Sonya & Stanley’s Cherry Blossom Engagement at Kariya Park
Andrea and Robbie are living proof of how love will always withstand anything, and not even the test of time can subside what they share. After knowing each other for so many years (with over 14 years to be exact), Andrea and Robbie finally tied the knot and welcomed marriage happily into their lives.
Again, if I must say so, friends to lovers… I told y’all it is the best love trope out there. I don’t know why but transitioning from a platonic to a romantic relationship, it just adds a whole new layer to what you already have, and share. Getting to know someone as a friend, then it eventually develops into something more, it never fails to give me the feels!
All it took was a spark, and that is exactly what happened on a cottage trip Andrea and Robbie were invited to in 2013. Because of this, they had the opportunity to talk more, and they found out that they shared a similar love to winter sports, board games, and Chris Daughtry music. Everybody else had an inkling that Andrea and Robbie were bound to connect emotionally. Well, everybody except the couple themselves.
But, I am sure that everyone was happy to say that Andrea and Robbie came out of that trip much closer, and more aware of the potential of their relationship.
On their wedding day, Andrea and Robbie were getting ready in their respective houses. I arrived at Robbie’s first thing in the morning. They didn’t want to do anything too serious. So, I found it really sweet when Robbie and his groomsmen had their own version of a tradition. Each of the groomsmen helped Robbie put on certain accessories and clothing. Afterwards, they would share a hug.
Yes, a wedding is the groom’s day as well!
As I snapped every moment Robbie shared with the groomsmen, I found myself smiling. It really showed the kind of friendships that the groom made with everyone. When I took a group photo, everybody was smiling just as widely as Robbie. It seemed like they were as excited as him on one of Robbie’s biggest days.
Once I was satisfied with the pictures I captured with Robbie and his loved ones, I moved on to Andrea’s. And suffice to say, the vibe was just as light there. Andrea was nowhere close to being like a bridezilla. Actually, she had this funny idea of dressing up one of her male friends in a white dress to prank Robbie for their “first look” moment.
It showed me how Andrea didn’t take herself too seriously, and chose the right moments to let loose and have fun. They are so lucky to have each other.
Their wedding ceremony took place at The Foundry. As soon as Robbie arrived, he took the time to greet everybody personally. He was a very attentive groom. But my absolute favorite moment throughout the entire wedding was when Andrea walked down the aisle with her parents. Somewhere in the middle, she started tearing up. And I just started tearing up with her.
But, of course, as the wedding photographer, I did not let this precious moment slip by. I sucked in the tears and sobs, and made sure to capture every angle of Andrea’s sincere reaction. And as soon as Andrea reached the altar, Robbie simply smiled at her and comforted her quietly.
This is exactly why I am a wedding photographer, everyone! It’s because of the grandest details in the most intimate moments.
Once the ceremony wrapped up, everyone moved to The Granary for the reception. Everything looked so beautiful. Each table was set up with white roses and lit up candles. It had such a gentle and soft vibe to it. I could tell that aside from being a goofy couple, they still poured all their attention to the littlest details in their wedding.
For the entire night, Andrea and Robbie snuck a few kisses here and there. I couldn’t help but snap a picture of every one of their not-so-secret moments together. There is just something I can’t quite wrap my finger around, but seeing somebody so in love, it just makes me love the idea of love so much more!
To Andrea and Robbie, I wish you both the happiest of memories as husband and wife.
