What 30-minute timeframe of photos do you think is the most important on a wedding day? As the designated photographer, we are responsible to capture a variety of photos: rings, flowers, portraits, family, trinkets, bridesmaids, flower girls, ceremony sites, sunsets, cakes, dance moves, and the list goes on. As you can see from all of our best-of galleries, we love them all. But there is something very special about the Romantic session. We love this time when we get to slow down with the bride and groom and create stunning works of art that they can forever remember their day with.
It amazes me how few ceremony photos you'll find when looking through the internet for wedding photos. What would a wedding day be without a...wedding? In the "marketing world" of wedding photography, ceremony photos are usually used the least--and it really is a shame. We love the details, the first look, the romantics, the fun bridal party photos, but there is something so special about the ceremony that captures the raw emotions of the day. Mom and Dad are so proud of their daughter or son. Grandma is cuter and older than ever. The flower girls drops the pedals with such precision (well...sometimes). Dating stories are recalled. Rings are exchanged. Hearts are hopeful. And these moments aren't incredible opportunities for amazing photographs? We think not.
We are always blessed to take such a key role in this special moment. The tears, laughs, and promises shared in these few minutes are what the bride and groom will have to look back on this day. Thank you to all the individuals who invited us to their ceremony to share in these memories and we hope we can see you again soon with you in the bridal party this time!
The first time we mention a "first look" to a bride and groom in our planning session they often respond with concern and hesitation. Isn't this supposed to happen at the ceremony site?
There are a number of reasons why we encourage a "first look" experience prior to the ceremony for the bride and groom, but I'm certain a quick flip through these images will convince you much quicker. To read more reasons to consider doing a first look take a look at this link.
We love capturing those timeless moments in your life that you, your family and friends can forever cherish. And on a wedding day, the first look is a beautiful opportunity for us to do that. Both have been imaging this moment his whole life. All the winding roads have brought them to this moment where they begin walking together through life hand in hand. And we're there to place you in a quiet, secluded area where you can live out that romantic moment and then re-live it again and again through the photos and videos.
We hope you can share in the joy of these couples and we hope we can share in the joy of capturing the most important moments of your life.
Here's to love and the joy received through it.
I'm amazed we don't have more broken ankles on a wedding day. I mean, come on. I'm thinking to myself, "Ok, these ladies just spent four hours getting ready. They're in heals. They're wearing a dress. They're freezing. Nah, they wouldn't want to risk it all for this crazy shot." And, to my constant surprise--I'm wrong. These girls will do anything for a fun photo and are always the life of the party.
We love meeting with the bride and groom before the wedding and hearing how fun their bridal party is going to be. And the ladies always prove themselves to be a fun bunch to work with. As photographers, we love nothing more than people who love being in photos and making them fun and memorable (except, perhaps, that occasionaly bridesmaid who maybe wants to be in a few too many photos).
We're always looking for fun new poses and always know we can count on these ladies to make it happen. If you're a bridesmaid for 2014, get those ideas cooking so you can be in the best of for this year!
Why isn't there a show about the groomsmen? There are a few predictables on a wedding day, but when it comes to the groomsmen--well, we just don't know what to expect: knives, guns, beer, beer, whiskey, beer, air time, superhero's, and movie covers. There is no way of knowing what poses these guys may come up with and what they are willing to do in front of the camera. It is always a joy getting to know each group of friends and brothers and capturing such a fun part of the day. We hope you enjoy!
Thank you for joining us in our "BEST OF 2013" Series. From here on, we will progress through a wedding day in a mostly chronological way. So this week we start off with the getting ready photos.
Wedding days are full of emotions, personalities, colors, temperatures, decorations, guests, families, and all the other dynamics that you can imagine. And it all starts in the morning. The dress is revealed. The suit is put on. Flowers arrive. Bridesmaids crying. Mascara running. Groomsmen drinking. Mom processing. Photographer capturing.
We spend a lot of time getting to know the bride and groom through our initial meetings, to the engagement photos, sometimes occasional dinners and drinks, and multiple e-mails and phone calls preparing for one day. When we arrive to the church, salon, or home, it all comes together. Friends and family start gathering around the bride and groom giving them their love and support as they prepare for the special moments before them.
Rebecca and Jed were the perfect couple to help us start off 2014. We're off to a great year with weddings. The day began with the girls getting ready at their family apple orchard just north of Elkhorn, WI. Having a unique, fun environment to take getting ready photos is always the way to go! Beautifully arranged photos were made by Crazy for You, and Rebecca wore a dress made by Casablanca and Betsy Johnson shoes. The ceremony took place at a country church practically across the street called Sugar Creek Lutheran Church. Everyone had to pack in, but with the cold winter air outside, I don't think anyone minded at all!
Below are some of my favorite Ceremony shots of 2012. I'll post my top seven unique shots but follow the link at the bottom to view all 50 selected for your viewing pleasure.
Denene & Roy were married on March 31, 2012 at The Baker House in Lake Geneva, WI. The ceremony was held on location with the reception following immediately afterward. The Baker House is an overwhelmingly beautiful venue with so much to take in as a guest and as a photographer. Each room is exquisitely decorated and unique. The customer service Denene and Roy received fromt the staff at The Baker House was over-the-top. To view Denene & Roy's entire wedding gallery follow this link: Baker House Wedding Photography.
They had a first look around noon and we jumped right into the photography to get the meat and potatoes photography captured before the ceremony. We started by getting getting photos of the dress and shoes and rings set up around the Baker House. The bridal suite we used to shoot the dress in was stunning. After Denene finished putting on her beautiful dress we went across the street to shoot on the piers and around The Riviera. The ceremony was very fast and we completed the family photos and a few more romantic session photos before arriving at the reception. Below are some of the photos from their big day.
Sometimes when it is just too cold to do an outdoor engagement shoot we will go over the Grand Geneva to do the shoot. There are so many beautiful spots to shoot at the Grand! Jesse and Elizabeth are a wonderful couple and it was a pleasure to spend some time with them while shooting these portraits. In this case we were able to combine both indoor venues as well as some outdoor spots and I happened to be shooting a holiday party that night so we set up my photobooth early and we were able to get some fun studio shots as well. It was so much fun. Check out the prop photos and the twister pose! Below are some of my favorite images from the shoot. If you would like to view more hi-res follow this link. Grand Geneva engagement photos in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
