I’m Getting Married!

DenaNovember 16, 2011

If you haven’t heard the news, I’m getting married! My partner of five years—Matthew—and I got engaged in April. While I am not the most traditional gal, I am truly excited about planning a celebration with my friends & family to honor the union of myself & my best friend in marriage. I’ve been having the most amazing time with our wedding planning process. Our wedding is planned for this Spring.

We decided early on something simple that reflects the two of us as people. This means a very small guest list, a budget-friendly and eco-conscious celebration, locally-sourced goods & services; and a focus on what this is really all about—two people uniting before their family & friends in love. I’ll be making a series of posts about these details in the near future.

A couple of weeks ago we had our engagement photographs snapped by our wonderful photographer, Ellie of EllieVan Photography. Please take a peak at her gorgeous work and if you are in the NY/NJ/PA area, and are in need of a photographer (for any occasion), get in touch with her. She is a gem! Our photographs turned out to be truly magical reflections of us. Here are my favourites. Enjoy!

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

our engagement photographs | evolutionyou.net

All of the photographs in this post are ©2011 EllieVan Photography. Thank you! ♥

xo,
Dena

Comments (28)

  • Anonymous

    November 16, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Wonderful news and great photos. I am married to my best friend as well and we’ll be celebrating 25 years this coming May. Friendship is the best bond, may yours be as strong in the future as it is now.

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 16, 2011 at 10:54 am

      Thank you, Lou!  We are really excited & I couldn’t agree more.  Marrying your best friend is the way to go.  Congratulations on 25 years!  That’s amazing.  :o)

  • Mark David Robertson

    November 16, 2011 at 8:14 am

    Matthew looks like a helluva guy–he could be in a film partnering w/Jason Statham (in crime or crime-fighting). Marriage is the best long obedience in the same direction; and long obedience in the same direction in the best thing “in heaven and on earth” (Nietzsche). 

    Cheers, oh, and cheers. 

    BTW: my wife’s bro-in-law had the exact same kind of marriage. [http://www.thepanamericans.net/2011/10/everyday-radical-wedding.html] It was deeevine. 

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 16, 2011 at 11:49 am

      Thank you, Mark.  Indeed, he is a helluva guy & I, too, think that he’d fit into a Jason Statham film like a glove!  He is of Cossack [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cossacks] descent which I think is a bit obvious.

      I did see the post about your B-i-L’s wedding awhile back.  It looks perfect.  Those hanging windows at the ceremony location are just precious.  Thank you for sharing it.  <3

  • Stephanie

    November 16, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Beautiful photos Dena!  I can’t wait to hear more about your wedding.  It sounds like it will be a unique and special event 🙂

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 16, 2011 at 11:49 am

      Aw, thank you so much Stephanie!  I am really glad that you liked the photos.  I can’t wait to share my plannings details.  It’s been like a dream.  :o)

  • Jared Akers

    November 16, 2011 at 11:00 am

    right on! Congrats! Great photos!

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 16, 2011 at 11:50 am

      Thanks, Jared!

  • James Moffitt

    November 16, 2011 at 11:36 am

    Very Awesome photos.  Congratulations to the two of you.  I wish you MANY MANY years of happiness together.  Hugs

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 16, 2011 at 11:50 am

      Thank you, James!  <3

  • OA

    November 16, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    These pictures are marvelous and embodies your relationship perfectly. I love you Dena, it’s been a pleasure witnessing your love through all its faces. He is the one, after all. -O

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 17, 2011 at 9:23 am

      thank you, lover.  these words mean more coming from you than they could possibly mean coming from anybody else. 

  • Sussan

    November 16, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    Congrats Dena!!  Love your pictures!! especially the Rose & the pumpkin with your ring! awesome idea!! No matter how you do your wedding it will be perfect because it will be a reflection of who you both are!! Wish you nothing by the best!!! xoxo

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 17, 2011 at 9:23 am

      Thanks, Sussan!  xoxo

  • David W.

    November 17, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    These photos are amazing. Really, they are sharp! And congrats! You both look great together!

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 17, 2011 at 12:14 pm

      Thank you, David!  I am really pleased with them.  I can’t wait to hear more about your upcoming sailing work.  Your piece of ‘The Story of Us’ was phenomenal. 

  • Joanna (Mint Palace)

    November 17, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    SOOOOO Happy for you babe!! 😀 Gorgeous photos too!! Such a hot couple!! 😉 Lots of loves and congrats from me to both of you!! <3

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 18, 2011 at 8:27 am

      Thank you, darling.  You’re so sweet!  xo

  • Angie Mizzell

    November 17, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    I’m so happy for you! I love the idea of the simple, elegant gathering you’re planning and focusing on what’s important. Also… my fave photo is the third from the bottom, when you’re both lying on the ground. I love how you look and your expression so much. 🙂

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 18, 2011 at 8:27 am

      Thank you, Angie!  I love that one, too.  I used it on the back of our ‘Save the Dates.’  <3

  • Anonymous

    November 20, 2011 at 1:08 am

    Aw, you two are a striking pair! The photos are so gorgeous. Congratulations dear! 

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 22, 2011 at 10:06 am

      Thank you, thank you!  We really are excited. 

  • Clare Bear

    November 21, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    GORGEOUS.

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 22, 2011 at 10:06 am

      Thanks!  xoxo

  • Meg | One Love Meg

    November 21, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    Gorgeous!!!! Love them!!

    1. Dena Botbyl

      November 22, 2011 at 10:06 am

      Thank you, Meg!  <3

  • Megan Posner

    February 23, 2012 at 11:09 am

    Congratulations! The photographs are lovely…and green looks so elegant with your hair!

    1. Dena Botbyl

      February 23, 2012 at 1:35 pm

       Thank you so much, Megan! I love that shade of red. If only it would stay that shade for more than a few weeks….. =/  hehehe

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