flowers · Peppertree Floral  | dj · Starbound Entertainment

Ceremony & Reception

Alumni Hall at Indiana Memorial Union, Indiana University

Bloomington, Indiana

It was fitting for them to share their vows where they already had so many special memories, on the campus of IU.  After a sweet ceremony, the rain that had lasted for hours let up and sun broke through as they went outside to steal their first few moments as man and wife.  We got a chance to visit a few of their favorite spots on ...]]> Matt saw something special in Sam early into their days at Indiana University, both working with Young Life.  Perhaps her incredible smile, fun personality or devotion to the Lord.  His persistance in pursuit of Sam paid off, she eventually came around to saying yes to a date, yes to a relationship and yes to the perfect proposal. (he literally brought in friends from all over the country to be there as part of the surprise)

It was fitting for them to share their vows where they already had so many special memories, on the campus of IU.  After a sweet ceremony, the rain that had lasted for hours let up and sun broke through as they went outside to steal their first few moments as man and wife.  We got a chance to visit a few of their favorite spots on campus during cocktail hour.  The reception was full of many dear friends and family that were filled with joy for Matt and Sam.  The dance floor was full of action and they enjoyed celebrated with all their favorite people.

Matt & Sam-It was an honor to witness your love and devotion to each other and see the love that your families have for you both.

 Captiva Island, Florida Wedding Details

coordinator · Monica Mon Amie Events | dress · Blue House Bridal

flowers · Lilly Lane (the bride)  | cake · The Bubble Room

Ceremony & Reception

South Seas Island Resort (thanks John!)

Captiva Island, Florida

Despite forecasts of severe storms earlier in the week, the rain passed the night before the wedding.  However, due to crazy winds, especially along the beach (where the ceremony was to be), plan B did move the ceremony to the other side ...]]> From about as long as she can remember, Becky has been vacationing with her family in Captiva Island.  Also, since she was a little girl she has been planning her Captiva Wedding.  It might have taken a few years for all the pieces to come in to place, most importantly her groom who began as just a cute new neighbor in Indy, but this spring’s trip was more than a family vacation, it was a celebration.  Both families spent time both before the wedding and after at the South Seas Resort, which is a little hidden piece of paradise.

Despite forecasts of severe storms earlier in the week, the rain passed the night before the wedding.  However, due to crazy winds, especially along the beach (where the ceremony was to be), plan B did move the ceremony to the other side of the resort near the reception area.  Lucky us, we were in great hands with John coordinating from South Seas and Monica Richard with Mon Amie Events Inc..  Becky literally thought of every detail and made them work perfectly together and if by any chance she missed anything Monica had it covered.  The detail post to come is incredible, but back to the wedding.

Becky walked into her ceremony through a lined sidewalk of trees, decorated with ribbons and hanging candles.  The ceremony site was nothing short of grand (not bad for a plan B).  One of Becky’s bridesmaids officiated the wedding.  As they said their vows, exchanged rings, a few dolphins played behind them in the water and a few birds flew by.  It really couldn’t have been more perfect.  The wedding party did make a trip out to the beach for some beautiful pictures.  Even though the location was gorgeous to shoot, what I loved even more was how sentimental this beach was to Becky and I’m sure will become to Justin and they travel back to Captiva over the coming years.

The reception was a complete party, with guest in vacation mode and ready to let loose.  After an elegant dinner the guests move to take over the dance floor and the couches with fire pits outside on the deck.  A dreamy day and night to say the least.

Becky and Justin, thank you so much for having us travel down to share in such an amazing day!   We are excited for what lies ahead for you both.  Your family and friends were a pleasure to be with and we considered it a great honor to be welcomed in with such open arms.

The Luther Wedding from this past summer won BEST SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY.  If you missed this wedding on the blog, it’s worth a visit.  This couple and their families are incredible.

My photography for the Wish Upon A  Wedding Blissful Ball won BEST TEAM EFFORT (under $75,000 budget) with Becky at Lilly Lane, Bob with Indy Visual and Kari ...]]> Tim and I have been a part of the local ISES (International Special Events Society) for over the past year.  This year we were able to enter two of our events for awards.  PACE is the yearly awards that highlights all the best of the best in the event industry, both corporate and social.  The entries are judged by another state’s chapter.  Not only did I get the fun job of photographing such a fabulous event, but I also came home with two awards!

