I was eight years old the year our family of five became a family of six, and my new baby brother quickly became the center of my universe as I test drove my expanded role as 'big sis.' I remember teaching him how to count, studying the different colors... and the way he used to say 'lello' instead of pronouncing the 'y' in 'yellow.' I made him snacks, rocked him to sleep, took him for walks and... introduced him to the music of Michael Jackson.  :) One day in the elementary school cafeteria, while devouring my favorite PB&J sandwich, I was asked a question whose answer could easily have caused the downfall of an entire social structure... potentially forever banning me to a lifetime of eating alone at the table in the corner.

"Who's your best friend?" they asked. The 'cool' answer (the one that would keep some distance between me and the table in the corner) would have been to answer with the name of whomever was the popular kid in class at the moment. Of course, I've never been a person who cares for those sort of games... so my answer was an honest one. I confidently replied, "My little brother."

However 'uncool' that answer may have been... I didn't care. I meant it.

Well... that was 20+ years ago. Nick has had a new best friend for quite some time now... her name is Jamie, and the two of them got married yesterday. :)

In keeping with tradition, my incredible aunt Theresa made Jamie's dress along with this gorgeous, gorgeous bird-cage veil. Simply stunning.

Also keeping with family tradition, Nick & Jamie's wedding was held at the Pla Mor Ballroom where I captured this image of Jamie putting on her veil. I'm not sure if it's the vintage charm of the Pla Mor, of the elegant positioning of her hands... but I absolutely love this image, and I knew I would the very moment I clicked the shutter.

Wow. I'd like to introduce you all to my new sister-in-law! :)

All grown up now, Nick is truly a force to be reckoned with. He has managed to successfully juggle a relationship with Jamie along with being a father to Cole... all while busting his butt as a pre-med student who recently schooled the MCAT. I am insanely proud of him (which I tried to convey with a toast at the reception... but have only a vague recollection of the words that actually came out of my mouth).

I love this!

The humidity alone was enough to move someone to tears... but Jamie's tears here are happy ones. :)

Holy heck! I was hoping to capture more images of little Cole dressed up in his penguin suit (aka: tux), but the humidity was pretty unbearable. We sought shelter in the air-conditioning after only a brief moment... but not before I snagged this. Heart stopper! My mom calls Cole 'charmer,' and that... he is. :)

These may be the best ring shots of all time.... :) Love those little hands!

Nick's friend BJ is definitely part of the family. Cole knows him as 'Uncle Beej.'

My other little (but definitely grown up!) brother, Tony. We're excited to have Tony back in town, having recently moved home from Colorado. He and Nick are study buddies as they both continue to plow their ways through school. Such good guys.... I am one seriously fortunate gal, I tell ya!

Of course, I can't leave out my sister Gina. She and her husband Roy just moved to Iowa where they live with their son (my newphew!) Dominic. This photo is especially fun because Dom is wearing the little linen suit that Tony wore when he was little. Gotta love that!

Go ahead... see if you can look at this photo without getting a smile on your face!

My Doad (as we call him... rhymes with 'toad'). Isn't he cute? Here he gathers his thoughts in preparation for a toast to Nick & Jamie. I adore this shot... almost as much as I adore him! :)

Having become quite the master potter, my mom ambitiously made all the centerpieces! Each vase is unique... hand crafted with love. :) What fabulous wedding favors!

Here's two of my absolute favorite people in the whole entire world. Are they cute or what? I love watching them dance... always good for a photo opp. :)

Love you all!