family session that perfectly documents this season of your lives, contact me here so we can chat through what that would look like! I want to create photo narratives for you that feel the you-i-est they can, and will last a lifetime.

Xoxo,

Stacie

P.S. I got to take the Ferry over from Manhattan to Red Hook for this session, which was very cold, but so so fun and I highly recommend taking Water taxis while visiting NYC if you’ve never been on one!

Misha and Sahil flew in their closest family members all the way from Tennessee for this Brooklyn Bridge NYC Elopement!!

We had so much fun waking up so early for their sunrise elopement on the bridge! Brett got to perform a quick ceremony and everybody got to do lots of shots of 7am celebratory whiskey while early morning runners and Bridge walkers congratulated them!

Afterward, we walked these two around Dumbo to get in a bunch of extra chill wedding portraits! They even opted to grab a coffee to help wash down those whiskeys.

If you’re looking for a micro wedding or elopement photographer in New York City, I would love to chat! My add ons include an officiant and social media videographer to capture the highlights of your microwedding or elopement!

Moody Lifestyle Photography Shoot on the Upper West Side Manhattan, NYC

Funky kitchen phone call

editorial lifestyle session with Stine Creative

Funky Upper West Side living room in NYC with Sophia, actress and Director

Audrey Hepburn fire escape inspiration photoshoot in NYC

Fire escape photoshoot in NYC with Stine Creative who shoots editorial and lifestyle

Plant Shed Lifestyle Photo Shoot NYC

Why you should have a photoshoot at plant shed in NYC

Super fun spring photoshoot at plant Shed in NYC

actress and director photoshoot NYC

With every day in the Life Session, I try to give my clients prompts beforehand to move them in a funky unique collaborative direction with their session. And I barely had to give Sophia any ideas, she was full of them. She’s also an actress and writer living on the Upper West Side, and I find that most people who have ventured on stage, find a certain freedom in front of the camera.

While music was blasting, her dog was barking, and her partner was busy working in the next room, she moved from one cute outfit to the next while I snapped away at all these moments, both posed and unposed.

A Day in the Life Session is tailored to fit you and your comfortability in front of the camera. If you tell me you want to feel riskier and more confident and bold in front of the camera, I’ll lead ya there. If you feel out of your comfort zone, I’ll help you move around a bit and chat ya up A LOT so we widen your comfort zone.

We both brought ideas to this photo session, and after getting to know Sophia, I know this was totally her. She is all about a loud flash and a bold look.

Her reading scripts on her neighbor’s fire escape was probably the epitome of the shoot. It had Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s written all over it.

I also loved that we didn’t spend too much time on one pose or shot. We moved quickly, because that’s Sophia. She’s fast and ready for the next fun idea or thing. Moving quickly is not even in my branding as a photographer! Moving slowly and comfortably is usually the pace I find most comfortable for all. The pace of a session is SO dependent on my clients vibes, and I always try to meet them where they are at. But every now and then, I meet someone like Sophia who is ready to make fast magic.

If I, a photographer, were a headline I’d be: Breaking Tradition: Unique Wedding Photographer for Non-Traditional Wedding couples in the Big Apple.

I’m for non-rushed non-traditional wedding couples in New York City and the Tri-State area. Having a photographer who knows and loves the city is essential when you plan your elopement or micro wedding here. I champion your love and your story on your wedding day and work with you to create a customized wedding day, while also knowing whether we should take a train or a taxi and knowing what pizza is worth your time and money.

This “Non-traditional” vibe goes for couples and individuals who also want photo sessions in New York City. Do you want a photo session that’s a bit non-traditional and slower paced? We will probably be a good fit! The session featured in this post with Raquel and Caesar was slower paced and so much fun! We started at Mcnally Jackson Bookstore down by Pier 17 and the Brooklyn Bridge and then we walked over to Pier 17 for romantic photos at Pearl Alley’s bar. It was absolutely so lovely and romantic! They were celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary by setting up a photo session in New York City during their trip. It was lovely and so fun!

To chat about what you envision for your photo session! Hit that “Let’s Book It” Button so we can create and collaborate on your specific vision!

Well hey there! Your scrolling and googling has landed you here, at Stine Creative Photography in New York City! I’m Stacie, the photographer, and I wanted to informally introduce myself and my photography business! I’ve made a list of the absolute essentials you need to know before booking with me:

1. As a photographer, I’m all about taking both styled and documentary/candid photos that celebrate the season you’re in, and as a human, I’m all about making you feel seen. I make photos that make you feel Seen and Celebrated. I specialize in NYC lifestyle photos, candid in-home Vogue inspired sessions, and Non-Traditional Micro Weddings and Elopements.

