Down the Aisle: Christine + Ben

What a gorgeous day for a wedding! After a summer of heat warnings and unrelenting humidity, it feels as though fall has finally pushed summer aside, making room for a cool, crispy (albeit breezy) afternoon for Christine + Ben. No detail was overlooked as Christine crafted the day of her dreams. As an Executive Meeting Planner at the Embassy Suites LaVista Conference Center, she knows how to pull together an event, and it showed! (PS: Thank you to all of her friends/co-workers who indulged my lighting requests at the reception... all for a good cause!)

Love that expression! The photo in the top left corner is Christine's reaction to the suggestion that her dress be removed with scissors... (the buttons up the back proved to be a bit of a challenge without a crochet hook...) :)

Ben was already fighting back tears without having even seen Christine yet... I love how her dad Hal walked her down to see Ben for the first time... such a doting father. You should've heard his toast... adorable!

Complete Music's Matt Everson was super DJ extraordinaire! High energy and enthusiastic, without being over the top... I loved the way he went around to all the tables to introduce himself and gather song requests during dinner. So proactive! Plus he had some wicked dance moves for the electric slide...

Nicely done cast and crew! (PS: For photogs who care... the boards in this blog post were built entirely in InDesign... cleaner, faster, better!)

Down the Aisle: April + Todd

Yesterday afternoon, as the sun sparkled and the wind tousled everyone's hair... (and gave the wedding programs a run for it!) April, Todd & little Maddox became a family. I'm told that when Maddox was asked who Todd was going to marry, he answered, "Mommy & me." How cute is that? I fell in love with all three of these cuties while on their loveshoot this past spring and knew their wedding day would be nothing short of joyous. Even the weather seemed happy to cooperate!

After saying, "I do!" there was a strong sense of excitement in the air... this little darling exudes it perfectly!

Congrats guys! Enjoy Hawaii!

Down the Aisle: Nicole + John

What a beautiful couple! The story of Nicole & John's entire courtship all the way up through the proposal reads like a romance novel. Including things like mutual infatuation, a surprise meet up in Australia, and a ring on horse drawn carriage, is it really a surprise that the road they were on lead to a wedding? :) Lovin' that long cathedral veil!

I'm such a sucker for the father of the bride's toast..... :) Darrel hit a home run.

It just so happened that Aug. 14 was also Nicole's parents' 28th wedding anniversary! Darrel and Linda celebrated with a special dance, which included the whole family. I love this!

Party time!

You did it! Congrats!

Down the Aisle: Shannon + Jared

The love of high school sweethearts must be in the air... Shannon  & Jared are another example of young love that stands the test of time. (Are you loving her bird cage veil as much as I am!????)

Cute as can be.... one of the highlights of their day was an old video clip featuring Jared dedicating his performance of a Tim McGraw song to Shannon at a high school talent showcase. Classic!

Are you serious!? Lemons were the theme... and it was pulled off flawlessly!

These two cuties are simply adorable. They were all too eager to show off their dance moves (big Michael Jackson fans, apparently....)

Jared's mom Sue made this cake, and Shannon told me the yellow ribbon came from a fabric collection they saved from her grandmother's house some years ago. I love special touches like this... they add so much significance.

Jared has such a great smile.... he is beaming from ear to ear!

Have a great trip guys... it's time to relax and enjoy!

Down the Aisle: Jenny + Jared

Funny how something as seemingly innocent, like a name... can pack such a powerful punch. Today was the day that the girl I've known for years as Jenny Polson, became Mrs. Jenny Steinhauser. (Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?) While wrapped up and neatly tied in a beautiful gown, Jenny's transformation was complete with pink bling frosted shoes (see below). As I arrived, she was just about to open this card from the man now identified as her husband, Jared (aka: Mr. Steinhauser). :)

Big dog lovers, this card was the perfect choice to make Jenny smile (and cry). :)

Accompanying her card, was a beautiful pair of diamond earrings (see below). Nice choice Jared!

