As they passed each other in the hallway they caught eyes.  Michael had always noticed Krisla in between the swarm of students.  Krisla also took notice of Michael but it wasn’t till later in high school that she realized he was interested in more than gazing at her.   Michael wanted to be friends.  Friends became best friends and soon they were inseparable.  It wasn’t long till they changed their title to boyfriend and girlfriend, attending all the dances together and were officially high school sweethearts.
College came around and they continued dating.  Michael’s best man Ryan thought for sure in college he would find a best friend in his room-mate.  Ryan knew it was natural that him and Michael would hit it off.  They sure did, but only after Ryan realized he would always come in second to Michael’s love, Krisla.  Ryan settled for second place and got to know the both of them equally…admiring the love Michael has always has for Krisla. 
Michael always knew he was going to pop the question so when he finally did, it was  no brainer for Krisla to say YES!!!  After 8 years of dating and moving across the country to Texas, they definitely had proven to one another they were in it for the long haul.
Their wedding day had finally arrived and all their prep had paid off.  The guys started the day in a hotel in Kirkland.  Gracious to start the day early in order to get a few getting ready ‘shots’ and then planning to head to Mukilteo.   Krisla, at home in her parent’s house in Mukilteo was primping with her girlfriends.  They were starting with a traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony which meant Krisla started in a delicate, ivory, long sleeve,  lace 'ao dai' (traditional Vietnamese dress).  It was gorgeous…I couldn’t resist hanging it in the immaculate garden that surrounded her parent’s home.   
It was a new tradition that I had never witnessed.  I love being able to experience and photograph new cultures. 
As people arrived they brought food and gifts and the bridal party lined up to greet them.  Krisla made her way downstairs to meet Michael.  The house offered a birds eye view to the ceremony which made for a beautiful vantage point. 
They shared tea amongst the family members, lit incense for Krisla’s late grandmother and proceeded to receive jewelry and gifts from many of the friends and family.  Traditional food along with a roasted pig and other delicatessens followed as a reception prior to the Catholic ceremony.
Meanwhile Krisla slipped upstairs to change into her other wedding grown.  With it being more American traditional, she proceeded to a first look with Michael.

  Although they had already seen each other this was a private time for them and it was nice to see them relaxing into some moments together.  We were able to take in all of the surroundings for their portraits as well as the bridal party photos prior to heading to the church. 
We arrived at the Catholic church, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, in Woodinville where they had Catholic Mass and the homily was performed by Father James.  Many people shared verses and readings and some of the guests sang.  After Michael and Krisla shared communion the congregation took part in it as well.  It was a unifying experience to see everyone coming together to share in such a sacred ritual.
Father James pronounced Michael and Krisla as husband and wife and they beamed as they left the alter.   
We headed to the Columbia Winery for the reception and enjoyed cocktail hour in the sunshine.  Sarah of Eventful Moments had the ballroom decorated beautifully with the head table backdrop covered in handmade paper flowers by the brides’ mother. 
The guestbook area was an old world theme with the guestbook being a book of maps.  Guests could sign their name on any part of the world they wanted accompanied by a little note.
Before the grand entrance we snuck down to the barrel room for a photo op. I always love how the barrels look in the background and it was a nice, quiet and cool breather for the bride and groom.
The reception started and after the grand entrance and family introductions everyone enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Seastar Catering.   I love hearing the toasts from the maid of honor (Krislas sister, CC) and how she would tag along on Krisla and Michael’s dates, and the best man (Michaels best friend Ryan) and how he had a similar experience just later in their relationship…which proved that Krisla and Michael certainly do love to be together. 
Soon it was time for the first dances and watching Krisla smile at Michael was refreshing.  It was equally as fun seeing Krisla’s dad light up as he spun his daughter around and they shared a laugh. 
We caught a bit of the sun as it set in the lower part of Woodinville where the winery sits.  The evening light was gorgeous although I was trying to ignore the bugs.  It’s worth it to endure some bugs for beautiful lighting.  
We ended the night with some delicious cake, playful dancing with music DJ’d by Otto (everyone including grandpa showed off their moves), and the bouquet/garter toss!

 
Now after a week in Hawaii, Krisla and Michael are heading back to their home in Texas where they are ready to start life as Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy.  They have finally become the Kennedy’s.   Congratulations  #FinallyKennedy2016