“So, you and Matt, is this a thing? Like, if he proposed, would you say, ‘yes’?” I asked Kede, my older brother’s girlfriend, at my birthday party last year.
“Oh, yeah, it’s a thing. Definitely yes!” she nodded enthusiastically while I gushed on the inside.
A few weeks later, Matt poured over engagement rings and carefully selected the most beautiful diamond ring for his lady. He couldn’t wait any longer to ask Kede to marry him. Christmas rolled around, and the tiny box was hidden away under the other presents that were soon to be forgotten once he popped the question! The Van Dyck family was so stoked that big brother found his match! We absolutely love Kede!
Matt and Kede pledged their commitment to each other at Hidden Pines Chapel in Highland Village, TX. This gorgeous, new venue let the natural light flow in– a photographer’s dream! I loved the rustic and classic pieces throughout the venue.
Horses. It’s Texas, y’all! And look at this light streaming into the ceremony space.
Matt looked quite dapper in his full tuxedo!
Adjusting every detail until it was perfect. At this point, he was just ready to see Kede!
Work it, Matt!
Gah! This dress! Light, airy, and covered in beautiful embellishments.
I loved the details throughout the space: our family Bible that we’ve had since my parents were married. When we were babies, my parents stuck our birth certificates and baby photos in this Bible and had it on the shelf, way before they started a more sophisticated filing system! Now there are new photos to add!
Y’all, this is just the beginning of all the RED you’ll see during this wedding. It was gorgeous, a tribute to Christmas just a few days away, and the symbolic color of romance!
Guys are prepping. Dad, of course, found the antique book about cars and was showing everyone.
Let’s all just take a minute to adore Kede’s shoes! Dang, girl!!!
In a few hours, they’d see each other for the first time. I can’t wait for you to see Matt’s face when Kede walks down the aisle.
All smiles. All nerves. 
Mom looking beautiful, as always! 
Matt loves his mom. We all do. Her grace, generosity, and loyalty surround everything she does. I think she’s happy that her firstborn is tying the knot today!
Don’t look! Just exchange your gifts for the camera! Matt is making a joke, as usual!
Kede’s face when she saw this beautiful diamond encrusted key necklace. In their ceremony, they fill a box with a bottle of wine and letters to each other to open in the future. This key symbolizes that they have locked their commitment to each other. Forever.
Stunning as always.
Here is Matt’s gift from Kede, a custom book made for the two of them! It includes the reasons why Kede loves Matt. He gushed over this gift.
The dudes being dudes.
I think they secretly liked getting all gussied up.
And the beautiful bridesmaids… with their touches of red in the bouquets and hair flowers. Love it!
It was not difficult to get these ladies to laugh with each other. This is genuine, belly laughter right here!
Kede is so lucky to have a great family of friends with her on her wedding day.
The whole bridal party (taken after the ceremony). 
Show time! All the parents/aunts!
As she walked down the stairs to the aisle, it was like the whole room stopped breathing! I love love love this moment during weddings. I turned and quickly snapped this picture of Matt as he saw his wife for the first time. So sweet.
And Kede locks eyes with Matt the whole walk down the aisle.
Mom even had to catch a tear.
“This is happening. We are finally getting married!”
Again, I loved this ceremony space. Lots of natural light, high ceilings, and plenty of space for all the family.
“Matt, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. You may kiss your bride!”
I love it from Donnie’s balcony perspective, too!
The hug. We are husband and wife. This is so fun. Everyone is clapping for us!… One of my favorite photos from the day.
We did it!
Mr. and Mrs. Van Dyck!
For December 20, it was a pretty mild day! All we had to worry about was the wind, and all the giddiness!
Matt, hold the bouquet. Kede’s got to handle her dress!
Ahhhhhhh, I can’t get enough. They are so so happy. I am so so happy. Can I put down my camera and give them a hug?!
Contentment. Love. A fulfilled desire.
Aaaaand, work it!
I don’t know what I said. I have a knack for getting this laughing picture after saying something ridiculous.
“Matt, whisper something sexy into Kede’s ear.”
Their first dance!
“I want a Sunday kind of love. A love that lasts past Saturday night.”
“I do my Sunday dreaming and my Sunday scheming, every minute, every hour, every day.”
And a dance with mom. Look at Matt’s face. Priceless.
And folks, I have had a LOT of wedding cake in my day. I always find time during the reception to snag a piece. This was, by a long shot, the best chocolate / raspberry wedding cake I have ever had.
A girl never outgrows a good twirly skirt.
Dance montage! I made it into this one (bottom left).
Group photo trick! Every wedding DJ today will trick you by getting you on the dance floor for a group photo…
…followed immediately by the YMCA. It gets the party started.
Remember when I told you Matt had poured over rings? Yeah, he landed on THIS ONE. And rightfully so. Just look at it!
And we can’t skimp over the groom’s ring. Matt chose one with a delicate inlay.
“Love you more.”
You probably guessed that not one detail was overlooked at this wedding, including the final hoorah: the getaway car! A white 1949 Lincoln!
The last dance. The day is done. We are man and wife.
A final sing and laugh with each other. Let’s get out of here!
Goodbye, Van Dycks!
Matt is so ready for his surprise mini-moon. Kede flew them to New Orleans for a few days before Christmas and their real deal honeymoon to Jamaica!
She is so happy on Day One!