Every couple has the decision on their wedding day, do we see each other before the ceremony or not?  It’s a question that definitely has an impact on what your wedding day timing will look like.  I ALWAYS leave the decision up to my clients, but I also want to inform couples so they can make an educated decision that is best for them.

First Looks are usually done before any other group photos and are done at a private place.  Typically grooms will wait a few minutes before their bride arrives to greet them. (usually with hugs, kisses and tears)  After having time together to process the moment and talk, when the couple is ready, then moving on to taking portraits of just the two of them.

Here are a few of the things I love about First Looks:

The …

Katey went all out with winter details, especially snowflakes!

The bridesmaids appreciated the muffs during outside photos.

The reception was full of things that sparkled!

Noblesville, Indiana Wedding Details

hair & makeup · Julia & Sara Ciao Bella Salon | dress · David’s Bridal | flowers · The Empty Vase

 limo · Big Blue Bus | cake · Heavenly Sweets | dj · Matt (friend)

Ceremony

Lord of Life Lutheran Church

Westfield, Indiana

Reception

Purgatory Golf Club

Noblesville, Indiana

Katey dreamed of a beautiful snowy winter wedding.  Last Saturday was just that, a perfect winter day for a perfect pair to share their vows.  In the morning, the house was full of hairspray, Starbucks, airbrush makeup, last minute speech revisions and singing out loud.  At the church before the ceremony there was even a little dancing in the bridal room to calm any nerves.  Jordan seemed pretty calm leading up to the ceremony and enjoyed some laughs with his groomsmen before “go time”.  The service was officiated by the best man’s dad, who knew him even as a little boy. (the slideshow included some fantastic photos of them growing up together)   His best man, happened to marry Jordan’s older sister (a MOH) a few years ago, who we also photographed.  They are actually still great friends, pretty nice …

My younger cousin Tyler, celebrated his recent marriage to Alli last weekend. The previous weekend they were out in Sedona Arizona, where they got married in a beautiful old Spanish Chapel with just their maid of honor and best man by their side. They enjoyed a week of honeymoon before coming back to the Midwest for a reception with family and friends. Alli & Tyler are both serving in the military. They actually first crossed paths during jump school, which they were at the summer Tim and I got married.  Thanks to Facebook they re-connected while Tyler was serving overseas and have been so in love since he returned stateside.

Special mention to my cousin and aunt, who thanks to some pinterest finds, made some great DIY centerpieces at the reception.

A little throwback portraiture for the Victorian house formals.

Paratroopers came with our place …

Andrea and her mom did an incredible job incorporating every detail for their New Year’s Eve wedding in downtown Indianapolis.  Just a few things that stuck out to me:

Winter wedding flowers without any berries, but soft colors.

Sparkling things everywhere – enough to be classy, fun and not overwhelming.

A HUGE heart lit up on Monument Circle, just for them.

A great limo bus with snack goodie bags for the wedding party (including hand warmers).

Wedding reception formalities intermingled between courses.

Special slideshows running during the first dances. Who wouldn’t cry seeing a picture of a new dad holding his baby girl and him dancing with her in a white dress on the dance floor? (makes me think this parenting thing goes by quick)

Lots of fun New Year’s party accessories. (hats, glasses, beads, etc)

Confetti cannons throughout the crowd that exploded at the New Year, as …