Jake & Andrea -- Montelucia Wedding

"Well. That went well." Jacob's tone was thick with sarcasm as he spoke to his roommate just moments after meeting Andrea face-to-face for the first time. She was just as beautiful as he thought she would be, and they had had plenty of successful conversations over text. But that first evening they decided to meet up -- he with his roommate and she with a group of girlfriends -- Andrea barely said a word.

He didn't stand a chance. She wasn't interested. He was sure of it….

He couldn't have been more wrong. Andrea was so nervous to meet him, she froze. She could do little more than smile and nod. She knew in that moment, the very first time she shook his hand, she really liked him. Afterward, in the safety of the car and with the familiar comfort of text, Andrea sent Jacob a message - it was nice to meet him, sorry for being so quiet.

What Jacob mistook for lack of interest, was actually Andrea... completely speechless.

Fortunately, when the time came for Jacob to ask her to be his bride she was able to find the word "YES!"

Saturday this incredibly sweet couple said their lifelong vows in front of family and friends at Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. It was a gorgeous day and I KNEW it was going to be fabulous when I saw this stationery by Idieh Design incorporating calligraphy by Moira Ink:

Andrea's father became the General Manager of the Buffalo Bills in 1993 and the team went to the Super Bowl for the third consecutive year. He passed away years ago and was dearly missed on Saturday. Andrea carried his Super Bowl ring tied to her bouquet in his honor:

Andrea was completely in the moment all day, and I loved photographing her as she laughed, cried, and looked lovingly into Jake's eyes.

She made such a pretty bride!

Jake is the gentle, easy-going type -- perfect for Andrea in every way.

One of the things that connected this couple from the beginning is their love for the Buffalo Bills. The couple incorporated their team into some of the smaller details of the day:

Andrea and Jake lit up when they were around each other:

More pretty details!

Andrea's godfather Bruce was her dad's best friend, and he holds a special place in her heart. She told him he couldn't talk to her before the ceremony because she knew she would burst into tears -- which she did the second he showed up to take a portrait with her. I love this special moment my 2nd shooter Janelle captured right before Bruce walked Andrea down the aisle:

The ceremony was emotional and touching:

Andrea and Jakes' very first kiss as husband and wife!

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails out on the lawn and challenged one another to a friendly game of Buffalo Bills Cornhole:

The ballroom at the Montelucia was gorgeous and continued the colorful theme. A big shout out goes to the teams at Outstanding Occasions, Petal Pusher, and Cre8ive Event Rentals for their fabulous work!