Having known Joey since we were young, I knew this day would possibly be an emotional one – it’s always a little different to photograph someone you once knew as a fifth grader, you know? What I didn’t realize is that this day would actually end up being objectively emotional; even if I hadn’t known Joey and Amanda personally, I believe the genuine interactions that occurred throughout their wedding day would have had me crying nonetheless.
The day began with soft nerves – the kinds that show themselves in opted quiet rather than visible trembles. The best thing about these types of nerves is getting to see them dissipate, and that’s precisely what happened for Joey and Amanda. They decided to do a no-look first look, so Amanda’s bridesmaid, Leah, wrapped a blindfold around Joey’s eyes as his soon-to-be-bride waited on the other side of the closed gate. Joey’s face began to quietly wrinkle up as he attempted to hold back tears, and Leah linked her arm in his to guide him to his future bride. What came next is better explained in the images than it is with my words – we had been running behind schedule that afternoon according to our timeline, but man, am I glad Joey and Amanda made time for this regardless. Because sometimes schedules become irrelevant, and while you may not even be actually seeing your bride yet, feeling her presence can be more than enough.
The day went on in exactly this fashion – it was full of tears, and family, and hugs, and love, and shivers, and a couple of people who stood together amongst their loved ones, despite the cold, often gazing at one another. This was my last wedding of 2016, and I can’t imagine ending the year in any other way than with photographing these two.
Ceremony: Saint Mark Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Stoney Creek Inn
Tablecloths + Seating: Heaven on Earth
Flowers: Georgettes
Cake: The Cake Shoppe
Uplighting/Dance Floor: Prospect Sound & Lighting
Violin & Cello: River City String Quartet
Catering: Pedulla’s On The Go
DJ: Complete Weddings and Events
Videographer: Bailey O’Neal