2. Musically, I am in my Maisie Peters, Olivia Rodrigo, Stephen Sanchez Era, but I need Samara Joy on a rainy day.

3. My style as a photo editor is warmer, moodier, and orangier. My style as a woman, is vintage modern and I often hear that I give Mrs. Maisel vibes.

4. If you’re looking for a photographer who treats her craft artistically and you like a more documentary/lifestyle vibe, we are for each other. Scroll to the top of this page and click “Let’s Book It” so we can discuss the photo session you’re envisioning!

5. My favorite TV shows currently are Mrs. Maisel, Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Bridgerton (I know, whyyyy do I like it so much?), Abbot Elementary, Not Dead Yet. What are yours? I always ask my clients what kind of pop culture they’re into. It might sound silly, but when we nerd out and can can connect our fandoms, I find we build trust faster.

6. My husband, Brett, and I started working weddings together this year. He, as an officiant, and me, as a photographer. Together we are the married people who marry people! And it has been so fun to love and tell couples’ stories together.

7. This year, I started offering social media video highlights for my clients on top of their wedding photos. If you want a 60 second highlight video of your wedding day (and trust me, you do), let’s add that onto your wedding package!

To me, interacting with a person on an intentional level while pointing a camera at them, is the only way to capture who they really are. To offer up photographs with feelings. That’s what these Day in the Life Sessions I’ve started offering do. They give us real people in real photos.

The vision for Day in the Life sessions is to capture New Yorkers (or any human anywhere, really) doing what they love, in places they love, with people they love.

And what I have found to be true, is that many creative professionals love their homes. Their homes are decorated with pizazz and curated with intention. It was no surprise to me upon walking into Reginald’s home that he feels alive and inspired in his home. He comes alive when he puts on his music and he could talk for hours about his wall art and its significance and influence over his life.

Reginald is a New Yorker through and through, and he dresses to the occasion. When I found out he is a stylist, I knew photographing him working in his space, walking through his neighborhood to re-tap some shoes, and sitting at his favorite local bar would be a colorful experience. And it sure was.

Through these photos we see part of his story and the story of his home. We see how committed his coffee table is to holding his favorite fashion magazines. We see the vintage TV tray stand he keeps his laptop on when he works. We see a man feeling confident in a perfectly fitting suit. We see his relationship with the shoe repair man whose shop is just a few blocks away from Reginald’s apartment. And we see him get to lean back and relax with a beer after a long day of work.

When editing his photos, I really wanted to lean into a film vibe even though these were captured on a digital camera. While I tend to edit with warmth, I felt drawn to edit with more blues and greens than usual. I literally came out of editing this session with a preset called “Reginald Blue” and I really love the more vintage look it gives these photos.

When I sent Reg his album, I told him I hoped he would love looking back at these one day. I hope he feels as if these photos have frozen him in time. I hope these celebrate who he is now and remind him of how inspired he felt in his apartment in 2022. I hope these photos remind him of the hard work he put into his styling business in 2022. I hope these photos remind him of how far he has come. I hope he feels confident in who he is in these.

If you are interested in setting up your own New York City Day in the Life Lifestyle Session, please contact me here to set up a time, date, and to vision cast. Every Day in the Life Session is collaborative and tailored to who you are. I work very intentionally beforehand to make sure our session can be fully photographed in two hours, but am okay with extending the time to three hours depending on the amount of locations you would like to venture to.

Did you know the number one way I connect with NYC visitors and give them tours of central park is through my Dessert and Coffee Central Park Photo Session?

I’ve met so many couples, moms and daughters, and solo travelers through this experience and I LOVE getting to hear why they’re visiting the city, what they have planned, and sharing with them all the fun facts I’ve learned about Central Park over the years.

I meet my visitors at a cute Upper West Side hidden gem coffee and florals shop with coffee and local dessert (I’m buying!) and then we venture over to Central Park for a photo session. This is our time to get to break the ice and relax a bit before you begin your photo session. What I love about walking to the park together is the opportunity to give you some cityscapes in your photos!

This experience focuses on photos at the coffee shop, Reservoir (I know the cutest bridges), Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, The Ramble, Bow Bridge, and Bethesda Fountain. Your photos will include both nature and cityscapes.

