A Thank You to my 2017 Couples
Sometimes when you're hustling away, you don't see all of the growth and positive strides that is happening in the background. That's how I felt this year, but December is really reminding me how much I've grown as a business woman, a photographer and a person. I went into 2017 with my head down and blinders on. I just wanted to work hard and stick to my roots without comparing my journey to everyone else's. The internet is a wonderful, magical place but it also has a very awful way of making a person feel inadequate. I mean, how many of you felt the need to paint your walls white, put shiplap in your home or have mermaid hair?! I know I had a few very specific moments where I didn't feel good enough, but I had plenty of people inadvertently reminding me that I got this. This blog is dedicated to them and my wonderful 2017 couples. Thank you for trusting me and my artistry and for being open to this wonderful wedding process. Beyond that, thank you for your friendship!
So here are some of my favorite moments from this wedding season!
I have to start with my best friend's wedding. Bob was my very first school friend and we met on the first day of kindergarten, so this wedding was very dear to my heart. Our other BFF that we met in middle school was there, too. These girls are my sisters.
My favorite moment of the day was when Bob and Pat's son, Logan, saw Bob in her wedding dress for the very first time that day. He marched over to her and gave her a hug and kiss. It doesn't get much sweeter than that.
I made Bob give her dress the twirl test. Results? It passed.
My husband tried to pose them. *facepalm* Stop touching my clients, Lou.
Emily and Michael's wedding day couldn't have gone better! The weather was absolutely perfect, the skies were blue and the reception room was full of tons of food and tons of White House Fruit Farm donuts. Ummm... I'll take one of everything please.
First looks are my fave. You'll see A LOT of those in this blog. Here are two, one with dad and one with hubby. Their reactions were priceless.
There were a few toasts, and they were everything! There were a lot of laughs, silly stories and tearful sentiments.
We also had a few moments to take Emily and Michael away from the crowd for some fresh air and quiet moments.
Becca and Rich's wedding is by far the biggest wedding I've ever shot. Sometimes navigating through crowds of people with tons of gear on can be tricky, but I didn't mind because the dance floor was jumpin' with people having a blast and little kiddos stealing the show.
Did I mention how fun the bridal party was?! Because they were a real good time.
Between the silliness were some really emotional moments. Becca's parents had a special token added to her bouquet as a memorial to her grandpa. Watching family members look at it for the first time was just so sweet.
I spent a few hours with Kristy and Matt for their small Ohio wedding reception but it was definitely a memorable one. It stormed so hard for HOURS, to the point where I lost power at my home and Kristy lost power where she was getting ready. Fortunately her venue had power... and an awning because the rain would not let up for us to take photos. We made due and managed to stay dry. There's something so peaceful about the rain in the background.
It let up after the reception started, so we were still able to sneak out for a few more shots.
These little girls were having fun dancing away.
And the best dressed award goes to this guy.
For Jenna and Jay's wedding, we shared some laughs in what looked like a magical forrest, but it was just Mill Creek Park :]
An epic cake cutting turned into cake smash. Yassssss Jenna. You go girl.
And the sweetest mother dances :]
Sarah and Randy were freakin fire that day (as seen above). And the bridesmaids? They were fun as hell and full of energy.
The sweet little flower girl really wanted to help get Sarah into her wedding gown. She also had to make sure the little man was photo ready :P
Don't worry little lady, Randy got it under control.
Intense air guitar followed by a first dance to a song from The Wedding Singer. The classic butt grab dance only made sense.
Kristina and Ryan's wedding had all my faves - three first looks, emotional moments, silliness and decor dedicated to their two dogs.
I love shooting at golf courses. They're always so scenic! Also, golf courses mean golf carts - who doesn't have fun driving golf carts?!
Kristina's brother gave the most heartfelt and beautiful toast. Everyone was crying!
Nothing beats a full dance floor and a ridiculous cardboard grumpy baby face.
Thank you 2017 for being so good to me. Cheers to 2018!! It's going to be a fun ride!