We always love having the opportunity to photograph someplace new. A new surrounding and local culture inspires us to see things a little differently than our daily life and forces us to slow down while shooting to attempt to capture the landscape. In Rachel and Andrew's case, their wedding was in Kendra's home state of South Dakota, which always provides a sense of comfort and familiarity on the great plains. If you've ever gotten the opportunity to visit the great state of South Dakota, you'll know that it's a large, mostly flat terrain filled with gently sloping fields of grain, corn, soybeans and eventually a beautiful mountain range. Winds can whip across the mostly tree-less acres with great gusto causing intense blizzards in the winter and intense hot wind (and tumbleweeds!) in the summer. Fortunately these two chose a summer month and not a blizzard month to be married in, and despite the 115 degree heat indexes on their wedding day, they kept their cool amongst the raging temps and high winds (have you ever seen someone's hair look so good in 50mph winds?). Rachel and Andrew are currently living on the East Coast but wanted to celebrate their union in Rachel's hometown of Chamberlain, South Dakota. Oh what a perfect decision that was for them, too. Never have we seen such a warm and loving group of people come together to celebrate these two special people. The kind of compassion and camaraderie their guests poured out on Rachel and Andrew was genuine and heartfelt. It's not difficult, however, to adore these two. Rachel is a modern-day Jacqueline Kennedy or Audrey Hepburn; sparkling, sensitive full of class and wit. She's almost always laughing and if not, she's got a glowing smile on her face. Andrew is loyal, well-spoken and has a heart of gold. They really are something together and their entire wedding day was a reflection of their special bond. We were so happy to have the opportunity to work with you, Rachel and Andrew, and we wish you many years of joy together. Congratulations!
Nicole + Jeff = Married
Tears welled from her eyes as she grasped her father's arm. She took a big breath and started walking. Jeff stood, solid and present at the end of the aisle with his eyes locked on her. Nicole glanced at the family and friends who were there lifting her up. There was so much fullness, but also a very obvious missing presence. Nicole's mother, and Jeff's father had both unexpectedly passed away when Nicole and Jeff were teenagers, and their presence was missing like a roaring lull. The day was clearly incomplete without them, and yet, as her eyes met his, and the warmth of their communities poured out in support, their ceremony started with joy and sent the best kind of shivers down my spine. Joy. Fullness. Love. Sunshine. Everything was there. It had been a long time in the making with lots of ups and downs, but there they were - presenting themselves as the imperfect beings we are - ready to become husband and wife. The entire day was filled with moments like those, and after an extremely hot summer in South Dakota, it was as if Nicole's mom and Jeff's dad were anointing their wedding day with the most *perfect* 75 degree wedding day weather anyone could ask for. The entire day went flawlessly, and we were honored to share in Nicole and Jeff's wedding glow. Nicole and Jeff: you have both been through so much. We adore you and love the way you light up when you are together. We wish you nothing but the best in your new life together and know that together; you can face any storm that may come your way. We love you!
Maria + Kyle = Married
When Maria and Kyle asked us to photograph their Green Bay, Wisconsin wedding - we knew it was going to be awesome. Kyle and Matt grew up together so we already knew the kind hearted, goofy and loving teddy bear he was and while we had barely met Maria, we knew that she was going to be a perfect compliment to Kyle's charismatic personality. Down to earth, sweet, and drop dead girl-next-door gorgeous, Maria was everything we had expected and more. They are perfect together. If their relationship could be summed up in one day it may have well been their wedding day. Their loving families contributed their talents in many ways; Maria's brother composed and directed the music for the ceremony, another one of Maria's brothers performed in the ceremony and Kyle sang 'My Maria' by Brooks and Dunn during the reception to his bride. (Melt our hearts!). Every speech and toast drove home what amazing people Kyle and Maria are separately, and how wonderful they are together. All in all it was a happy day, and we're so grateful to have been able to share in it. Congratulations Maria and Kyle!