It took me 9 years but I finally photographed a family wedding and let me tell you it’s HARD. Not because the family themselves are difficult but because when your emotions and love get tied into it everything from narrowing down the photos to balancing the day as a guest and vendor is difficult. Don’t even get me started on the tears during the father/daughter dance!! Whomever tells new photographers to start with family weddings is insane, they are likely the most difficult you will ever photograph AND the weight of the drama you worry you will cause if you miss even one important moment is a heavy one.
So, if you couldn’t guess, Rachael and Jacob aren’t just any client to me. Rachael is my cousin Brad’s daughter (so if you want to get technical she’s my first cousin, once removed). Growing up I spent a lot of time with Brad and his family and since he was so much older, I always looked up to him. When I got the call asking me if I could photograph his daughter’s wedding I was pleased but terrified I would do something epically wrong and mess the entire day up. Welcome to life not only as an artist but as the youngest of the whole family, where you’re always the one screwing things up. You other “youngest ofs” will get it. However, I shouldn’t have worried as Rachael and Jacob’s love for one another was so sweet it was a dream to capture their day.
These two lovebirds met during college and I’ve been watching their relationship develop in the creepy way all distant relatives do – on Facebook (ha!). I hadn’t met Jacob in person nor had I seen Rachael in a few years so I was a bit nervous about being their photographer but when we all met at the rehearsal I knew it would be an easy day. Their love is one that is worn on their sleeves and shines in their eyes while their happiness jumps from their smiles and lights up a room.
My gut instinct from the rehearsal was spot on and their wedding day went so smoothly! The day was full of love, smiles and giggles and it was perfection. Since it was a family wedding I also got to have a champagne cocktail without TOO much guilt AND had a seat for dinner so it really was the perfect day! Ha!
Thank you so much for trusting me to take your photos! Much love to you both!
We started our day at St. Vincent de Paul in Denver where not only did Rachael and Jacob get married but Rachael’s parents married as well!
I absolutely LOVE this photo of my Aunt Jan with her beautiful granddaughter!
Before the ceremony they were able to take a moment to pray.
Jacob seeing Rachael for the first time coming down the aisle.
Brad and Rachael walking down the aisle!
This photo made me so happy, everyone looks SO elated for Rachael and Jacob – especially my Aunt and Uncle (her grandparents).
I have to pause and give a huge shout out and hugs to the Father who presided over their wedding ceremony. During the rehearsal he called me up to go over the rules and I’ll admit, I got a bit nervous. Sometimes that means you’re about to get some crazy rules and strict regulations. However, he was so amazing. He told me he used to be a wedding photographer and he admires anyone that sticks with it because it’s tough work, especially when officiants throw a million rules at you. He told me to go where I needed and do what I had to do.
Boy do I wish I shot here more often! Anyone else getting married in Denver???
It was a beautiful ceremony and I’ll admit to wiping a tear a time or two. Luckily everything stayed in focus!
After the ceremony and family formals we headed off to the Hilton Denver Inverness where their reception was held.
We lucked out with the weather and while it was a smidge chilly, it was totally doable for some quick photos outside!
See what I mean about these two being so darn adorable together?
This is one of my favorites from the day – their smiles make me happy!
Rachael and her sisters. They’ve grown up a bit since I last photographed them!
I LOVED Megan and Katie’s gowns! The ice blue gowns were stunning!
Jacob and his guys looked amazing as well.
A few more photos before heading inside to join the party!
Another favorite!
I really loved the blue!
The light was glowing on the grounds at the Hilton Denver Inverness Hotel after their wedding so it was perfect timing for the photos! SO beautiful!
I loved the lights on the head table!
SUCH a fun and unique seating chart! I loved how they incorporated their photos into it.
Cutting the cake – you can see my cousin Samantha to the left. Maybe someday she’ll be my assistant?
Before dinner began there were a few toasts and they were all amazing!
First (and likely last) time I ever got thanked during the Father of the Bride speech!
After dinner the newlyweds kicked off the evening with their first dance, which, as you can guess, was full of love and smiles.
Next was the father/daughter dance and yeah, I teared up. It’s one that always gets me anyways but it turns out that when the Father of the Bride is family it is a bit more emotional!
They rounded out the formalities with the mother/son dance and let me just pause here for a moment to say how much I adore Jacob’s family. They are SO incredibly sweet and kind. It was a joy to get to know them!
Once the dancing began people filled the dance floor and it didn’t break up until the party stopped! It was so much fun to watch!
I LOVE when grandparents hit the dance floor. I especially love it when it’s my Uncle Dan and I’ve never seen him dance before. He has some serious moves!
This bouquet toss photo may be one of my favorites – I love all the kiddos running for the flowers!
Jacob and his siblings (there’s a lot!) have this song that they all dance to and it’s one I’ve NEVER heard before but it was a total hoot. It’s a line dance but not your typical one – the move here is to dance like you’re walking with a cane. I may have taken a TON of photos of this because it was so fun to watch.
This is wee baby Nathan all grown up with my cousin Jennifer.
Again, these two are too cute for words.
My cousin and my Aunt 🙂
As the reception wound down I captured Brad with his other two daughters dancing.
I also captured my cousin Bruce dancing with his daughter during the same dance. As you can tell, everyone was a bit worn out!
Right before the evening ended I played with the rings for a bit and loved this photo of them with one of the centerpieces!
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