Down the Aisle: Shawna + Todd

The crowd would be roaring, the band rocking, pom poms rustling—and in the corner of my eye, there was always this curly haired cutie with a huge grin on her face running around watching the commotion. I don't remember her exact age at the time, but Shawna and her sister Nicole could usually be found near the Lincoln East sideline at Seacrest Field where their Dad, "Mr. Gingery," coached the football team (while yours truly tried to remember the kick-line routine for that night's half-time dance performance). Sometime last year, I got an email from Shawna asking about having me photograph her upcoming wedding.  The curly haired cutie I remembered from the sidelines had blossomed into a beautiful girl who shares her father's gregarious grin. And as it turns out, she had fallen for a boy named Todd, who happens to be the son of another East High teacher—Mrs. Ogden. (Go Spartans!)

Yesterday—their storybook tale became a reality. I'm so honored to have been invited to capture it all. :)

PS: Shawna's dress had zip away bottom, converting it into a short dress for the reception (see the later photos). Brilliant!

I love Shawna's mega-watt grin. Combined with her laugh... simply beautiful!

So—this isn't your traditional portrait, but I think it's rad.

As the ceremony was about to start, Todd watched through this window...

Then he caught me watching him with the camera. Doh!

Married!

What a fun reception! Shawna's dad announced the wedding party as they arrived, then they turned their father/daughter dance into a disco revival a la Saturday Night Fever. To top it off, there was a dance off between the top contenders to see who could best impersonate Todd on the dance floor. (Not to mention Shawna's zip-away dress!)

Two great families becoming one. Congratulations to you all!