Down the Aisle: Eric + Melissa | Sioux City Wedding Photographer

After months of planning, I was so thrilled to finally get to meet Melissa & Eric! They tied the knot today and I was lucky enough to be invited to come to Sioux City to capture everything as it unfolded. Here's some of the beautifulness that danced its way across the front of my lens. Enjoy!

I love that smile! :)

My super fave!

Eric, the tiger!

These kids were so funny.... they couldn't decide between hamming it up for my camera or sharing their excitement over the stretch hummer that lead the wedding party away after the ceremony. Too cute!

The party made a pit-stop at a favorite bar where Eric & Melissa love to visit.

The kids *loved* the wide open space of the convention center. These cuties are all cousins... can you imagine how much fun they have at family get-togethers?!

This lil' cutie was my fave... she repeatedly crawled under this display signage and the minute my camera caught up with her, she stood up and hid her little face from view. I think I actually like the image better this way than how I had originally intended to capture it. What a stinker! :)

Is this family good lookin' or what? :) Congrats to all three of you!

Let the fabulous new adventure begin! Congrats to you and your families... thank you so much for inviting me to share in your celebration!

Down the Aisle: Bret + Alison | West Point Wedding Photographer

In from Scottsdale, AZ... Bret & Alison were married yesterday in West Point, Nebraska. And a beautiful fall day it was!

To the church! Let's do this thing!

They got the party started immediately after exiting the church. No time wasted here!

After the ceremony, per local tradition.... everyone headed to the neighborhood watering hole.....

Mayberry's Pub. :) Later... it was on to the reception!

West Point is quickly becoming my 'home-away-from-home' (having shot several weddings there again this year), so I was thrilled when they asked me to be their wedding photographer. Thanks for having me guys!

Down the Aisle: Bob + Kim

Beautiful. Elegant. Sophisticated. Bob + Kim's wedding was all of those things, and more!

If J Crew was a woman who had a wedding, this would've been it! Kim's *beautiful* dress was from the J Crew Bridal Line. As were the shoes...

I *LOVE* this!

and even the socks! :)

Once everyone was ready, it was off to the ceremony site! The event was held at Wilderness Ridge in Lincoln.  This lovely image is courtesy of Emir!

Classic!

Kim was *the* epitome of beauty..... her eyes redefined 'sparkling.'

L.O.V.E.

This cracks me up. I'm still not sure what it was he thought he had on the bottom of his shoe.... but I love this image. :)

Quick! Grab a seat, don't be late! (image courtesy of Emir!)

Emir captured this image of Kim and her dad making their grand entrance....

These two are best friends. Truly. Best. Friends. It shows.

I think I laughed out loud with the officiant said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife" and before you could blink, Kim shouted, "Yay!" and jumped to Bob for their first kiss. Too cute!

Bob's post-ceremony happy dance

Is it just me or should these lovely people all be on the cover of something special? Or perhaps a movie poster? A romantic-comedy, of course!

Here the ladies are indulging my silly request. Aren't they darling? I love it!

Boys being boys....

Of course, it came as no surprise that the reception was also stunning....

Bob and Kim danced to "La Vie en Rose."  This is another Emir jewel!

Let the craziness begin!

Here's a couple of the guys doing their best impression of the 'Call on Me' music video. If you haven't seen it.... go now! (errr... after you finish enjoying the eye candy in this post... ;)

So much fun! I just love you guys! Thank you for including Emir and I in your wedding celebration..... we wish you much love, health and happiness!

Down the Aisle: Tara + Chris

I just adore this couple. Yes, just simply adore them. They are fun, funky and so wonderfully easy going! Here's a sneak peek at Tara's dress... I was *lovin'* the rhinestone broach in the middle! Isn't that fab???

Her hands waited patiently in her lap while she got her make-up done....  I love how although she was quite calm and super chill all morning long, you can see the anticipation in her hands.....

Chris sent over a gift for Tara along with a card that made her laugh.... (recalling some funny business from the night before.... I'll just leave it at that. If you want to know the whole story, you'll have to ask them!)

