Ian + PaHoua

It was love at first e-mail with these two. I could feel PaHoua’s excitement and presence in her words and could not wait to meet her and Ian! <3 I just have to share their meeting story because it is everything… they met at her sister and his brothers wedding! Ian and PaHoua were paired up when they walked down the aisle together. They shared a slow dance together that night and went on their first date about a month later. That was TEN years ago! They have been together for ten years, years full of family, food, laughing, goofing off, dancing and just enjoying being together.

I love that they let me in on a bit of their family story, it truly helped me to know them better and visualize what’s to come for their wedding day <3 PaHoua is Hmong American and is 1 of 12 kids who were all born and raised in Appleton, WI. Both of her parents are from Laos and flew to America in 1981 to give themselves and their future family their best life possible. They raised 12 kids, worked hard and learned how to speak English. She said her parents are the definition of true heroes <3 They opened their eyes on what hard work, goals, and love really means. PaHoua and Ian wore their traditional Hmong outfits and jewelry gifts for part of this session too, such a great way to incorporate their culture into this amazing time in their lives! Ian was born and raised in Black Creek, WI. He is 50% Caucasian and 50% Native American (Menominee tribe) and has a smaller family, but a huge extended family. Black Creek is where he worked and met his group of best friends. Until this day, that group of friends have all moved to Appleton and are all still best friends! This is going to be a BIG and crazy fun wedding, you guys! <3 Family and friends are everything to them and they are all so close, I can’t wait to meet them!

They talk about and to one another with so much kindness, you can tell they feel proud and lucky to have found their match in such a supportive and wonderful person. During the session, I loved how Ian would tuck PaHoua’s hair so he could see her face, how he helped her with her heirloom jewelry and straightening her traditional hat. I loved how naturally they made one another laugh and enjoy the session the whole way through. They truly are something special <3

Meet: Ian + PaHoua!!: