Kelly Kirkland Photography

We were seven years old, in the same second grade class, learning long division and how to write our names in cursive.  We would move our desks to face each other every day, and had ‘snack’ together.  I remember how cool I thought she was when her mom let her have her birthday party at the movie theater, where we got to watch the PG-13 classic, “La Bamba”.   I used to cheer for her at her basketball games, and I was so proud of her.

It wasn’t long before we were going out dancing together.  I would leave my house in jeans and a t-shirt, and change into my clubbing clothes at her house.  (Sorry, Mom!)  We shared some of the best times together in our teenage years, and picked each other up during some of the worst.

Sonia and Josh met at Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, her freshman year, 1997.  I remember meeting Josh when I came to visit Sonia at RPI, and I thought they made such a beautiful couple.  Over the years, I have gotten to know Josh pretty well.  We’ve traveled together.  He teased me for always having a camera around my neck, snapping away everywhere we went.  I teased him for being the pickiest eater I’ve ever met in my entire life.  If it never moo’d, he won’t touch it.  Seriously?!

About a year ago, Josh asked me if I would come to Mexico to photograph his proposal to Sonia.  There is nothing that I would have loved more, but with my little ones at home and my schedule, I wasn’t able to be there.  He planned the most romantic weekend for her, and she was totally blown away.  They came home on cloud nine, stopping by on Thanksgiving day to show me the ring, bubbling over with excitement.  And as soon as they let it all sink in, they started planning a very intimate wedding for the following September.

Over the last several months, I have had some really special times with Sonia, sharing in her preparation for the big day.  My first “Kleinfeld’s” experience (aside from the reality show “Say Yes to the Dress”!) was with Sonia and her mom, the day after Christmas last year.  It was a really memorable day, and not just because we were climbing over piles of snow that NYC DOT didn’t plow from that crazy snowstorm.  🙂  Sonia decisively chose her wedding dress that day.  Probably the most chill, laidback, non-bridezilla-bride I’ve ever met.  Love her.

In May, Sonia, her mom, her grandma and I took a road trip to Newport to finalize some details for the big day.  We went for her hair and make-up trial, met with florists, and took a look at the venue (couldn’t resist taking a few pics, of course!  You know, just for Sonia’s Wedding Planning Scrapbook, that she doesn’t have… :D).

She is my oldest and dearest friend, and I had the privilege to be her witness (and photographer!) on her wedding day.  On September 18th, Sonia and Josh pledged their love for one another in front of a very small group of family and friends.  With tears rolling down my cheeks behind my lens, I captured the beautiful union unfolding before me, and again, I was so proud of my dear friend.

Here are some of the gorgeous details of their wedding day…

Josh, thank you for making my girl smile from the inside out.  I have never seen her happier than I did on your wedding day.  The vows you pledged to one another were the sweetest words, and I hope they guide you through a fabulous life of togetherness.  I love you both.  Congratulations!