by Scott Johnson
Smith Wedding on 3/2/19 at Hidden Meadows in Snohomish, Wa
Music licensed from -
Song Freedom - songfreedom.com
“The best videographer around!
I’ve been thinking about what to say.... Reid and his partner Matt were so amazing to work with and really on top of everything. They were there from the start to the end of the day, capturing all of the most important parts. He got the video to me in a week.... I was planning on at least waiting a month for the video. But apparently they are over achievers. Haha.
But honestly. I really felt like they enjoyed the day almost as much as we did. They laughed with us and shared all the important moments with us. My now husband has brain cancer and this wedding was planned in a month, and these guys gave their whole Saturday away to document our day.
I can’t say enough nice things about them. Obviously the fact that they donated their services to a family they didn’t know but just came across their story, says a lot about the kind of people they are. I really enjoyed working with them and honestly having this video to look back on whenever I want really just makes the whole thing that much more special.
Thank you Reid and Matt. From my entire family to yours, thank you.... when I say I’ve watched the video probably 3-5 times a day since you sent it to me on Saturday is not an exaggeration...”
It’s been a while since we got to head out to Snohomish, particularly the Hidden Meadows wedding venue! So we were pretty thrilled for the Smith’s big wedding day at the beginning of March. This 350-guest venue is breathtaking all around. From the rustic charm to the sprawling fields and everything in between, we will never get tired of coming here. You can even get views of Mt. Pilchuck as you stroll around the patio, or simply rest by the fire pit and enjoy the summer sky.
Every wedding is special, no doubt about it. It’s one of the happiest days of anyone’s life, and you get to share it with your partner who feels just the same way, as well as your family and friends. Then you have weddings like the Smiths’ where everything comes together in such a profound way that you wonder if maybe fate really does exist.
For those interested in the full, unabridged story of their storied romance, trials and tribulations and uncompromising love for each other, all you gotta do is click here to read Dan Manning’s account of the day. Three years ago in February, Josh and Erin met on a dating site. An “instant connection,” is putting it lightly, and within the year they were already living together with Josh’s (technically now their) kids, and planning for the future. Only to have December 2016 roll around with Josh ending up in the hospital due to a seizure and eventual cancer diagnosis.
They removed the tumor shortly after, but then he was diagnosed with Grade 3 Anaplastic astrocytoma brain cancer. After a year of treatment, Erin wound up pregnant (despite being told it was highly unlikely) and gave birth to a boy in May 2018. This past January rolled around, and another diagnosis revealed the cancer was back and he had about a year to live. Like all awesome moms, Erin’s came over and gifted Josh her own ring to propose to Erin with, and within the day they were engaged. This has all the makings for a hopelessly romantic and heart-swooning movie, even more so once you see the final decisions for the big day!
So, Erin went to the internet to post about their story in hopes that there would be some charitable organizations that would help them tie the knot. Sure enough, they rounded up all of the necessary vendors and got ready for their wedding day with only several weeks notice. Be sure to check out Dan Manning’s account of the day himself before reading on to ours. Sometimes things are just meant to happen the way they are, and everything about this day reads perfection, as you will shortly find out!
A brisk March morning greeted us along with fog rolling in over the fields. Nestled up inside, avoiding the chill, the ladies and gents spent the morning getting all done up. The boys were rocking some lovely maroon vests and ties, while the bridal party some sparkly dresses with matching maroon bottoms.
As the morning progressed, it soon became time for the lovely first look between Erin and Josh. Meeting underneath a wooden covering with curtains tied to the sides and little chandeliers hanging, Erin approached Josh and soon they were all over each other with excitement.
We led them around the farm, posing in fields and by barns, looking as loving and ready as ever to be married. The lighting was so unique while we were out there and we loved every minute of it. We could tell they were getting antsy to get to the major part of the day, so we squeezed in a few group shots and then headed inside for the ceremony!
It was readily apparent that this ceremony was going to be just so wonderful. As the officiant began, he goes “welcome and thank you all for joining us for joyous occasion as my first time as a wedding officiant...possibly my last.” What followed was a series of lovely stories about their meeting, their love for each other and all the things they want to do together. At one point, Erin promises to “be less stubborn than the day I was before,” to which Josh retorted, “that would be nice.”
With everyone laughing, loving and ready for these two to finally tie the knot, it was just up to the officiant to give the magic words for these two to become husband and wife. Once it finally happened, there was hardly a dry eye in the room...and the two kissed and became one. Knowing full well the story behind it all, that kiss meant more to them than anything else in the world.
Taking some time just to themselves, the rest of the group headed over to the reception hall for some finger foods and libations. Once the newlyweds rolled on in, it was time to get the party started. Once the lights dimmed down, the music started bumping and got everyone to their feet. A night of celebrating life, love and happiness followed. Everyone is in the highest of spirits and wanting to groove their way onto the dance floor.
With just a little bit of sunlight left, we went outside for some tremendous twilight hour shots of the newlyweds, eager to begin this brand new chapter of their life.
Thank you again to Erin and Josh for picking Best Made Videos® to film their wedding! We hope your first few weeks have been utterly magical and wish you nothing but love and happiness. Have a question or comment? Leave it below!
Photography - Dan Manning Photography
Wedding Planners - Unforgettable Wedding and Events
Videography - Best Made Videos®
Photo Booth - Frozen Sentiments