Cancelling/Weather: Make sure to schedule your session closer to the beginning of your NYC visit just in case we have to reschedule because of weather. I’ll reach out if weather is looking problematic 24 hrs. before our session. Only weather Cancellations can be rescheduled or be refunded.

Posing: You can expect both candid prompts and posed prompts from me.

Gallery: You’ll receive an online gallery of 50-75 edited high resolution photos one week after your session; 5 edited photos day of. I do not send unedited photos or Raw JPGs.

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I’ve never woken up on the first day of the new year ready to photograph a wedding, but celebrating a marriage is a pretty stellar way to bring in the new year. Breathing in that Albuquerque mountain air was so refreshing and romantic.

I’ve known both Sarah and Caleb for a few years— and the juxtaposed bright and moody photos from their wedding day really feel like them. Sarah and Caleb are chill energy. They live to be active. They are both artistic. They have eyes only for each other. They froze to death on the snowy mountain we photographed them on. They have deeply caring friends and family who are for them— it’s rich to see them celebrated in these photos.

And with an anniversary on January 1st, they’ll always have something beautiful to celebrate as each new year approaches. Aren’t these snowy mountain photos such a mood?

P.S. If this Jo Bros song had been released on January 1st— I would have made Sarah and Caleb play it at their reception. I would have handed my camera off and danced my feet off. It’s the perfect wedding reception song, don’t you think? Go ahead and play it and pretend you’re in the mountains with Sarah and Caleb.

What’s the best love story you’ve ever heard?

One of my favoritestesetestest love stories can be found in Ever After. I love Drew Barrymore’s Cinderella character. She’s smart. Unafraid to share what she thinks. She’s justice-driven. She’s kind. She’s witty. She has integrity and longs to do the right thing. She isn’t chasing after love, she’s chasing after loving others first. And that’s what attracts the Prince to her. I LOOOOOOVEEE THAT.

Stories in general can inspire us, can reach into the depths of our souls with healing and restoration, and can forever change the course of our lives.

I also believe love is just as powerful.

Love can transform us into better versions of ourselves. It changes us. Sharpens us. Moves us into selflessness. Into Sacrificial living. The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return (Moulin Rouge is another great love story!).

Love + stories.

Love Stories are so rich and moving. I think that’s why our world is obsessed with writing about them and making movies about them.

We love love. We love stories. We love them together.

Here’s…

Devon and Caleb’s Love Story

Devon and Caleb are both in the medical field in Baltimore. She’s a nurse and he’s in residency. They have a special place in my heart because they also did long distance for two years. PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, LONG DISTANCE FOR YEARS IS NOT SOMETHING FOR THE FAINT OF HEART.

Something I really appreciate about Devon when she shared her love story with me, is her honesty about how they’ve had to work really hard to make their relationship work. It’s hard work to be intentional with one another when you’re both in the medical field with two inconsistent schedules. These two tied the knot to grow as they go! They’re working hard to make it work. Sometimes we need to admit this marriage thing takes hard work.

As someone who is married to a forever scholar/doctoral student, I’ve come to understand that not every season looks the same or looks the way I imagined it. Homework, papers, prepping to teach class, and writing articles— it all can keep Brett from having availability in his schedule. It’s challenging and makes our time together really valuable. Just like our vows are sacred, our Saturday Sabbaths (rest days) together are SO sacred to me now. It takes effort to keep them work-free. But it’s worth it every week.

Okiieeeee this is not my love story, it’s Devon and Caleb’s…. duh.

Devon said the coolest part of their wedding was the choreographed wedding dance Caleb did with her to…. THE GREATEST FREAKING SHOWMAN, Y’ALL. I’ve included the video at the bottom of this post because it’s SO GOOD. Like, really beautiful and challenging choreography (that makes me miss my musical theater days!). But so sweet and fun. These two love each other. You can see it in their faces.

My Favorite words from Devon’s Vows, because we all need a little more encouragement toward our goals:

I promise to thrill in your passions and encourage you towards your goals. 

My favorite words from Caleb’s vows because sharing dreams and beauty with each other can be easy to forget to do:

I will live this adventure of life by your side and share with you my dreams and show you the beauty and thrills I see.
I will show you my gratefulness for the incredible lady you are~

If you love how Devon and Caleb’s vows turned out, you can purchase your own in my etsy shop. If you’re getting married soon, you can also add our vows to your wedding registry (maybe there will be some stellar wedding guest out there excited to gift you your wedding vows after your wedding ceremony!).

