I met JiYoon for the first time about seven years ago now. It was a random encounter at a local Texas grocery store while I was visiting a friend. A few months later, I moved to Austin and ended up becoming very close friends with JiYoon – and fast! I photographed her baby shower and maternity photos. I’ve gotten to photograph her daughter as she’s grown up, and she’s almost in FIRST GRADE now. Over the years our friendship has grown so much, and JiYoon is like a sister to me. Io is basically my niece or goddaughter, and calls me Auntie Gracie. I love them both entirely.

We have been through so much over the past seven years in our own lives, but I’m so glad to have JiYoon’s friendship and love through it all. When she asked me to be the photographer for her wedding, my heart burst! OF COURSE I was going to be there. It was such an honor to be included in her intimate family wedding at Chapel Dulcinea.

The beautiful wedding took place during a gorgeous sunset with a beautiful breeze – a wonderful spring evening. After the couple exchanged their vows in English and Korean, we all went to celebrate with Korean BBQ and Soju. SO MUCH FUN! It was truly such an honor to be a part of my best friend’s wedding in such a way, and I can’t wait to continue to be there and photograph their life together <3