These are the same red shoes Tara wore for their engagement shoot last year. (Albeit a newer, scuff-free pair.) When she told me she was going to wear red shoes, I knew I was in for a treat! :)

Don't you love the on-lookers above in the balcony? Ha ha ha! :)

Chris was sporting Husker argyle socks.... which he gifted to his groomsmen as well..... (coming up down below!)

Tara's super fab dress was nothing short of gorgeous..... she wore it like no one else could! I love this shot of the back....

She is just *so* gorgeous! Look at those eyes!

I just love this one....

I love the mix of rhinestones, feathers, and beads in her bouquet!

Wind has a knack for popping up at opportune moments sometimes! How cute is *this*?

I love the next two images for different reasons.... and couldn't decide between them.... so I broke down and am including both. :)

Chris didn't ask for much. He was a good sport all day, going along with pretty much anything I asked. The *one thing* he did make a point to let me know, was that he wanted a shot of him and the guys with their argyle socks. The only catch was, we had to somehow include Memorial Stadium. With the reception right across the street at Champions Club, it was a piece-o-cake. You got it Chris! :)

More husker fun....

Yes! Love this!

And here's a cherry on top! :)

On to the party! (Look at that beautiful (and delicious!) cake!)

Several different tables featured vintage portraits from Chris & Tara's extended family members. I love this tradition that seems to be popping up more and more. It's always fun to think that someday, when Chris & Tara are grandparents (or great-grandparents!) one of their images might end up at a wedding reception for their grandson/daughter somewhere. How would they ever choose which one??????? :)

Here's one of Chris's dad (I'm fairly certain). Aren't those tuxedos rad? How fun it would be to show up at a wedding and see the guys dressed like that!

I love Tara's expressive face...

Hooray for the feather in the hair!!!

I can't believe your day was finally here! It seems like forEVER ago that I first got to work with you for engagement photos... and now the two of you are a new family, making history today! I'm so thrilled to have been entrusted with capturing your day.... and hope you cherish these images for years and years to come!!!! xoxoxoxo

Down the Aisle: Christina + Jason

As Gretchen (sister-of-the-bride & Matron of Honor) said during her dinner toast to the charming couple, it's not everyday that a girl from Ohio meets a boy from Nebraska (while in Georgia) and then marries him in Colorado! :) But with Christina and Jason, it somehow makes perfect sense. Emir and I are thrilled they currently call Lincoln home, and we're even more ecstatic that we get to call them friends.

Christina + Jason leave for Greece this morning, so I wanted to post a few quick faves before they take flight. Here's at it you guys! :) Hopefully these are up and you can see them while you catch your connecting flight from Atlanta! :)

Christina is a gorgeous gal.... I love the way this image captures her pretty self!

There were 17 (or so) states represented (thus the destination wedding!).  In this image, one of Christina's bestest girlfriends from all time  (in from California) looks on as Christina's mom helps her into her dress.

Christina made all the flowers (hers and the bridesmaids!) herself in the morning. Incredible!

She couldn't have chosen more perfect earrings!

Time to head out and see what Jason is up to!

When Emir and I caught up with Jason, he was getting some last minute touch-up assistance from his brother Jared. :)

The wedding was held at the Lumber Baron Inn. They had about 120-ish guests and this site accommodated everyone comfortably (plus, it was gorgeous... as you'll see in these photos!). The delicious catering was none other than Purple Avocado.

There's the gorgeous bouquet Christina made!

This lovely hair flower was made by Lisa Keely (an upcoming KaBloom bride!). You can get in touch with her and see more of her work on her blog. Good stuff!

This gem is from Emir's cam!

Time for some vintage yumminess!

I *love* the look of old Hollywood.... Christina and Jason make it look so good!

As guests started arriving, they were greeted by this adorable carved sign that Jason's dad made for them. How cute!

Christina and the ladies....

Jason and the guys.... complete with their Chaco sandals! (Jason is a hardcore outdoor adventure enthusiast... so naturally, this was the way to go!) This is another gem from Emir's cam....

