The day of the winter vineyard wedding was calm and crisp, with a gentle breeze that hinted at the rain that was soon forecasted to arrive (check out my blog here about rain on wedding days!). The morning unfolded slowly, almost in anticipation, as the bride and her closest friends gathered upstairs in a cozy room, exchanging laughter and quiet moments before the ceremony. Below, the groom prepared with his best friends and family, the sound of friendly banter filling the air as they adjusted their ties and shared a few last laughs before the big moment. It was a peaceful, intimate start to what would soon be an unforgettable day.

As a wedding photographer, I can (almost) always gauge the way the wedding day is going to go based off of the climate of the “getting ready” period. Sometimes, the morning feels rushed, stressful, and chaotic, and other times (like this day) it feels gentle, restful, and so meaningful. 

Breyah, the bride, spent much of her morning seated on the floor in front of the mirror, quietly applying her makeup. Every so often, she’d glance over to the ceremony site, carefully peeking through the blinds. From her vantage point, the tiny figures down below moved about, putting the final touches on everything, ensuring it was just right.

Meanwhile, just below, the groom, who’s name is Eli, was busy helping his groomsmen with their ties, sharing quiet, meaningful moments with his emotional mother. Despite the tears, the room was filled with an unmistakable sense of love and support, creating a warmth that could be felt by everyone in the space.

Now, I was second shooting this wedding for my friend Linsey Middleton. Meaning, this wasn’t my own wedding. I didn’t know much about the bride and groom or the wedding in general upon showing up as that is the main photographers responsibility. My VERY first impression was that they looked very young. (I’ll get back to this in a moment.) 

After about an hour of making my rounds up & downstairs, a woman approached me and gave me a BIG hug, saying “how are you!” I hugged her back, but I was confused. “Do know you?” “Yes!” She exclaimed. “I was your second grade teacher.” I about fell to my knees. I recognized her immediately, but it had obviously been a LONG time. “No freaking way, you look like you aged in reverse!” I meant every word of it, she looked incredible. “How do you know the bride and groom?” I asked. “I’m the grooms mom, and I was pregnant with him while I was teaching you.” 

I really couldn’t believe it. In that moment, life felt so full circle. 

“Okay,” I thought to myself, “either they ARE really young, or I’m just older than I realize.” 

Let me just say this before I go on. I have nothing against getting married young! Nothing at all. I was just surprised because I don’t see it often. I was curious to know their story. I did catch myself wondering “why are they getting married so young? Why does everyone seem so okay with it?” Again, I don’t have any problems with it, but I know so many people do. It was surprising to see how truly happy, excited, and ready both sets of parents.

As the day unfolded, it became so clear why they were choosing to marry so young. Their vows were some of the most powerful I’ve ever heard, filled with deep meaning and purpose. Hearing the heartfelt words from both families brought me to tears—these two young people were not only fully committed to each other but also to their faith and to serving others. You know that rare feeling when you can just sense the authenticity in someone? That’s exactly what it was with them. I couldn’t help but think about how proud their parents must be. Two 19-year-olds with more maturity than most people twice their age—so grounded, so kind, and so full of love, not just for each other, but for everyone around them. Their heads and hearts were absolutely in the right place, and NO ONE could deny it. THAT is why they had so much support. 

The whole thing really got me reflecting on my own journey. My husband and I started dating when we were around 12, but I actually fell in love with him at first sight when I was just 10. It’s hard to explain, but something about him just clicked with me, even though I was young and honestly didn’t even like boys… until I saw him.

When we were younger, we’d have our fair share of fights, and I’d get upset. But every time, I’d hear the same thing from people around me: “You’re not going to marry him, it doesn’t matter in the end,” or “You date a lot before you marry.” It always bothered me because I couldn’t help but think, “Well, what if I do?”

People thought we were crazy for taking our relationship seriously so young, and they made sure to let us know. But it makes me wonder—how different would things have been for us if we’d had that kind of support? How much stronger, more mature, and more ready for marriage could we have been if others had believed in us from the start?

People like to write off young love like it doesn’t matter or it isn’t real love. But here’s the thing: it can and DOES lead to marriage. Breyah and Eli reminded me of that. When my children are 14 or 15 and say that they’re in love, I truly want to make the effort to support them as if the person could be their spouse one day (if they’re a good person, of course). 

Everyone’s favorite love story starts when the lovers are kids. But it’s ironic because when kids are in love, it seems as though nobody wants to support it. I hope this story is your sign to stop immediately writing off young love, it certainly was a good reminder for me. 

Ps. Despite the likelihood of rain on that crisp winter day, no rain came. The sun shone bright in the sky and the clouds were soft and beautiful. We got lucky! 

Breyahs stunning dress was from Ladies & Gents Bridal in Bakersfield, California. The venue is Ella’s Vineyard in Paso Robles, California. I highly recommend Paso Robles for Bakersfield locals that want something different, but don’t want to go too far! 

A content creator named @taystimelesstakes also attended this wedding, and the DJs Instagram is @dj.stevenlee from San Luis Obispo. Definitely check them out as they both did a fantastic job! 

Breyah did her own hair and make up.