I have been blessed to have Batiesha in my life for over a decade now, and equally blessed that she brought her now husband Adam into my life as well. When they asked me if I could photograph their September wedding, I was absolutely honored to do so! These two are a couple of my own heart--equal parts playful, loving, and nerdy. And of course, their day incorporated all these traits that I love about them so much! After starting off the day at Joseph Mathews Salon, the wedding party got ready at the Lory Theater, which is where the couple's love bloomed while they both worked there and shared a love of movies. Batiesha changed into her tea-length dress and Toms (a perfect combination, in my opinion!) and Adam rocked some green Chucks--I love their style! We took some group and couple photos at the Lory and then traveled out to Silver Lake for more photos. Soon enough, it was time for the ceremony at the Avon Theater in Breese. Batiesha and Adam have participated in many plays together at the Avon through Clinton County Showcase, so this location was extra special to the two of them. Batiesha walked down the aisle to the main theme from Harry Potter (which resulted in delighted gasps from many in attendance!). Following some nerdy vows, the couple exited the theater to a blanket of bubbles blown by attendees. Then it was time to get down at the reception! In between nerdy decor, Batiesha and Adam shared their first dance, which transitioned from Beauty and the Beast to the Cantina song from Star Wars to a light saber fight, much to the entertainment of the guests. These two really are performers through and through! Another highlight of the evening were the toasts, in which Maid of Honor Elexus and Best Man Tyler performed a sketch together celebrating the relationship of Batiesha and Adam. It was a wonderful day, and I wish the best to the two of you in this next chapter in your life. Mutual weirdness forever! Denise, Brian, and I first met in 2015, after they saw engagement photos I had taken for Minying & Jason. Having met at Saint Louis University, they wanted engagement photos taken in the area before they moved away, and felt that I was a good fit to take the photos. Soon after, they contacted me about photographing their wedding out in San Diego, and being a huge fan of traveling I of course had to say yes! The big day started off with us meeting Denise bright and early at their hotel, where she was prepping for her family tea ceremony. We traveled up to her parents' house and photographed ad the event unfolded, enjoying the words of wisdom that Denise and Brian's families offered the couple. After the ceremony, we enjoyed lunch and relaxed before traveling back into San Diego for Denise and Brian to change for their traditional ceremony with family and friends. The ceremony site, Kate Sessions Memorial Park, was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, providing amazing sites while overlooking San Diego Bay. Denise and Brian had things decorated beautifully, with a swirling flower trail running down the aisle. The ceremony was a perfect balance of natural beauty and love, from the smile on Brian's face as Denise came down to the aisle to their first kiss as husband and wife. After taking group and couple photos at the park, we traveled across the street to the Soledad Club for the reception. Denise and Brian left no detail overlooked and even had games outside to pass the time during cocktail hour! After dinner and toasts, the guests danced the night away, including a special performance of Proud Mary by one of the groomsmen. The night ended with us all watching fireworks shot off across the bay at Sea World, which was a perfect end to a wonderful day. Denise and Brian are an adorable couple through and through. From our very first time meeting, I could tell they shared an intense love and were so happy to be around each other. Even better, they were comfortable being goofy with each other, which I always love :). I wish them both a lifetime of happiness and am honored that they chose me to photograph their big day and start of their life together. I've known Heather my entire life--she's my older cousin! So naturally, when my Aunt Marcia asked if I could photograph their reception at Willoughby Farm in Collinsville, I was happy to say yes. Heather and Nick had gotten married earlier that summer in the Great Smoky Mountains but wanted to have a reception with their family at home before they moved to India, where Heather is spending a year teaching. It was a hot summer day for the reception, but it was worth it to have friends and family together to celebrate their love! |
May 2018
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