Chasing love stories,

Stacie

Josie and Matt’s Love Story

First of all, Josie had her vows printed on beautiful handmade paper by White Dragon Paper and we added a small greenery design to them. I LOVE HOW THEY TURNED OUT.

As for their story: Josie didn’t want to date Matt. Matt wanted to date Josie. Classic Rom-Com ammiright?! He crashed a wine party she hosted while her mom was in town… and then he crashed all her plans to not date him. He won her cute lil’ Five foot Two cuban heart over.

Josie and Matt talk a lot about team work in their vows. They recognize that being married means being for each other and on each others’ team. Maybe it’s because Matt was in the NFL and he really understands team metaphors…. or maybe it’s because they understand it’s better to be on the same team than on different teams. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes in marriage, it’s easier to feel like we’re on different teams, each of us trying to win against one another. Here’s to being on the same team!

I cried reading through their vows as both of them mentioned losing one of their parents, but wanting to keep their parents’ positive impact and legendary influence in their lives and in their marriage. How beautiful.

My Favorite words from Josie’s Vows:

No matter what comes our way, I promise that you will never have to face it alone. We are a team. And although you’ve played on a few dream teams in your day, they ain’t got nothing on this….

…I promise to enjoy all of life’s little momenticos with you; to remember that life is made up not by the big events, but the moments in between….

….I will even love you when I really don’t like you….

….My father always said, “you reap what you sow.” It’s a saying I live by, and our marriage is no different. I promise to put the work in to make our marriage a beautiful one….

My favorite words from Matt’s vows:

We are a team and always will be.
Te quiero mucho mi amor.

If you love how Josie and Matt’s vows turned out, you can purchase your own in my etsy shop. If you’re getting married soon, you can also add our vows to your wedding registry (maybe there will be some stellar wedding guest out there excited to gift you your wedding vows after your wedding ceremony!).

Chasing love stories,

Stacie

One of my favorite lines from Love Actually, is when Hugh Grant is narrating the end of the movie, he says, “Love is, actually, all around.” Further proof of that? Kelly and Dustin met at a gas station. Love can be found anywhere. At any place.

These two have vows filled with inside jokes and they even both shared their love story within their vows. You can tell they are in love with their own story. I think that’s important and grounding. To remember where your story started.

Kelly’s Vow Highlights (I love how Kelly included sharing food in her vows. THIS IS SUCH A REAL MARRIED LIFE THING. And if you ask me she’s really sacrificing by letting Dustin have the last bite!):

“Dustin, loving you means letting you into the deepest part of my heart. It means modifying my plans. It means letting go of thinking my way is the right way and learning how our way fits together….

I will sleep with the fan on even when it makes me freezing. I will let you eat all the string cheese and I will always offer you the last (best) bite of my food. I will watch Friends with you as many times as you ask knowing you will always beat me at Friends trivia because you have become a bigger fan than myself.

I vow to love you for your flawfullness. ”

Dustin’s Vow Highlights (I love that because of Kelly, Dustin is now a Friends fan):

“I promise to love you each and every day, even on Sundays when you wont let me watch football. I commit to cherish you forever and ever, even when you spend a lot on shoes. Yes I’ll cherish the shoes too and wont step on them when we dance. I vow to always be understanding even when you are mad at me for something that happened in a dream. ”

Emily’s Story

Emily and Adam dated as teenagers, then, after years apart, found one another as adults, fell in love, and got married. Emily had me write out her vows to Adam for their anniversary alongside a picture of herself:

Because of you, your generosity, and your patience I have become a better person. Our differences are some of the things that have made us so much stronger as we challenge each other and inspire the other to see things in a new way. Because of you I strive to be a better partner and a better friend. But in the end I am so lucky to have a man who loves me, respects me, and appreciates me for the person I am.

If you love how Emily’s vows turned out, you can purchase your own at my Etsy shop here. If you’re getting married soon, you can also add our vows to your wedding registry (maybe there will be some stellar wedding guest out there excited to gift you your wedding vows after your wedding ceremony!).

It feels like snorting magical unicorn dust every time I get to read a couples’ vows.

First of all, vows are such sacred words. I almost feel like I’ve been let into a very personal part of my clients’ lives, without even knowing them. I actually close my eyes and imagine what I think their ceremony looked like. I imagine them smiling at one another with deep set care in their eyes, holding each others’ hands tightly.

Second of all, I love how a couples’ values and hearts for one another come out in their words. Especially if they’ve written their own vows.

