Each year, I feel like I learn something new from my clients. Sometimes it feels big, and other times, it’s a bunch of little things that have their own way of being big once paired together. This year, it’s a big one – and it’s simple. It’s the basic yet important reminder that ultimately, your wedding day should be about more than posed photos and pretty décor – it should be about surrounding yourselves with your loved ones, and having a damn good time while doing it.
Elizabeth and Jake are, quite literally, the funniest, goofiest couple I’ve had the chance to work with. I know I’m not alone in thinking this, as their priest mentioned it during their ceremony as well – they’re constantly cracking up and bearing giant grins, which only increases once they’re in the presence of one another. So I would guess it comes as no surprise to anyone that they had an absolute blast on their wedding day – we went to a few spots for the posed stuff, of course, but there was a pit stop in between at Jimmy’s for a few drinks with their people. And when I say people, I mean a whole lot of them – not only was the wedding party in attendance, but the bar was packed with guests from their wedding, greeting them excitedly with hugs and cheers. There were selfies taken, and drinks gulped, and laughs and smiles and real moments of just kicking back and hanging out with the people they love. Clients like Elizabeth and Jake remind me that this is the stuff that matters – both to them, and to me as their photographer.
Once we went to the reception, this group was as fun as I had already known they would be. Elizabeth stood on a chair as she shared a first dance with her groom, and they both beamed as they danced with their parents. The toasts were heartfelt yet funny and radiating with love, which was perfectly fitting for the two of them. I still have one wedding remaining this year, but with couples like these two, oh what a freaking year it has been.
Ceremony: St. Philomena Catholic Church
Reception: Par-A-Dice
Bride’s Dress: Adore Bridal
Centerpieces + Flowers: Create A Scene Events
Cake: The Cake Shoppe
DJ: Top Hat Productions