For me, 2019 looked like photographing 40 weddings + 10 portrait sessions. From my first international wedding in Mexico to New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Virginia, Washington DC, + Philadelphia.
There were first embraces of the day, fits of laughter with best friends, hilarious dance moves, moments of pause and prayer, stories told in speeches, tears of joy for new beginnings + tears of sadness for those who couldn’t be there.
These images are not important because I’ve chosen them to recap the year. They are important because of the people in them and the memories they hold.
Thank you for inviting me in to document your moments.
I had the opportunity to second shoot a lot in 2019. I included some of my photos from a selection of those weddings in this post. A huge thank you to:
+ Barbara O Photography
+ Alicia Wines Photography
+ Mckenzie Elizabeth Photography
+ Kelci Alane Photography
+ Kate Ann Photography
florist :: bear roots floral
hair :: halley bruns
make up :: madelyn worral
vintage rugs :: dolores wares
Spending the day documenting Olivia + Brandon’s wedding felt like being a part of their family. These two, along with their family and friends, are some of the most kind, genuine, and hospitable people I’ve had the joy of being around. Everyone had a role in making this day happen and they took on those roles joyfully. I can’t express how much I adore these people! Their day was filled to the brim with genuine joy, emotion, + connection. My hope is that these photos captured and convey how special Olivia + Brandon’s day truly was.
+ florist :: old forest farm
+ videography :: adam langdon
Second Photographers: Susan of Love Hunters & Carley WeberÂ
Videographer:Â McDuff Productions
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Neltner’s Farm
Bride’s getting ready space: The Frock
Dress: Mermaid Bridal
Groom’s Suit: ASOS
Signage: Olive Paper Co. (The bride!)
Vintage Rugs: Queen City Vignette
Food Truck: Catch a Fire Pizza
Donuts: Iron’s Fruit Farm
Flowers: San Pedro Cactus
Hairpieces + Boutonnieres: Eucca
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?
CHINA: Walking down the aisle and seeing Nate’s face. Although we had a first look, nothing beats seeing your soon to be husband standing there looking at you with tears in his eyes in front of everyone. He was absolutely beaming with love. I honestly felt like we were the only ones there at that moment.
NATE: When I was opening my wedding gift from China. Now for a little background to this story…I’ve worn this red North Face hat for about 3-4 years. It really is a part of me. I had three of these hats already and they were getting old and worn out. I’ve searched high and low for the same hat or something similar. Well to my surprise I opened my wedding gift and there was the same but new North Face hat. I never thought I’d be able to find another one again but China did. BEST WIFE EVER!
Any advice for future brides + grooms?
CHINA: Share moments of joy. Even in the hard times, find reasons to laugh. Laughter has definitely become one of the foundations of our marriage.
NATE: Cherish every moment of your wedding day because it really does go by fast.
What was your favorite part of the planning process?
CHINA: All the DIY and hands on projects, then seeing it all come together the day of made for a proud moment.
NATE: Seeing China’s hard work and vision come to life.
Funniest moment for your wedding day?
CHINA: When Nate was trying to bust open the piñata with a small dowel rod. It took so long that he ended up ripping it open with his hands like a bear.
NATE: Trying to bust open the piñata. Both being ex baseball/softball players I thought we would have done a lot better at hitting that sucker.
If you could do everything all over again, would you change anything?
CHINA: The only thing I would change would be the weather. It was just so hot!
NATE: I would have remembered to bring up the selfie stick to the ceremony. Cause that would have been an epic picture.
+ Be sure to check out China + Nate’s wedding video by Ryan McDuff!
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?
“For Mike, it was our vows. It was a very emotional experience, both delivering and hearing the commitments we were making. For Lauren, it was the first look. She wasn’t feeling so hot but forgot all about that the moment she stepped outside in the courtyard to see Mike. She felt alive and excited for the night to come.”
What was your favorite part of the planning process?
“From Lauren: I actually hated the planning process and wouldn’t want to do it again. But, we both agree that picking you (the photographer) was the most exciting part, because we are both aesthetically minded and it was one area that we knew was important to us and that we were willing to spend money on.”
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
“Well…. it is funny only now, looking back on it, but Lauren being in the hospital the night before with dehydration after having food poisoning was definitely one for the books.”
If you could do everything all over again, would you change anything?
“Probably wouldn’t eat that salad on Thursday ;)”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“Just try to focus on why you’re actually getting married. Yes, the flowers and the dress and the food are fun parts of it, but the bottom line is that you are promising your life to this other person. Do your wedding for you. Not for other people, not for the material spectacle that weddings have come to be. Because in the end, it is just about the two of you.”