The Luther Wedding from this past summer won BEST SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY.  If you missed this wedding on the blog, it’s worth a visit.  This couple and their families are incredible.

My photography for the Wish Upon A  Wedding Blissful Ball won BEST TEAM EFFORT (under $75,000 budget) with Becky at Lilly Lane, Bob with Indy Visual and Kari with Eventful Marketing Solutions, Inc (Detail + Design).

Thank you so much for all of you (clients, friends, industry pals) who believe in the work we do!

Enjoy the photos of a fabulous event planned by a team of event professionals!

Just a little fun in the bathroom.

I ate a lot of these, they were delicious!

D’Amore looked awesome!

The kitchen of Thomas Caterers of Distinction hard at work!

My first win, for BEST SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY!

Bob and me receiving the award with the Wish Upon A Wedding Blissful Ball.

DJ Gabby Love was amazing!!!

Just a few days later my grandfather passed away at home. I can’t tell you how precious it was to have that time together as a whole family and that we took family photos.

My grandpa was always larger than life to me. At 6’8″ I remember hugging his knees for a very long time growing up. He was steadfast, ...]]> On Palm Sunday, my mom’s side of the family always gets together. This year we were out at my grandparents farm south of Columbus, Indiana. After a hearty lunch (the kind of pitch-in that takes up all available counter space), the family spread out and enjoyed the farm. Some of my cousins were hitting golf balls into the pasture, the great-grandkids were playing with bubbles out front and others were hanging out in the garage. Per grandma’s request we took family photos.

Just a few days later my grandfather passed away at home. I can’t tell you how precious it was to have that time together as a whole family and that we took family photos.

My grandpa was always larger than life to me. At 6’8″ I remember hugging his knees for a very long time growing up. He was steadfast, hard working, faithful and would share a hearty chuckle with you. My family often would make trips up to the farm to help out and I remember playing in the barn with him, riding to the grain elevator as his sidekick, “helping” him feed the barn cats and cows, sitting on his lap in his office, sharing in an evening bowl of ice cream and him occasionally slipping me one of his secret Twinkie stash. He has been a strong cornerstone of our family and he was dearly loved.

As we celebrate Grandpa this week, I wanted to share some of the recent photos of him that are dear to me. Last year, about a month before Jonathan was born, grandpa was in the hospital for a long stretch and not doing well. It was a total blessing to have him return to his home and have him meet Jonathan. He lit up when he was around the great-grand babies and got a good chuckle over their antics.

Meeting Jonathan for the first time.

Grandpa playing with Owen as he chases his cane.

My grandparents in front of the house that grandma grew up in (still in the family).

The pasture behind the house, nice and green already.

Jonathan’s first interaction with the cows, he just squealed with excitement.

My grandparents

The big family (Grandma and Grandpa had 6 kids)

What I learned from being in front of the camera:

You can check out our previous blog posts about Leslie & Josh’s story and the details from their wedding day.

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 ...]]> 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 excitement!  The groom being one of the first people to see you in your dress with freshly done hair and makeup.

The groom’s anticipation and reaction, expressed more freely than in front of all of your guests.

Getting to talk to each other after you first see each other on your wedding day.  Hearing what the other person is thinking.

(whispering to each other during the ceremony is usually frowned upon)

The joy of the moment and being able to express it with hugs and kisses!

A little private time together before the ceremony.  Many couples comment on how much seeing each other eases their nerves before the ceremony.

Time to collect your thoughts.  Things can get crazy leading up to walking down the aisle.

 Doing a first look gives you a chance to soak up the moment and process what is happening.

Quiet space for the two of you without an audience.  Private moments on a very public day.

A chance to just be yourself and remember why you are going through this nerve racking ordeal of a day where all eyes are on you.

(of course some love the spotlight more than others, but many feel as they can totally let their guard down when the only other person around is a photographer they feel really comfortable with)

A chance to get some really great pictures.  Your hair and makeup are fresh and the emotions are fresh.  Their is time to go to several locations.

(unlike after all the family pictures in the sanctuary when you have a tendency to tire of smiling, which is often the alternative time for couple pictures)

A well documented reaction.  As photographers we choose a great spot with nice light and capture it all as it happens.  No fear of aunt so and so jumping in front of the shot.

A place for really sweet moments to happen.

And last but certainly not least, doing a first look often results in a couple enjoying their whole cocktail hour either with all their guests or in a VIP room with their wedding party!