I *love* this image from the ceremony!

The three flower girls were excited to celebrate afterwards!

You might recognize James + Rena cutting it up on the dance floor!

The girls surprised Jason with an impromptu performance request.....

Just sitting around... looking *totally* natural! ;)

Love, love love! xoxo to both of you!!!!!!!!

Down the Aisle: Haifeng + Yuyan

Haifeng and Yuyan's big day was today! I had so much fun doing whatever I could to make their day as great as it could be. I especially enjoyed watching the way they mixed Chinese traditions with a touch of American flair.  All that... plus... their friends were hilarious and had me laughing the whole time. :) They were truly a delight.

Here's Yuyan getting the royal beauty treatment from her friendly entourage.

While shooting this image I referred to this as a collection of 'tools.' A nearby friend laughed and corrected me.... referring to them as 'women's weapons!' Ha! I'm not much into weapons, but if I had to pick one.... yummy perfume would probably be my weapon of choice..... :)

Even a couple of the guys were on-hand in the bridal suite.  This gentleman put some finishing touches on the evening's play-list in the only quiet space he could find.... the restroom. :)

I'm. In. Love. With. This. One!

Yuyan was incredible. Among other things, she hand-painted these parasols for guests (to avoid the sun during the ceremony). Brilliant!

When I first met with Haifeng and Yuyan, I mentioned how much I love the symbolism of a sand-ceremony. They liked the idea of it too and decided to incorporate it into their ceremony. I asked them if they chose red and white sand to represent the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (where they first met), but they told me it was just coincidence.... Either way... pretty cool!

Too cute!

You make a darling couple, and I am so so so so thrilled you asked me to capture your day for you. I know how much your photos mean to you and your family (who were here in spirit, despite their geographical distance) and I am hopeful that these images make them smile and remind them that they're never really too far.... ;) Have a wonderful time in Puerto Rico!

Down the Aisle: Dan + Lauren

A dream! Working with Lauren, Dan and their families was deliciously simple. So easy going, their day seemed to unfold effortlessly. Here are some quick faves!

A clock? I suppose that's a funny thing to photograph on a wedding day.... but I've always found them so telling. They mark a moment in time that has come and gone, never to pass again. When you think of it that way.... it's quite worthy of a photo... don't you think? :)

It's ceremony time!

It just so happened that their wedding was on the same day as the first Husker game of the season.... you know what that means! TV at the reception..... :) The celebration was held at Chez Hay (fantastic!) and just when I thought that cake couldn't look any more delicious, the catering staff brought out the chocolate covered strawberries to go with it. And that ladies and gentlemen, is how great got even better! :)

What a fantastic day... thank you for inviting me to share it with you!

Down the Aisle: Brent + Kelsey

For some reason, I feel like I've known Kelsey and her sisters for just about... ever. I first met her sister Jill through my mom.... who is a regular in Jill's chair at her salon. Through Jill, I eventually came to know Kelsey and Kylee... and got to work with all three of them as the photographer at Kelsey & Brent's wedding in Beatrice, Nebraska yesterday. The girls got ready at their parents' house and watching them buzz around like a well rehearsed symphony (in overdrive) was a royal treat!

The instant I saw Kelsey's dress I fell in love with the material the skirt was made of... I know it has a name.... that swishy, accordion-folded material.... but I can't think of it. The skirt had multiple layers draped one over the other.... simply delicious! Anyone know what it's called?

I am totally obsessed with the open road, so I was thrilled when Kelsey agreed to oblige my request for these images. We had a good laugh when the flower girl and her mom drove by as we shot these.... they must've wondered what in the world we were doing..... maybe she thought Kelsey was a run-away! Ha ha ha ha!

When Brent first saw Kelsey... how cute! (You could hear the onlookers 'awh-ing' through the house windows.... nice try you guys!) Ha ha! (BTW- remember their rockin' loveshoot pics?)

