•  Jenny and Joe’s wedding was “the switch” as I like to call it, that first wedding of the change of seasons, most typically from summer to autumn when the temps go from warm to chilly and the sweaters come out of the closet.  When pulling into Lakeview Park the wind was so strong that the sand from the beach was flying across the parking lot!  It looked like a sandstorm!!!  Thankfully it all calmed down just in time for Jenny and Joe’s first look and the sun came out to play while we knocked out a ton of portraits before the ceremony.  I am SO glad we did because as soon as the ceremony was over the sun went back behind the clouds and the temperature dropped about 15 degrees.

•  I would be remiss if I did not give a proper shout out to their officiant, Rich Kresila.  I work with a lot of amazing officiants but he may be one of my favorites!  I have never had someone be so willing for me to be in their face during the ceremony.  He almost drug me over to stand right beside him through the ceremony which gave me some fantastic angles and unique points of views.  I wanted to hug him afterwards!!!!!  It was such a breath of fresh air to have someone want to make sure the clients get the best images from their wedding.  He is amazing.  Hire him now.

•  I have been so lucky to have so many awesome bridal parties this year and this one was definitely one for the books.  Crazy helpful, trying to feed me and super awesome.  My favorite was when the bride was hem-hawing on going down to the beach (the wind picked back up after the ceremony and it was like being sand blasted on the beach) and ultimately decided to forgo it.  Her bridesmaids came to me and said one thing she was really looking forward to was those pictures and they really didn’t want her to look back and be sad.  I am SO GLAD they came to me!!!  I went up to Jenny and Joe and took them out with me.  I can easily get my camera cleaned but I can’t redo their wedding day.  THANK YOU BRIDESMAIDS!  *high fives*

•  The atmosphere at their reception was one of the neatest ones I’ve been to.  The music wasn’t crazy loud but good enough to dance to AND have a conversation with friends while listening to.  So there were tons of tables just chatting and having a great time catching up while people were on the dance floor rocking out to their favorite music (some of which is a band they loved in college).  It was such a great homey reception!

•  Another calamity for me when leaving!  Ha!  When leaving I didn’t realize that my tailgate didn’t go all the way up and I managed to gash my scalp on it when putting my gear away.   If noting else I’ve got great war stories and battle scars from this season!  😉

Wedding Vendors

Bridal Gown:  Allure Bridals via Catan’s
Cake:  Kiedrowski’s Simply Delicious Bakery
Ceremony:  Lakeview Park
DJ:  Freddie James
Florist:  Off Broadway Floral & Gift
Officiant:  Rich Kresila
Reception:  Rose Cafe at Lakeview Beach

The moment when they first saw each other in the gorgeous rose garden at Lakeview Park.

Hugs are my favorite and this is my favorite from the day 🙂

After the first look I like to give my couples a bit of time to chat and laugh!  That’s what’s so wonderful about doing a first look, instead of having to wait an entire ceremony to tell your beloved what your first thoughts were upon seeing them, you get to tell them right away!

The fabulous ladies in their gorgeous purple dresses with pashimas to keep them warm!

<3

I wouldn’t have ever imagined it if you had told me beforehand but I really like how the guys brown tuxes looked with the purple dresses!

These guys were hilarious.  My favorite is the random groomsman showing off his socks.

Relaxed squinty portrait!  LOL!  It was SO bright but if we turned the other way there was a ton of people running about so we had to do with the sunny mess!

This time of year is the BEST for this rose garden!!!!

Another favorite!

Aren’t they adorable!?

The beach looked so gorgeous and inviting but the wind made it anything but.  You can’t see it but some foam was flying about right along with the birds.

Jenny being escorted down the aisle by her Dad and Stepdad.  Love this!

The gorgeous ceremony at the fountain at Lakeview Park.

I wasn’t kidding when I said the officiant wanted me up and front!  LOVE having this close angle for the ring exchange.

Ok I take it back, THIS may be my favorite from the day.  How often do photographers get this view without a fight?!  Awww.

We battled the sand blasting and it was worth it – but I’m glad I told Jenny to leave her sweatshirt on.

Such crazy winds but SO glad we got her most wanted shot!

Love laughs like this during toasts!

Toasts always seem to go from laughs to tears and back again at least a few times!

I entertained my table mates with setting up and taking the ring shots.  They were quite impressed with this one on the flower from the centerpiece.

It’s a two-fer deal with ring shots as I loved this one just as much.

They didn’t play nice with the cake and I loved it!

Sweet time during the first dance at the reception at the Rose Cafe at Lakeview Beach which is where the ceremony was located.

The bouquet toss is always fun!

Ending the night having an absolute BLAST with their friends and loved ones on the dance floor!

Thank you both for hiring me, it was such a joy to be with you all day!!!!