Life Art Photographs – we take pictures!

I have to start this post by saying that I really am not much of a crier. Admittedly though, this one caught me up a few times. It was just one of those weddings that really hit the nail on the head on what the whole thing is all about for me. Which is why I decided to design this post around trying to explain exactly what it is I love so much about shooting weddings. Bear with me, I may get a little sentimental. Before we get to that part though, we need to get through the process of getting ready. The hours long process the girls go through. Hair. Makeup. Shoes. Jewelry. The Dress.

And then of course, the boys. They spend about 15 minutes getting handsome and then they do what they do. Gotta love it though…

The first look. We show a lot of these because I love them so much! We always encourage our couples to consider them. It not only makes your wedding day schedule exponentially more flexible, but it gives you time to soak in the first glance you get at each other on your wedding day without the world watching and a sermon to listen to.

After the first look, we usually head out for some time alone with the couple and then do our bridal party shots. In this case, we were lucky enough to be right across the street from a beautiful golf course. Quick. Easy. Fun. Romantic. Playful. What more could you ask?

The bridal party brings a mixed bag of fun. And often times beer. Nothing like a wearing a wedding dress, carrying a bouquet and drinking a cold one all while looking like a contestant on America’s Next Top Model.

In true photographer form, Joey and I spotted a location on our way back to the church that was begging for us to get out of the car. So, we did.

Okay, so here is where the tears started for me. Just look at Deanna and her dad. There is just something powerful when you get a couple with a bride who has a great father/daughter relationship. Ugh… got me before the ceremony, during the toasts, the father/daughter dance. Nick had me crying during his speech too. I just couldn’t help myself. Maybe I’m getting old, I always swore I was never going to be one of those girly girls who cried at other peoples’ weddings. The rest of the night was a lot of fun too. Tons of dancing, cake, and a photo booth, a little tradition, and a couple of surprises thrown in here and there.

They laughed. They cried. How funny am I? Don’t forget to tip your waitresses folks. 

I love shooting weddings for people who I could easily become friends with! Every single time I’ve met Carey she has worn something similar to something that I own or I want it when she leaves. Her wedding ring is even shockingly similar to mine. Not that clothes are the basis of a friendship, but it gives you a tiny little insight into who they think they are and if they match up with who you think you are. She’s quite a bit more pulled together than me though. Those of you who know me know that I’m generally a jeans and tee-shirt girl. Anyway… in addition to just plain liking these two, they truly know how to throw a party! Seriously! This wedding could have won an award for the most fun reception of all time. I’m not qualified to judge, but I do feel qualified to make a nomination. There are a ton more party shots on here than usual, but there was simply no way around it. They did the Johnny and Baby dance from Dirty Dancing for their first dance, the whole wedding party played air guitar and wore 80′s shades for their song, and they served cheese cake in mass quantities and flavors, I could go on and on. Thanks you guys for having us there at your wedding! We had a great time. I wish I would have been ready for the moment Ryan and the guys lifted Joey up on their shoulders on our way out!