When Miki emailed me in December, I pretty much knew we were going to be friends. We met for coffee and got to know each other, and I've enjoyed all the time I've spent with her since then. She's kind and humble and is always making sure those around her are taken care of. St. Jude must have seen all those qualities in her as well.

I love the way she and Evan set up their wedding day. They had a small, intimate wedding in her parents' backyard in Germantown, Tennessee, then had their wedding reception at the Memphis Botanic Gardens, where all their friends joined in the fun.

I love these photos my second shooter, Josh, got of Miki's mom as she watched their First Look.

I recommend a First Look for most weddings, not only because it makes the day more laid back, but also because it really puts the marriage in perspective, rather than just the wedding. I have a photo very similar to this of Jonathan and me right before our ceremony, and it so perfectly sums up why I love seeing each other beforehand so much.

Miki was serious about not having that cake smashed in her face!

We went to Sara's Place at the Memphis Botanic Garden after the ceremony for their reception, but I was able to steak Miki and Evan away for a bit for some photos on the grounds there as well.