DOMINION VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB, VIRGINIA WEDDING: VICTOR + JANAE: MELISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

It's often said that when you marry, you marry the other person's family. I don't think there could be better news for today's groom that this is true news for him. They are truly some of the most vibrant, inquisitive, competitive, deep, well spoken, fun, all-in, whole-heartedly selfless people I've ever had the joy of knowing. And I've known them for quite some time. Her family led some of my first trips to India. (For those of you who follow me know that's a big passion of my and my family's heart) The bride when I first met her was maybe 11? Young enough that I found her lack of complaining after really long and ridiculously hot days in India impressive. When others may have hesitated to jump into action in counter-cultural situations, she was already loving those in need. Our "family" dinners at Indian restaurants over butter chicken, rice, and fresh lime sodas would go late into the night with story after story and gut wrenching laughter. Even at that young age, she'd either be right in the mix of it all or politely lay her head to sleep on the table; Never complaining to leave, not being crabby (which would have been justified) after we've been in bazillion degree heat, are so incredibly dirty, and are up late into the night unpacking the day. She never was the loudest in the group but even from a young age played a vital role in the way that she supports. And now, many years later, I still sit at the "family" table (truly, what photographer gets to sit with the brides immediate family at table 1!) I can see that those traits have flourish as she's grown and now is a wife. Now having captured their wedding weekend at Dominion Valley Country Club out in Virginia, I've gotten to know her groom, Victor. I have no doubts that he is going to cherish, care, and support his wife in the ways that she's done for others for a really long time. Janae, I'm so incredibly happy for you! You shine from the inside out!