This home has been in Kelsey's family for four generations. They brought the wrought iron fence with them from Germany and it has been here since they first built the house. Unbelievable! The house now belongs to Kelsey's aunt and uncle and they have done an incredible job maintaining its unique charm.

I think weeping willows are among my most favoritest (is that a word?) of trees!

Ummmm.... is this be-AU-tiful or what? :)

The little peeps... (minus one of the flower girls......)

The girls.... with Kelsey's two sisters on either side of her. Too cute! Hooray for outdoor shots and cooperative weather!

Can't forget the boys!

Isn't this image the church crazy? (in a good way!) It sits on a hill.... on a corner... and with the sun setting just behind it, the illusion is that it's alone atop the world. Fascinating!

This shot is all you Brent! :)

The priest was so helpful and welcoming.... I love this image of him with the marriage certificate. :)

On to the reception!

Phew! Job well done you two! Now you can sit back, relax and enjoy Maui! :) Thanks for inviting me to be part of your celebration!

Down the Aisle: Clayton + Sophie

Look at the gorgeous weather Sophie + Clayton got for their wedding! They certainly had somebody looking out for them in the weather department... pure delight! This lovely jewel is St. Mary's Church in dear ol' downtown Lincoln.

I was a sucker for Sophie's chunky sparkle bracelet..... it went well with the overall Greek goddess look she had goin' on.... beautiufl!

Clayton + Sophie.

To the party!

Re. Ow!!!!! I am *diggin'* this!

Ok, ok... So the reception was held at Lincoln Station in the Historic Haymarket. Sophie's sister Maggie made a darling toast at the reception... and topped it off with.... a surprise performance by UNL's Bathtub Dogs (a rockin' male a capella group!). They stole everyone's hearts while they serenaded Sophie with not one, but TWO songs. I was blown away.....

So darling!

First dance time!

These ladies were having a good time!

Wha????!!! I happened to catch the *exact* moment this drink got knocked from her hand. He's reaching to save it.... but doesn't quite make it. (The dance floor was eventually covered in various beverages.....)

Sophie  is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at UNL. Her sorority sisters (her real life sister Maggie is a Theta too!) were proudly on hand to represent...

After the reception, Sophie + Clayton made a mid-night get-away with a sparkler send-off!

Sparklers at night are an excuse to play with light! Good idea you two! :)

It was great to meet your family Sophie.... and Clayton.... it was wonderful to see yours again! Especially little Ryder... the newest member! Congrats to you all and best wishes for a happily ever after! (travel safe ya'll!) :)

Down the Aisle: Bryan + Carrie

It came as no surprise that Bryan + Carrie's wedding was gorgeous. One beautiful detail after another paraded themselves in front of my lens, and I was soaking up every minute of it. Here are some of my favorite moments....

As you'll see a few shots later, I was pretty much obsessed with Carrie's bird cage veil. :) You can get one like it from DistinctiveVeils.com. Let's not forget the beautiful monogrammed door decorations.... together with the ostrich feathers in the bouquet... the scene was set for a bird/nest theme kissed with dash of vintage charm. Tré glam!

Can you feel the texture in this?????!

Veil + bouquet = LOVE!

Let the veil homage begin!

The florist also created these incredible arrangements that lined the church's aisle. How many words are there for gorgeous?! Not enough!

You can see the characters I was forced to deal with all day. Rough. Rough I tell ya. :)

The handle bar mustache takes the cake!

Check. Out. This. Eye candy!

I love this shot of Carrie living and laughing in the moment....

I hope she knows how beautiful she looked on her wedding day..... and that she felt as gorgeous on the inside as she looked on the outside!

These lil' cuties watched as Carrie + Bryan brought every fairy tale happy ending (complete with prince & princess!) to life right before their eyes.

Simply fantastic. May your life be filled with an abundance of love and happiness!

Love the locales? Here's the deets: The wedding was held at the Columbus First United Methodist Church in Columbus, NE  &  they danced the night away in celebration at the gorgeous Oak Ballroom in Schuyler, NE.

As always, I love to read your comments, so don't be shy! ;)