REAL WEDDING:: Amber Peytavin + Maxwell Smith {From Fourth Grade to Forever}

Newlyweds posing in front of a white outdoor fireplace feature, the bride holding a lush greenery bouquet with her satin train flowing across the ground.

::FEATURED IN THE 2026 SPRING PRINT EDITION OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by Images by Robert T

amber + maxwell’s story

Amber and Maxwell’s love story began in fourth grade, when Max was assigned to tutor Amber in math. “I was horrible at math,” Amber says. “And I’m still very bad at math.”

Twelve years later, they reunited by chance when Amber, home sick with the flu, ran into Max working behind the counter at CVS. He remembered her instantly, including her math struggles. A few days later, once she was no longer contagious, Amber went back and asked him out. They’ve been together since.

Bride in a strapless satin ball gown posing with a cascading white and greenery bouquet inside a bright white reception hall with a grand fireplace backdrop.

Bride and groom spinning across the dance floor during their first dance beneath glowing chandeliers in an elegant white reception hall.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle together at sunset following their outdoor wedding ceremony as guests stand and watch.

Bride and groom making a festive streamer exit at the end of the reception while guests celebrate around them outdoors at night.

Personalized military-style dog tags engraved with the couple’s names, wedding date, and “Forever & Always” resting against a gold speaker backdrop.

Groom and groomsmen posing in suits beside a vintage rust-colored pickup truck outdoors before the ceremony.

Max’s proposal was perfectly them. While exploring a holiday light display in Dallas, Amber was distracted searching for food – specifically nachos – on her phone. “Babe, forget the nachos,” Max finally said, dropping to one knee with a ring in hand. After she said yes, they celebrated with nachos and a sparkling new ring.

Their wedding centered on chosen family, surrounding themselves with the people who truly mattered most.

Newlyweds sitting together inside a limousine with colorful neon lighting and champagne glasses after their wedding reception.

Wedding party portrait with the bride and groom surrounded by bridesmaids in emerald green dresses and groomsmen in dark suits outside the ceremony space.