I usually don’t post portions of weddings on the blog as “stand alone sets,” because I feel like a story should be told from beginning to end.  However, I just keep coming back to Rebecca and Ryan’s first look.  It was powerful. Moving.  Humbling even,  to know this couple trusted me enough to be there with them- raw emotion and all. And, since I came up with that rule, I’m choosing today to modify it for the sake of giving you not only a precious Friday pick me up, but a glimpse into why these first look moments truly are so priceless. Besides, these images really do tell a story, from the stunning bride waiting patiently for her groom, to his pleasant surprise at seeing the love of his life; from smiles to tears, tender hugs to big laughs. This is a story of anticipation and great love. It’s the story of their very first look.

You see, I always encourage brides to really consider this as a viable and wise option for their day. It helps the schedule to run smoothly, provides ample time to capture lovely couple images without cutting into the reception and honestly aids in the calming of nerves for both the bride and groom. What I also share is that a first look is so intimate, personal and touching- oh and it doesn’t have parameters on it. A first look gives you more than a glimpse to soak in the beauty of the moment. In fact, 10 years ago, my husband and I experienced a first look and it’s the single moment I treasure the most from our entire day- besides when our pastor pronounced us husband and wife!

Yet, as with many things in life, words aren’t always enough to convince. Sometimes we need to see with our eyes and experience with our hearts the beauty of these first moments, without a large crowd… just 2 people, completely in love, setting eyes on one another for the first time on their wedding day.

Jamie and Eric got married on a classic Florida day…hot and humid, with random rain showers and heat that could stop you in your tracks. But, they made the very best of it and their wedding was so incredibly wonderful. Surrounded by the sweetest friends and family members, this sweet couple really soaked in the joy of this momentous occasion. It’s always such a blessing to see a couple thrilled for their wedding day, but even more so for the journey of marriage that lies ahead.

Jamie was stunning in her Casblanca gown and her vibrant yellow shoes and smile brightened up the day, even when the skies were dark and grey. Jamie and Eric also played close attention to details, with ceramic bowls and charms for her siblings to carry, heirloom keys from her sorority pinned to her bouquet and custom designed invitations and programs that were so unique and reflected their law degrees. Seriously, they were to die for!

 Jamie and Eric desired to have a first look in the sanctuary at Idlewild. If you’ve never been, it’s an incredibly large church, but in this moment, it was so precious and intimate.

 Here are their gifts to one another. A Bible with her new name embossed on the cover and a classic storybook that Eric had never received before, perfect for this journey in their lives!

 Thankfully the rain gave way to sunshine for just enough time to capture some couple images outside.

 They’re so romantic!

 The rain started up again, just before their ceremony began so we finished up inside. I love the light coming through in these images.

 One of my faves.

My hubby captured this image just before Jamie walked down the aisle. I love that her sister and brother are also trying to peek into the sanctuary!

  Just after the close of the ceremony we slipped out for a few more couple shots, with gray skies and all. So much fun!

 You can literally feel their excitement about being husband and wife!

 I couldn’t resist this one!  These two made the day so much fun!

 

In the middle of a bustling city, sits this beautiful hidden gem! Busy interstates seem miles away, as you walk down leafy paths and find yourself surrounded by gorgeous gardens. It’s a perfect escape and a lovely location for a wedding. It’s here that Erica and Mark became husband and wife.

Erica selected the softest color palette and it radiated southern charm. Loved how sweet and simple, but distinct the peach tones were and how they complimented the beautiful bride as well!

 I walked with Erica toward the ceremony site and took a few moments to have her twirl in her dress as she anxiously awaited seeing her groom for the first time. Love how these turned out! She seriously glowed all day long!

 The sky was out of control blue during the ceremony. It was stunning. The heat however, was even more incredible. Gotta love Florida!
I’ll never know how Erica and Mark handled that, along with their nerves! What troopers! 

My favorite part of the day- just after the ceremony when we sneak away for couple time. Erica and Mark were champs at this. Seriously. Stunning.

Love.

 My hubby captured my favorite dancing image of the evening. Perfection!

I slipped outside for a ring shot and found these 2 precious little ones enjoying the open field with this lovely evening light. Personifies summertime through the eyes of a child! 

Congratulations Erica and Mark! Thank you for trusting me to capture your memories and to celebrate the day with your sweet families! May the joy you felt on this day only increase over time!
Don’t forget if you view this post and leave a comment on the blog by August 26th, the new Mr. and Mrs. will win something cool! For 25 comments, they’ll receive a free 8×10, for 50 comments they’ll receive a free 11×14! So start sharing the love!

I’m going way back for this post, whose intended reveal was slated after Amanda and Guy’s big day. In the hustle and bustle of editing their wedding images, these lovely pictures of the beautiful bride didn’t find their way to the blog…until now!

I met up with Amanda and her family at her grandparent’s home. She wanted to incorporate this incredible barn into her images, as it’s been a part of the families property for some 100 years. How awesome! I love “props” with meaning! Amanda looked stunning in her Lazaro gown, especially juxtaposed by the old wood.

Next, we crossed over the street to spend a few moments in the family grove. I love the bright pops of color which the oranges provide!

Some of my favorites.

Amanda is full of adventure and had scouted out a few extra locations to use before we closed out our time together, including railroad tracks, the sign marking the area where she grew up and then of course, one awesome engine! It was such a blast capturing Amanda in locations that were so meaningful to her and her family!

Continued best wishes to Amanda and Guy!