We arrived the day before, helped with setting up the reception and rehearsal.  Since the wedding was later in the evening, the morning had a nice relaxed feel.  Both Megan and David had a tear and joy filled first look in a park after both reading letters they wrote to each other.  After some sweet and fun moments together, their families joined for photos.  We all headed to the chapel where we met up with the wedding party.  The guys were loving the camera (maybe it helps that they all knew me!).  I loved getting to see Tim in a tux, he looked so handsome.

The ceremony was officiated by their pastor during college, Scot, from Maryland Community Church where Tim and I also attended during college.  They exited the church with a long line of bubble blowers and well wishers to get away in David’s cousin’s show coupe.  We made a quick stop on the way to the reception at a park that Megan used to visit with her grandma.  As soon as the toasts and first dances were done, guests packed the dance floor and never left it!  Maybe it was the all dessert reception sugar buzz?  The atmosphere was celebratory to say the least.

The newlyweds enjoyed a relaxing week in the Riveria Maya before coming back and moving to North Carolina for the next 6 months.  It was such an honor to be such an integral part of the whole wedding process for them.  They will be greatly missed by all their friends and family here in Indiana, but we know they’ll be back soon.

For those of you haven’t put two and two together yet, that does mean there is another Megan King in the family.  We’re so happy to have her, even if it means I must now share my name.

Congrats and lots of love to you both!

David’s grandfather married them with a very personal message of the legacy of marriage in their families and emphasis on how this is the beginning of their own family.  Tears were easy to find in that beautiful ballroom.  The reception was full of class with all of the personal touches that Courtney added.  The Omni staff did an incredible job of having a full house and keeping the crowd and party moving smoothly.  After dinner, live music filled the ballroom with the perfect place to dance and celebrate.  A fantastic spread of desserts was offered, with the main event being the delicious groom’s cake that David’s mom had made that was golf themed.  The newest Mr. and Mrs. spent their first week together as man and wife enjoying fabulous Las Vegas.  They are now together making Lexington, Kentucky their first home.

Congrats to you both, thank you so much for having me share in such a special day!

Those vendors who made it happen:

Venue: Omni Severin (Rebecca the incredible)

Video: Daniel Risk

Glamour: Karen Hall & Co. (makeup/hair)

Dress: That Special Touch (Columbus, IN)

Florals: Jan Hofp

Cake: Mindy (David’s mom)

Ceremony Music: Lockerbie Music

Music: First Impressions Band

Ice Sculpture: Jose Hernandez & Sons

Typically, I will get together with my Bride and Groom a couple of months before the wedding and hang out for a couple of hours. During that time, we will talk and get to know one another more and I will spend some time taking their pictures. A few of the photos will be more traditional portraits, but most will be shots are just you being you.

For many couples, the Engagement Session will be the first time they have had their pictures taken together. And for some reason, lot of couples get worked up about it. What can you do to set yourselves up for success for your engagement session? Here are a few tips:

1. Plan Ahead

Talk to your photographer well in advance of your wedding day so that you don’t run out of time. If you have a particular season that you want in your pictures, like fresh green in Spring or Fall colors, be sure to plan for it. Often times, especially in the summer, engagement sessions are done later in the evening on weeknights, as many wedding photographers have their weekends full with weddings.

2. Make it an Event

Take time to do something “Datey” before the shoot. While you might not have the ability to take off work that day, maybe you can work through lunch and leave a little early. The key here is to spend relaxed time together before the  photo shoot.  Maybe that’s grabbing dinner together, ice cream, drinks, taking a walk or anything else you love to do together.  This helps you be in the right mindset before the session, remembering why you are so excited to be marrying your best friend.

3. Look Great

Take time to get ready and feel great about how you look.  Pick out your outfit (including accessories) ahead of time. Wear clothes that show off your personality, and don’t be afraid of color.

4. Flexibility

The weather in Indianapolis can be hit or miss sometimes.  Blue skies and sunny 1/2 hour before your shoot, then rain at go time.  Don’t be too disappointed if we need to reschedule.  It happens more often than you think.

5. Be Yourself

Finally, just be yourself in front of the camera.  A good photographer knows how to capture the relationship you have and the best of both of you -  trust them.  Many of the best pictures happen, when you aren’t even aware your photo is being taken.

Hope these tidbits help! They are just from my experiences, and I hope to share more tips in upcoming posts.

This is the brand new home of the Megelaine Images blog.  There will be plenty of pretty pictures, real Indiana Weddings, tips, and stories from my personal life. (Yes, I do more than take pretty pictures!)  I’m so excited for the all the great things in store for this blog.

I send a big thank you to all of you who have followed me for quite a while now and am sending a big welcome hug to anyone who might be stopping by for the first time.  I love feedback, so don’t be shy about commenting. Let me know what you love; images, details, emotions, resources, questions, etc. Also, be sure to hit me up on Facebook and Twitter!

As a note, these images should bring a smile to your face (even when they aren’t your niece and nephew).

All of the details came together perfectly, thanks to Kelly’s planner personality. She had plenty of girlfriends around to support her on this big day (11 walking up the aisle). She has two little nieces and Eric has two little nephews and they were show stopping cute. Nick (our dear old house church leader) officiated his first ever ceremony and it was so meaningful. Since all of the day’s festivities were at the Fountains in Carmel, we took a quick location change for pictures during the cocktail hour. We were back in time to enjoy the reception time to the max. Everything looked so striking with her black and vibrant pink palette. Many tears were shed during the toasts, and many a sweat broke out on the dance floor. I’m not joking at all when I say my house church might be the most enthusiastic reception dancers ever!

Kelly & Eric- Congrats and may your time in New York building the foundation of your marriage be a sweet adventure together.

Those who made the day happen:
Hair: Static Salon (my neighbors)
Makeup: Bobbi Brown at Saks Fifth Avenue
Venue: The Fountains
Flowers: Emily Burford (that’s right my past bride)
Reception Decor: Elegant Occasions
DJ: Evan Nance with DJ’s Direct (my rocking past groom!)

Special shout out to my friend, Chris Potts, who turned the big 3-0 that day! Kelly set him up with birthday accessories.

They had a very sweet Catholic ceremony led by Lindsay’s uncle at Immaculate Heart of Mary. We made a quick stop at Butler for a few photos on the way to the Ritz Charles for their party. However our stop was made a little longer due to an overheated limo. (the weather was oppressive, remember) No worries, we still all made it just in time for the reception to kick off. The night was filled with good food, laughs, joy and a true celebration with their family and friends.

It is such a blessing of my job to see couples in love and supported in this new chapter of life by their proud parents. The new Mr. and Mrs. are enjoying beautiful Cabo right now and eager to see some photos, so enjoy!

Early in the morning the forecast was calling for lots of rain, which didn’t sit well with the plans of a outdoor reception in a wine garden for 400 guests. We were so lucky to avoid rain all day, but it sure was HOT and steamy.

There were so many things I loved about this wedding, it’s hard to narrow them down. Stephanie and Kyle are obviously best friends and were so excited to start their life together. The whole day, and especially the evening was such a celebration.