Down the Aisle: Stephanie + Lance

I woke up on Saturday morning to the sound of roaring thunder and a downpour that would typically cause panic in the hearts of many brides. I checked the weather report and quickly texted Stephanie to keep her spirits high with the prediction that the clouds and rain would clear by 11am. After falling back into bed, I remembered that Stephanie and Lance are meteorology majors, and certainly didn't need a text from me to let them know the weather predictions... ha! We all had a laugh about it when I arrived and Stephanie confessed that she hadn't checked on the weather yet... I think she just knew in her heart that all would be well... and well it was!

I first met Lance and Stephanie when they came from Salt Lake City for their Nebraska engagement photos. We kept in touch via email, blog comments (she's a blogger too!) and occasional shipments (me sending them their love shoot session album, and her sending the most adorable knitting and delicious muffins!). Their day has been a long time in the making, and I'm so happy it was finally here!

Filled with countless hand-made touches, you can tell how much they enjoyed putting their hearts and souls into the event, and I'm thrilled to have been able to capture it for them in a way that celebrates those things. Enjoy!

How cute are their flowers!? I love the country bumpkin feel to them... perfect for a ceremony at Country Pines!

Their guest book is quite possibly the coolest thing I've seen! Guests were greeted with green ink pads upon their arrival and the little sign instructed them to place their thumbprints on the tree and sign their names. When all is said and done, it's a gorgeous wedding tree with a record of who was there. Love it!

Instead of a unity candle or sand ceremony, Stpehanie & Lance had a 'tree ceremony' where they and their mothers added soil and water to the pot of a young fern tree to travel back to SLC with them and be planted in the yard of their newly purchased home. :)

Boys and their socks always make for good photos... lol!

Is the back of her dress gorgeous, or what!? Absolutely stunning!

Another Emir super shot!

Lance's aunt Linda made this traditional Norwegian wedding known as "kransekake." It's a surprisingly chewy, almond based slice of heaven! I've been trying hard not to indulge in all the sweet yumminess I am tempted with every weekend, but I had to give in & try some of this because it was so unique (and I love Scandanavia and couldn't pass up the chance to experience this tradition!). You can get the hook up with the specially made baking pans and recipe (or this one!) and try some for yourself!

Fun and interesting entertainment options for the guests are usually a solid hit! Stephanie and lance provided several choices including games like a bean tag toss, ladder golf, horse shoes and pick-up football (of course, the Shoot Shack was also on-hand for guests to enjoy!)