Immediately after snapping this photo, Addison asked me in her cute little voice, "Can I see (the picture)?"

I never knew Jenny was so crafty! The three flowers and ribbon under the bust of the dress were all her handiwork... they made the perfect finishing touch on a dress that is now truly one-of-a-kind!

Being part of Jenny and Jared's wedding was a trip down memory lane. Between swim team, dance team and good ol' high school in general, it felt like a mini-reunion!

These two lovelies, Lindsey & Nicki, busted out some dance moves in the hotel suite and thought I was kidding when I told them it could end up on the blog.... :) How could I not? Look how adorable they are!

Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something.... blue. :) A great solution for incorporated her grandmother's blue ring!

Jenny's craftiness continued with these embellishments to Addison's dress.

Jenny's mom looked on with excitement.... :)

Va-va-voom! Love this. (Check the pink shoes!)

Pretty new earrings... courtesy of Jared.

Speaking of.... Jared was anxious to get the show on the road!

Their dog, Herbie, was part of the fun too. He came down the aisle with Ryan... while wearing the rings on his collar, which is also how Jared proposed!

Ryan &  Addison walk Herbie down the aisle...

And.... they're married! In a wonderful ceremony surrounded by loved ones... they tied the knot (and Jenny got a new last name)!

What a treat! Getting to be part of the family on a special day in their lives... reminds me what it's all about. Thanks guys. :)  Greece is waiting for you!!!!

Down the Aisle: Dani + Adam

The theater lights shone down upon the Lincoln East High School stage, illuminating Dani & Adam as they stood side by side in the chorus of their high school musical, "The Pajama Game." They began a friendship that at the time, left them completely unaware that some seven-ish years later, they'd find themselves side by side again... only this time, they'd be standing at the church altar. Doesn't that just give you goosebumps? :) The epitome of high school sweethearts, their story is as sweet as it is classic. Emir and I are honored to have been invited to share the day with this adorable couple and their loving parents, Bob & Mary and Roger & Jean.

After experimenting with a few fun ring shot ideas... I decided this was my fave. :)

A sweetheart neckline for a sweetheart gal!

Dani's dad Bob grew these dahlias in his garden! I'm told he is an award winning dahlia grower with all kinds of gorgeous colors punctuating his yard. I imagine it must smell amazing...

L.O.V.E.

After the ceremony, the wedding party drove golf carts to the reception. What a fun idea!

In a screaming endorsement for lighting decoration, I'd like to point out the green uplights along the wall. They were gorgeous and completely transformed the space.

Bob gave several toasts... fondly referring to himself as the FOB (father of the bride). You wore it well Bob!

The wedding party and guests were a sight to be seen (and heard!). They all appeared to feel right at home on the dance floor... moving with ease and grace... they could even be heard singing along to most the songs! Talk about a party!

Congrats guys! Thank you for entrusting us with capturing the beginning of your new adventure! :) Enjoy your trip! (Anna- see you soon!)

Down the Aisle: My Baby Bro!

I was eight years old the year our family of five became a family of six, and my new baby brother quickly became the center of my universe as I test drove my expanded role as 'big sis.' I remember teaching him how to count, studying the different colors... and the way he used to say 'lello' instead of pronouncing the 'y' in 'yellow.' I made him snacks, rocked him to sleep, took him for walks and... introduced him to the music of Michael Jackson.  :) One day in the elementary school cafeteria, while devouring my favorite PB&J sandwich, I was asked a question whose answer could easily have caused the downfall of an entire social structure... potentially forever banning me to a lifetime of eating alone at the table in the corner.

"Who's your best friend?" they asked. The 'cool' answer (the one that would keep some distance between me and the table in the corner) would have been to answer with the name of whomever was the popular kid in class at the moment. Of course, I've never been a person who cares for those sort of games... so my answer was an honest one. I confidently replied, "My little brother."