I’m an artist and wordsmith, so connecting with words that express beauty and love is something that feels like home to me. I always connect with different parts of a couples’ vows. I don’t always share the same values or beliefs as my couples, but I always find words I really connect and relate to.

I’m pumped for you to get a glimpse of some of my clients’ love stories. Um, who doesn’t like hearing how people fell in love?

Welcome to the magical love fest that is my Etsy shop. This is what it’s like for me to hear their love story through their ever-so-sacred wedding vows.

A few weeks ago I had a client ask me if I sell vows in two separate frames. One week ago, I had a client ask if I can add some greenery to an open space in her vows. Two weeks ago, I had a friend ask if I could write out her Maid of Honor Speech from her dear friends’ wedding.

And… about a million years ago, I told my friends Nicole and Kim I wanted their work in my Etsy shop. Because they’re both makers with really beautiful products that only add to the love fest happening in my etsy shop. Kim writes out vows in pen and ink (I write mine out digitally) and Nicole digitally illustrates couple portraits (but it totally looks like watercolor!).

All of these collaborations and ideas— they’re all amazing and because of them, I’m adding a handful of NEW products to my Vow shop.

Square Vows in Two Separate 8x8 Frames!

Illustrated Couple Portraits next to a poem, scripture, or your first dance lyrics.

Maid of Honor or Best Man Speech with Photo of you and the couple!

Vows on Handmade Paper with Deckled Edges

Seven years ago, when Brett and I got married we were broke. I was applying for jobs and Brett was working at Sam’s Club, working his way through Grad school.

I remember our coffee budget being $25 a month. For both of us. No eating out. We bought groceries using the Target gift cards we’d received from our wedding.

I’m not surprised when I talk to couples who tell me they love my vows, but they can’t afford them. You just got married. Or you’re about to get married and your budget really might not be in a place to purchase custom calligraphy.

I can relate to that, so I thought I’d come up with an alternative plan for you. Now you can add your vows to your registry, so you don’t have to consider purchasing them after your wedding— because a kind wedding guest has already purchased them for you.

The vows I design have a range of pricing options, which is exactly what your wedding guests need when they’re considering what to gift to you. Some of them want something as fancy and unique as custom vows, and some of them want something as affordable as a dish towel.

When you add vow calligraphy to your wedding registry, you’re offering your guests a chance to give an incredibly intentional and thoughtful gift to you.

How does it work?

You register for our vows, we send you a link to include in your online registry, wedding guests can purchase the vows you wanted, and, when the wedding is over, we ask you for your vows, letter them, then deliver them!

Registering for vows is easy peasy. You can view our vow options for Newly Weds here. All you have to do is fill out our form signifying the vow options you want to register for and give us all your pertinent contact information— and we will take care of the rest!

We have provided a handful of pricing options for you and your wedding guests to choose from! We recommend signing up for a variety of the vow options you love! If you need more product information or want to view other ideas for wedding vows, you can view all of our vow products in our Etsy Shop.

Once we receive your information, we will create a registry page specific to you and send you an email with the link to send to your wedding guests or include in your online registry!

Hannah is what I would call a multi-potentialite. She’s interested in all the things, and pursuing all the things. She loves to cook and practices calligraphy. She’s getting her MBA and then pursuing medicine.

SHE’S DOING IT ALL, PEOPLE.

I was thinking I’d ask her what her favorite quote is, but she wrote out a beautiful quote in calligraphy below, and I think I’ll just leave you with her beautiful handwriting!

Also, I love when my heart sunglasses work with my clients’ outfits/personalities. Doesn’t she ROCK these sunglasses? You can buy them for ten dollars here, just in case you need them too!

Two people I look up to and admire the most are my siblings.

There’s a big age gap between us because I was… a surprise. At one point a few years ago my mom told me she cried when she found out she was pregnant with me. But she quickly tried to tell me I was a good surprise.

And my response was— I LOVE SURPRISES. Of course I was one.

Anyway, Alycia and I have an awesome eleven year age gap that keeps us on our toes (literally, an age gap will never keep us from our love of dancing it up or karaoke-ing it up anywhere we go). But even with a significant maturity gap, every year I find myself more and more grateful for her willingness to be my friend, cheerleader, and relationship guru throughout my awkward middle school years, theatre-induced high school years, rollercoaster-of-emotions college years, and super cool twenties.

She has spoken a lot of truth into my life (she’s very wise) and annoyed me at times (we’re sisters, it happens).

One of my favorite things about her is her story and her choice (on a daily basis) to believe that God’s plan for her life is better than her own.

