Last weekend, my best friend Holly got married.
Before the big day, we had a long discussion about the traditional “not seeing the groom before the ceremony”.
You see, for Holly – getting “good” artistic wedding photos was a MUST. And I told her, as I have every other bride that I’ve ever photographed… if you want them… then you have to make them happen. Because after everything is over and done, all you have are pictures to tell your story to all the generations ahead.
And I’m sorry, but the general church pictures (no matter who’s wedding I take) … lack emotion. It doesn’t matter how much emotion you put into it, it’s so hard to grasp “love” standing in a church smiling for the camera.
So Holly and I talked about her big day and tossed ideas back and forth. She wanted to take quite a bit of time with the artistic pictures, knowing my style and abilities, she knew that if we left the timeslot somewhat open, she’d end up with everything she wanted.
Thankfully, Kyle understood her love for photos and was on board with whatever she wanted to do.
We came to the conclusion that in order to have the kind of pictures she wanted, that would move mountains of emotions for years to come… they’d better do them before the ceremony.
I told her that I’d seen many couples have a special “moment” prior to pictures where it’s the two of them and my camera, capturing that initial “reaction” from the groom-to-be as he sets his eyes on his bride.
And in my opinion, this was the most beautiful “moment” I’ve ever seen.
I walked out to the back of the property where they were married with Kyle where he waited for his bride…
We spent a few minutes chatting, until Holly came from the Farm House to see her favorite man.
And he could not wait to see her.
When she got to a close enough distance, I gave her a queue, got my camera ready as she said “Hi Love!”.
What an absolutely magical moment for the two of them.
After they spent a few minutes together, we started taking pictures after pictures. Luckily, Kyle’s best man Chad, was there to help me with my camera bag (Thanks Chad!).
I’m pretty sure if they don’t put this in poster size above their bed… I’m liable to do if for them. MEOW.
Kyle… can i tell you that I not only love you because you married my best friend, but I just love that you would do anything to get the “right” picture.
Thank you.
How cute is this new family?
The farm house where we got ready belongs to Kyle’s mom’s family. Can I tell you how much I love this mirror? Doesn’t it scream “Reflection Photo Please!”
I love this picture for so many reasons.
1.) The Golf Cart is DECORATED
2.) The Golf Cart is our School Colors!
3.) Kyle is driving his wife around.
4.) Look at HOW he’s driving. …like an old man, scooted way up in the seat with his foot OFF the petal! Every time i see this, I laugh.
I’d never seen “Fire and Ice” Roses… and this has to be one of my favorite “detail” pictures of all time.
Or maybe this one is….
(can you guess what her colors were?)
During the ceremony, they all poured a different color of sand into a glass container, to symbolize their new family.
What a beautiful act of love.
Hey, don’t I know that chick on the right?
Holly had only one real major request (aside from the fun pictures)…. she wanted to ride away on the bike.
And they did!
There were so many things that were part of their wedding that were so personal. They lit candles in memory of Holly’s Grandpa and Kyle’s Uncle… then gave roses to the widows.
They had their favorite “candy” in little gift boxes for each of the guests .. gummy bears!
As tradition would have it, Kyle danced with his mom during the mother/son dance – but then after that Holly and her dad launched rockets! (he’s not a dancer)
Thank You Kyle, for loving my best friend the way you do.