However 'uncool' that answer may have been... I didn't care. I meant it.

Well... that was 20+ years ago. Nick has had a new best friend for quite some time now... her name is Jamie, and the two of them got married yesterday. :)

In keeping with tradition, my incredible aunt Theresa made Jamie's dress along with this gorgeous, gorgeous bird-cage veil. Simply stunning.

Also keeping with family tradition, Nick & Jamie's wedding was held at the Pla Mor Ballroom where I captured this image of Jamie putting on her veil. I'm not sure if it's the vintage charm of the Pla Mor, of the elegant positioning of her hands... but I absolutely love this image, and I knew I would the very moment I clicked the shutter.

Wow. I'd like to introduce you all to my new sister-in-law! :)

All grown up now, Nick is truly a force to be reckoned with. He has managed to successfully juggle a relationship with Jamie along with being a father to Cole... all while busting his butt as a pre-med student who recently schooled the MCAT. I am insanely proud of him (which I tried to convey with a toast at the reception... but have only a vague recollection of the words that actually came out of my mouth).

I love this!

The humidity alone was enough to move someone to tears... but Jamie's tears here are happy ones. :)

Holy heck! I was hoping to capture more images of little Cole dressed up in his penguin suit (aka: tux), but the humidity was pretty unbearable. We sought shelter in the air-conditioning after only a brief moment... but not before I snagged this. Heart stopper! My mom calls Cole 'charmer,' and that... he is. :)

These may be the best ring shots of all time.... :) Love those little hands!

Nick's friend BJ is definitely part of the family. Cole knows him as 'Uncle Beej.'

My other little (but definitely grown up!) brother, Tony. We're excited to have Tony back in town, having recently moved home from Colorado. He and Nick are study buddies as they both continue to plow their ways through school. Such good guys.... I am one seriously fortunate gal, I tell ya!

Of course, I can't leave out my sister Gina. She and her husband Roy just moved to Iowa where they live with their son (my newphew!) Dominic. This photo is especially fun because Dom is wearing the little linen suit that Tony wore when he was little. Gotta love that!

Go ahead... see if you can look at this photo without getting a smile on your face!

My Doad (as we call him... rhymes with 'toad'). Isn't he cute? Here he gathers his thoughts in preparation for a toast to Nick & Jamie. I adore this shot... almost as much as I adore him! :)

Having become quite the master potter, my mom ambitiously made all the centerpieces! Each vase is unique... hand crafted with love. :) What fabulous wedding favors!

Here's two of my absolute favorite people in the whole entire world. Are they cute or what? I love watching them dance... always good for a photo opp. :)

Love you all!

Down the Aisle: Maika + Scott

Only a few days ago, Maika's dress was in 10+ pieces. Can you imagine? Literally.... it was in pieces. It had been altered at a dress shop in Oklahoma, and somehow... it didn't go as planned. Maika's mom Marcia came to the rescue and pretty much gave it a complete makeover. Isn't that just like a mom? They always seem to have a way to magically make it all better. :) If this story makes you anxious and you need a good laugh... check out Maika's take on it on her blog. Hilarious!

High school rivals turned love birds, Maika and Scott were practically fated to be together. During her dad's toast, Bill mentioned that he and Maika's mom have known Scott's parents, Steve & Deb, for years. They always thought Maika & Scott should date... and today... they watched as their children exchanged vows giving their hearts to one another as husband and wife. How fortunate both families are! :)

l.o.v.e.

adorable.

I'm diggin' both of these shots and couldn't decide which one to post... so.... here's both. :)

Scott is preparing for a grand new adventure as an F-15 pilot for the U.S. Air Force, so naturally... having programs that fold into paper airplanes was a must. What a great idea! (Note the adorable instructions at the bottom....)

This one is practically a heart stopper. Yeow-sa Maika!

The reception was held at Nebraska's Strategic Air & Space Museum. Suh-weet!

