Dave + Denise | Middle River Sunset Cruise Wedding

Let’s talk about real love. Real love can change everything. Dave and I have known each other for many years. He had told me many times that he would never get married again… that is until he met Denise. These two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. They have been the perfect fit from day one. When Denise sent me a message asking if I was available on August 22nd… I had a sneaking suspicion what this was about. As more and more questions came my way, it became increasingly clear that Dave had changed his tune about marriage, and sure enough, not much longer after that there was a ring and an official engagement!

Dave and Denise live by the water and spend much of their time ON the water in their boat. So it only seemed appropriate that that’s where they chose to exchange their vows and promise their forevers. They were married on August 22nd, on a friend’s boat, surrounded by their closest family members. It was a very small and intimate wedding — Dave had said that he wanted to keep it to the people they loved, and it was an honor to be included in their special day.

We started off at Parkside Marina — I love their forecast sign.

We got some shots of the beautiful couple and their family before heading off on the boat.

Here’s the whole group! Their daughters, Dave’s parents, sister and husband!

Denise’s ring is so cool and unique. I have never seen anything like it! Since it would have been really difficult to find a wedding band to go with it, they opted for matching wedding bands instead and to just wear them on different hands.

The boat they were wed on is named Cocktails and Dreams. Denise also decorated it a bit for the occasion!

Before the ceremony I got a few more shots of the two of them… there was a good reason for that… you’ll see soon.

LOVE this one.

And it was time to get married!

They wrote their own vows – which were very lovely and made me a little teary. First, I had no idea that Dave had such a romantic side and seeing that come out in him was really beautiful. Denise’s vows to Dave were so perfect and romantic as well. She also included some nautical metaphors which I really loved. “You are my anchor, my shelter and my lighthouse.” And they spoke of the leap of faith they are taking today and through the rest of their lives together.

The view was amazing.

As their ceremony concluded there was a final quote by the officiant: “I am coming to terms with the fact that loving someone requires a leap of faith, and that a soft landing is never guaranteed” – Unknown Author.

And so, they took that leap.

Dave and Denise, I couldn’t be more happy for the two of you and I hope there are many sunset cruises and calm waters in your future.