They met when she was a senior in high school and he was a freshman in college. After yelling out of a car window to him, Taylor and Eric became best friends. Six months later, they decided that friendship wasn’t enough. They wanted more. Four and a half years and many memories later, they tied the knot on a 70 degree Indiana January day – a true act of divine intervention if you ask me.

Just after their first look, Eric (taking on his husbandly duties), offered to pick Taylor up and carry her down the hill to our next photo location. She obliged as her Jimmy Choos made for some treacherous walking conditions. They made it down the hill and to the golf cart path when Eric lost his footing. And within the blink of an eye, Mr. and Mrs. Teppen fell to the ground. Taylor remained unscathed while Eric took the brunt of the fall. I’m happy to report that both of them came up relatively unharmed, and luckily we were able to laugh about it afterwards!

What I love so much about this story is how Eric’s instinct was to protect Taylor. He wasn’t worried about his tux ripping or ending up with a little bit of dirt on his jacket. His number one priority was her. Taking a tumble on your wedding day isn’t the best thing that can happen, but setting this precedent on day one – putting your spouse before yourself – is.

Your future is so bright, Mr. and Mrs. Teppen, and this day was only the beginning! Cheers to you!

For more photos from Taylor and Eric’s wedding day and to hear their first dance song, check out the slideshow below!