Her gift of singleness the past twenty-ish years hasn’t defined her, but it’s something I’ve appreciated about her story.

She’s journeyed so faithfully with the Lord through singleness and has shown me what it’s like to surrender our lives to Christ— she’s shown me what it’s like to “marry adventure” and what it’s like to be a single woman who desires marriage. She’s shown me that God is faithful, provides family, and epic experiences whether we’re in a relationship or not.

If you like surprises as much as my mom and I do, then I think the biggest surprise of 2019 is: Reinder.

In January, Alycia and Reinder went on a handful of dates… and toward the latter few dates, I could tell they were both sold. I think the more adult-y we become, the more we know what we need and want. And I think God made it apparent these two needed to start doing life together.

And at the end of February, he proposed and she said yes. I’m pumped to see their marriage journey unfold. And to celebrate their marriage on an island in The Netherlands (did I mention they live in The Netherlands? Reinder is Dutch and Alycia is a Texan). I’m excited to celebrate their love for God and their desire to participate in a covenant marriage.

They snuck out to Texas back in February, so we may or may not have taken some proposal pictures at a very beautiful botanic garden in Fort Worth. We also hit up Craftwork coffee and Inspiration Alley— and I absolutely LOVE how colorful their pictures turned out. Colorful, just like their story.

Here’s Alycia’s proposal story:

“I said yes. 😉 The man I’ve been praying for for over twenty years has finally walked into my life and we are thrilled to begin this new journey together. Can’t wait to start this new chapter with Reinder…

…he chose the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens under the gazebo. It was perfect. I felt like Liesel in the Sound of Music but without the dance number! He wrote me a beautiful letter and then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes....very quickly and happily! Thanks to my grandmother, Betty Zelios, he was able to give me a beautiful family ring that we believe is from Greece. We had a lovely brunch with my mom and dad (and Stacie!) after this very romantic engagement. Then we went to the zoo! Not kidding… A couple of days later, Stacie was kind enough to take these AMAZING photos of us for our engagement shoot. I can't believe how good they are…..”

It was years after watching Trading Spaces or What Not to Wear on TLC that I figured out what “TLC” actually stands for. I’d had no idea it was a clever acronym for a television network! It stands for (SPOILER ALERT)…

Tender Love and Care.

I remember reading what it meant and immediately thought— I’m a TLC-er.

When I’m 75, looking back on life, I hope other people will remember me as someone who loved and cared for them. Truly. Deeply. I hope I am someone who kept healthy boundaries, but who also laid down her own selfish desires at times to care for others in their time of need. Or to let them know they are loved by taking the time to tell them or show them.

And honestly, I’ve been trying to figure out how to do this as a business owner. How to be a TLC ambassador to clients I’ve never actually met face to face. How do I let my Etsy clients know I am FOR them? How do I communicate I’m rooting for their marriage? First of all, it starts with listening to their love story. It starts with reading their sacred vows. And what I’m learning, is that it starts with packaging and a little TLC.

I’ve received packages from Etsy shops in the past that had nothing but an ugly slip of paper in them. I was always hoping for a little something more. Even if it was a cool looking business card.

I don’t just want my clients to feel a little extra love. I want them to actually enjoy what they’re unwrapping. Visually. Aesthetically.

So as I’ve been refining my packaging process, I’ve been considering what I can do to go the extra mile. I’ve narrowed it down to pretty water color name prints or sometimes a calligraphy print of one of my favorite quotes. Either way, my clients, THE PEOPLE WHO PAY MY BILLS—- they get something a little extra. A small thank you from a big heart.

I thought it might be fun to share the process with you. This isn’t a mind-blowing snap shot of what I do. But it’s a fair snapshot of how I value my wedding clients.

I got to snap pics of THIS BEAUTIFUL TEXAS TECH SENIOR. She's a nurse. She's already loved on, served, and impacted so many peoples' lives at the hospital. She's got a big empathetic heart for others and that's what makes her an awesome person and an awesome nurse. 

ANNNDDD, most importantly, if you're about to graduate with a nursing degree and you've worked your butt off the past few years, what would you do to celebrate? 

Not sure? Take some notes from Maddie--- she went to Vegas to see the Backstreet boys and relax by the pool. Teenage me, early twenties me, and Now-twenties me is fan-girling with jealousy and super jealous of the sun-rays she'll be picking up. 

For this photoshoot, Maddie wanted to kick over her nursing books and walk around the horticulture garden like a boss. I love how fun these turned out!