I'm told that Scott surprised Maika with dancing lessons before the wedding... and boy oh boy, did it show! Nice work guys!

Scott was in charge of the cake toppers... bride & groom jets. lol!

They drank champagne from the classic “brautbecher" cup. It's said that whoever empties their cup first will be the boss of the marriage. The jury is still out of who won... it was a close call!

The reception entertainment included the vintage vocal stylings of Michael Walker.

Had to bring it home with a portrait alongside one of the classic planes... :)

You did it guys! Thanks so much for inviting me to be part of it.... what a treat!

Down the Aisle: Ashlynn + Matt

Her blue, sparkling eyes looked up at me when I first walked into the bridal room... and I was greeted with a squeal and a huge hug when Ashlynn exclaimed, "Hi Khara!" Tory, her mom, was nearby... and she was already glowing with the love of a mother-of-the-bride, overcome with pride and joy for her daughter on such an important (and exciting!) day. With a super great guy like Matt waiting to greet you at the other end of the aisle, how could you not be pumped? And cute shoes like this?! Ashlynn was smiling from head... to toe!

Wedding: Faith Westwood United Methodist Church Reception: The Paxton Ballroom Live Band: The Wise Guys

The girls formed a ring of support around Ashlynn while they laced up the back of her dress. The symbolism was touching.

In addition to the necklace Matt surprised her with, Ashlynn proudly wore her great grandmother's ring down the aisle.

Beautiful bouquet!

Emir scored this great shot of the boys... you know... just hangin'. :)

In what may have been one of the biggest surprises of all... Ashlynn surprised Matt with a MacBook Pro! He's a big time photo/video guy, so needless to say... he was stoked!

Grandparents. Always so cute!

Emir hits it out of the park again!

The reception was held at The Paxton in downtown Omaha. Be-yuuuuuu-tiful!

Matt's brother Zach rocked the house with his toast! An engineer by day.... he's apparently a chart/graph making ace in his off hours. Hilarious!

Um.... every wedding needs a little cow bell crowd surfing!

L.O.V.E. Congrats guys... you really hit it out of the park not only with a fantastic day... but of course having found each other  in the first place... and over time, building a relationship that is so obviously..... true. Hugs!

Down the Aisle: Betsy + Henry | West Point, NE

In what can only be described as the ultimate compliment, I found myself back in West Point, NE for the third time in four weeks (the fourth time since May). Three years ago I began what was to become an ongoing relationship with this darling town... and I am beyond honored to have pretty much officially become a member of the community. Wedding guests often ask with a smile, "Why don't you just move to West Point? You're here every weekend!" Betsy and Henry's wedding felt like the culmination of all the various years I've had the honor of shooting up in West Point (and Snyder). It was like coming home to my own family in a sense. At several points during the day, I found myself prone to tears for all kinds of random reasons. Maybe it was the way Henry's Grandpa's eyes sparkled, reminding me of my own Grampa we lost quite some time ago. It could've been the way Betsy teared up repeatedly during the ceremony... conveying the sense of the enormity of such a moment, the beginning of a new family. Or, perhaps it was just the overall sense of community that abounds at these classic small town weddings. Everyone knows everybody. No one is a stranger. They've been having the same gatherings in the same places with the same people for a lifetime. It's rich with tradition and the familiarity that comes with time.

Speaking of, this is the handbag from Henry's great grandmother's wedding. I love the texture and design....

Betsy's bouquet was exquisite and smelled as good as it looked...

Perfection... not a hair out of place.

Henry: an all-around likable guy. :)

Some fave moments from the ceremony:

I couldn't take my eyes of this little cutie... he was all smiles!

Those boys....

The girls dresses featured pockets. Love that.

The Fireman's Ballroom in Snyder was stylin'. I love the elegant simplicity of these centerpieces!

What a fun day! :) Thanks for letting this city gal be such a part of your familes. :) Hugs to you all!