I love seeing what my clients choose, and whenever possible, I try to shoot a few photos of albums before I send them on their way. In the realm of better-late-than-never, I’d like to share Katie and Chris’s album. This was delivered to them back in December, but with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I didn’t get a chance to share. This one is stunning! The silver shimmers and is set off by the white accent strip, and I love how the lines of the convention center walkway complement the horizontal accent strip.

I began the day with Katie Ann, her mom and her bridesmaids as they got ready for the big day. Look at this beautiful bride.

And what a gorgeous group of bridesmaids! And a great color combo, too. Alisa Garin was kind enough to assist me for the day. While the ladies made their way over to the church. Alisa visited Greg as he got ready at a nearby hotel and captured the next two images. I think I would sum up Greg’s list thusly: Katie Ann, you are one lucky lady to have found a man who takes out the trash, does the laundry, appreciates his family, but most importantly, is getting ready for an amazing honeymoon!Meanwhile, in the church basement, Katie Ann’s dad, Patrick, came down to see her. After a very unique ceremony at St. Patrick’s, Katie Ann and Greg exited to a throng of very festive ribbon wand wavers. Photo by Alisa.We made a quick stop at Katie Ann’s parents’ extraordinary home for a few pictures…… before making our way over to Buhl Park, adjacent to the reception. This beautiful portrait of Katie Ann by Alisa. Katie Ann’s mom, Marian, made her exquisite bouquet. Bridal party + one very helpful fellow. Great job on the jump, bridal party!Katie Ann and Greg greeted guests as the entered cocktail hour. This was  more informal and relaxed than a church receiving line, and allowed them an opportunity to say hello to everyone as they entered. What a terrific idea! The maids of honor each gave touching and hilarious speeches. This is Laura. My favorite line of her toast: “when Katie Ann went away to law school, thus began the start of a long distance relationship with her true love – me.” As I’ve mentioned previously on my blog, it was Laura who then went on to introduce Katie Ann to Greg when Katie Ann moved back. Greg’s Best Men, his brothers Bill and Matt, also each made speeches. I expected some embarrassing stories, but clearly these guys have some very strong brotherly love going, because instead they thanked their parents for giving them their greatest gifts – each other. And shared a story about how when Greg’s dad got a dog, Greg took a week off of work to help dad build a fence around their yard. Wow. I’m thinking their mom had to feel pretty proud! A great first dance…… and then it was crazy dance time. I have to say it was pretty hard to choose these few photos, especially picking this first one. Hi Laura and Matt, and thanks for referring Katie Ann and Greg to me! So nice to see you again. Congratulations Katie Ann and Greg! Enjoy your honeymoon.

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The Credits

Reception Venue:
Avalon at Buhl Country Club

Bouquets: made by Katie Ann’s mom, Marian

DJ: Joey K.

Videographer: Video by Barry

Hair & Makeup: Spa at Avalon at Buhl

Who was the beautiful bride? My cousin, Mary, who after quite a few years of dating, married her soul mate, Nate. Mary is the oldest of her five siblings, and of all my many cousins, the closest in age to me. What a blast we had as kids! Our families lived about an hour and a half apart, but we had frequent visits. When my family would visit her house in New Jersey and my parents would tell me it was time to leave, we’d find places to hide to extend our visit. Sometimes we’d even talk our parents into letting us stay overnight, and they’d come back and pick us up the next day.

We had a lot of adventures. Mary – remember the explosion and subsequent evacuation of your junior high dance that I came to? How about that time you found me in the bathtub in the middle of the night after I fainted? Good times.

But back to the present – some photos from Mary and Nate’s wedding! I did appreciate being off duty, and didn’t shoot very much, but I’m still me – so I couldn’t resist shooting a little bit. Keep an eye on American Photographers blog for a lot more highlights of the day.

How about Nate’s smile when he saw Mary coming down the aisle? Yep, I got teary.

They looked so happy throughout the entire ceremony. I was lucky to get a great seat behind my cousin Ann Marie’s boys. This adorable guy is Nikolas. Turning to face the congregation at the end of the ceremony is always one of my favorite moments. Mary and Nate rode in style. Bentley style. The Church of the Little Flower was also the church where Mary’s parents, my aunt and uncle, were married almost 40 years ago. I got to ride in style too. Sadly, I was dateless for this wedding, as my husband Matt has been battling a nasty back injury and was unable to make the trip. But my brother and his wife graciously allowed me to tag along with them. And have a very enjoyable ride in their convertible Audi. Such a perfect day for it – 70s and sunny in October!Mary and Nate’s cocktail hour was quite decadent. Check out this great idea – they had a mashed potato bar. A server scoops some mashed potatoes into a martini glass, and then you can add cheese, bacon, mushrooms, onions and a whole bunch of other toppings. Beautiful plates and place settings. And as you can see, there was some very festive purple uplighting. First dance – thanks to the videographers for the backlighting!Last one, courtesy of my sister’s camera – some very special folks. That’s me in the middle with my sister and brother. Love you guys!

I just love the way their eyes are locked on each other as the ceremony began.

And how about this symmetry… love how Melinda’s mom is resting her head on Melinda’s dad’s shoulder… and just beside them, Kelly’s brother-in-law is doing the same to Kelly’s sister. Awww. After the ceremony the rain let up just enough for us to capture a few portraits on the Inn’s porch. Speaking of the Inn… just unbelievable how much color was still in the garden. It’s October! And it’s just vibrant and gorgeous, despite the gray sky. There were a few quite touching speeches before dinner. This little guy’s name is Emerson. How cute is he?! He had a great time exploring the garden. After dinner, the party moved inside the Inn, where it was a bit warmer, and Melinda and Kelly enjoyed their first dance. Melinda’s sister, maid of honor Kristin, hilariously compiled words of wisdom gleaned from her cousins’ spouses about what it’s like to marry into their family.Congratulations Melinda and Kelly! So happy for you both.

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The Credits

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Inn on the Mexican War Streets

DJ: Mike Greca

Cake: Lincoln Bakery

Caterer: Medure’s Catering