The Perfect Way to Ring in 2026

Some weddings feel special from the very beginning—but this one? This one was a full-circle moment in the truest sense.

I’ve known Danielle since 2021, when she stood by her brother Tyler’s side as a bridesmaid. Tyler and his wife Lauren were one of the sweetest couples who believed in me early on, during the very beginning of my wedding photography journey. So when Danielle reached out last year to ask me to photograph her New Year’s Eve wedding, it stopped me in my tracks.

For wedding photographers, there’s no greater honor than watching a bridesmaid become the bride. It’s the dream—the moment you realize you’ve been trusted not just once, but again, to tell another chapter of a family’s love story.

And while this wedding felt deeply personal, Danielle and Elijah weren’t strangers to my lens. I had already worked with them before they were even engaged, capturing a cozy fall session where I really got to know them as a couple. From the very beginning, they were everything I love working with—fun, laid-back, adventurous, and completely themselves.

Each time we met—from that first shoot, to their engagement session, and finally their wedding day—I left feeling energized by their love, their lightheartedness, and their genuine joy for life. Being around them is easy. Photographing them is even easier.

Their New Year’s Eve wedding at The Villa at Ridder Country Club was perfect from beginning to end. The day was filled with familiar faces and so many new ones—every single guest clearly ecstatic to be part of such a meaningful celebration. Danielle joked about the spreadsheets and PowerPoints that went into planning the wedding of her dreams, and let me tell you… she left nothing to chance.

Every detail was intentional. Every moment at the Grand Ballroom at The Villa at Ridder Country Club was thoughtfully planned. From the perfect countdown song as the clock struck midnight, to a vintage hot dog cart serving midnight snacks, a stunning champagne wall, an emotional private last dance, and—my personal favorite—the pièce de résistance: a jaw-dropping Rolls Royce exit that instantly became my favorite farewell of all time.

But beyond the beauty and celebration, this night was filled with moments that reached deep into the heart.

There was a tender tribute to Danielle’s late mom that left many in tears. Their beloved dog, Loki, made an unforgettable appearance. Elijah’s brother Chris and sister Moriah delivered heartfelt speeches that struck the perfect balance between sibling humor and sincere admiration for Elijah and his beautiful bride. Danielle’s maid of honor, Nicole, took us on a journey through years of memories—speaking with the kind of emotion only a soul sister can feel as she watches her best friend marry her best friend.

Elijah’s father shared an emotional blessing, and later in the evening, Danielle surprised everyone with a dance alongside her stepfather in memory of her mom—one that was as moving as it was beautiful.

This night was about so much more than welcoming 2026.

It was a celebration of love between two incredible humans who happen to be each other’s best friends. A day that flew by in a blink, yet left my heart completely full—and set the tone for the new year in the most meaningful way possible.

Danielle & Elijah, you two are truly some of my favorite people. There is no greater honor than ringing in the new year alongside you, documenting a love so genuine and joyful.

Wishing you a lifetime filled with laughter, adventure, and everything beautiful life has to offer.

With so much love,
Gloria 🤍