Well, it’s official: our 2015 season is behind us… and it was far and away our favorite year yet. It was a year filled with growth and joy and laughter. Our couples were real and wonderful and they treated us like a part of the family.

And then, last weekend, we capped off our best season yet with a couple that means more to us than words can express.

Whitney and Patrick’s love story is not an easy one. It’s not the kind of love story that is tidy or perfect or completely logical. Whitney and Patrick met in Africa, and they’ve spent the last few years working tirelessly to fight for their love – to make things work across borders and rules and maddening challenges.

And all of that work; all of that fighting and stubbornness and willingness to move mountains for the sake of their love; it all led up to this day.

So when you see their tears of joy and the permanent, mile-wide smiles across everyone’s faces… we just want you to know that they aren’t the product of something that was easy, but that they’re the product of knowing that the most wonderful things in life are worth fighting for.

Event Planning: Britain Lamon Events / Ceremony & Reception Location: Summerour Studio / Bride’s hair: Laura Stalemark, TRYST Salon / Bride’s makeup: Patti Simmons, Brushworx / Dress Designer: Allure / Dress Store: Sweet Elegance Bridal / Bride’s shoes: Benjamin Adams London / Bride’s earrings: BHLDN / Bridesmaids Dresses: Ann Taylor /Bridesmaid’s accessories: Jessica Inman, Songbird Glory  / Florist: Andy Beach / Caterer: Bold American / Cake: Wright’s Gourmet / DJ: John Johnson, Spectrum Entertainment / Videographer: Justin Snavely, Snavely Photo/Video / Transportation: Uber

To see the rest of Whitney and Patrick’s images when they become available, click here.