Down the Aisle: Jennifer + Brett

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"I don't wish you completeness, as it interferes with drive and ambition, but may the two of you together, be greater than each of you apart." Paraphrasing from Jennifer's dad Steve whose toast left few dry eyes in the room. He went on to say, "Grab each other up by the lapels and be stronger, braver than you are apart. Do things you would never have done on your own..." I could've listened to him talk all night. Jenny and Brett are off on a grand new adventure, and their sendoff was incredible. What a couple. What a day!

Down the Aisle: Mallory + Sean

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Sean and Mallory's wedding was a  reminder of why I love my job and continue to do what I do. Getting to see two people embrace a new life together, surrounded by family and friends who love and support them—does magical things to your heart.

I was kinda obsessed with the tile pattern on the squeaky clean bathroom floors. Mal's cute toes make a lovely addition.

Sean made this cool headboard. Pretty sweet, eh?

This is their jaw-droppingly awesome new home. What a charmer! I adore the old-fashioned address numbers on the house, with the address written out, "Twelve Thirty Three."

Then it was on to the church where Sean was getting ready...

Sean's brother Collin is serving in the Armed Forces, currently in Kuwait. He got to watch the whole ceremony via Skype!

Even though Collin couldn't be there in person, he was very much a part of the celebration. Here, his mom Wendy says hello.

Why let vast distances keep you from giving a toast at your brother's wedding? Collin chimed in with a heart felt message for his brother via a prerecorded message.

It was well received. :)

Sean and Collin's mom was touched, as were we all.

You did it! Congratulations you two. And thank you for sharing your heart's joy with me.

Down the Aisle: Melissa + Etienne

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Being as it was a balmy 70 degrees, in March, I'd say Melissa & Etienne already have some serious luck on their side, St. Patty's Day or not! :)

Getting ready in the morning, Melissa was all smiles...

This little cutie was playing hard to get all morning long...

But eventually I got her... these black and whites may be my faves...

Oh how I've missed chasing the Grandpas with my camera! :) What a doll!

Grandparents are the best!

Of course, the kiddos are fun too!

First dance yumminess...

Congratulations you two! May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold—and at the end of all your rainbows, may you find a pot of gold! ;)

Down the Aisle: Abby + Jason

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Beginning a new year as a new family makes for a very special 2012. Congratulations to Abby and Jason on the start of what will surly be an exciting adventure! (And I'm not just talking about Hawaii!) xoxo,

Khara & Emir

At one point during the day, while I was outside photographing the adorable ring bearer, Emir was inside shooting the rings and caught this gem. A reflective surface and some Christmas lights makes for one heck of a yummy ring shot!

I love so many things about this image; the light, the line of Abby's hand/arm/dress, Jason dancing with his mom in the foreground—but especially, the look on the flower girl's face. :) You're a hoot Sam!

A little mother/son moment, taken right to the heart...

Happy New Year!

The third of her sisters to get married in the past 9 months, I hope the Chelohas can finally relax and enjoy their newly expanded family in 2012—congratulations to you all!

Down the Aisle: Meghan + Eric

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A dead car, a defunct phone, and not even a broken foot could stop Meghan from enjoying the day she and Eric became a family.(Notice the boot on her foot in the photo below. Broken within 2 weeks of the big day!) The emotion in the room was palpable in her sister's tears, Eric's gregarious grin, and the way Meghan's voice quivered while uttering the words that would change their lives forever, "I Meghan, take you Eric, to be my husband."

I've known Meghan since we were on the high school dance team together, and she's always had a remarkable glamor about her. I could've spent the whole day capturing images of her like this...

And this...

And this... (Hello!? The 1920's called and they want their Hollywood starlet back!)

Yeah, still couldn't get enough...

Since First Plymouth was only 2 blocks away from Meghan's mom's house, the girls decided to walk (broken foot and all!).

I love Eric's reaction to seeing Meghan for the first time. Looks like she was literally tugging at his heart strings!

Looks like album cover material to me!

Eric has a terriffic sense of humor, and I love the way you can almost hear his laugh in this photo.

Sparklers!

You did it. Boot and all! Wishing you all the best on your new adventure.... :)  xoxo

Down the Aisle: Leslie + Richard

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Some people have only a vague idea of the kind of person they'd like to marry, while others are pretty detailed about precisely what they're looking for in a potential partner. Richard, was one of those people who had a very clear idea from early on. He wanted someone smart (and beautiful), preferably with red hair, and—it would be a major bonus if her name would start with "L" so he could continue the tradition of R's & L's in his family. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Leslie.

Smart, beautiful, and a natural red-head, her parents even had the foresight to give her a name that begins with "L." (I guess that makes both she and Richard "lucky" now too!)

I first met this amazing lady back in the late '90's when we traveled together in Up With People and now, almost 15 years later, I am honored to have been asked to come up to Canada to photograph such an important day in her and Richard's lives. Congratulations to you both!

xoxo

Shooting other camera slingers is like a game! I love shots like these... :)

The signing of the marriage certificate was part of the wedding ceremony, and provided touching moments like this one...

And this one...

Is it me, or are those tuxes extra fabulous? Love those!!!!!

Emir captures this gem of Leslie's parents documenting the moment...

This setting reminds me of the Queen's garden in Alice and Wonderland... somewhat whimsical...

First dance...

Emir had a ball playing with all the mirrors the venue had...

The light in this photo is so yummy, I just want to eat it with a spoon! :) (That, and Abigail looks gorgeous!)

Enjoy Quebec City you two!

Down the Aisle: Blake + Rachael

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Rachael & Blake's wedding was so insanely gorgeous, guests may wake up this morning with an eye-candy hangover. Seriously. I knew their celebration would be over the top beautiful (Rachael is an artist, fashion designer, and magician who makes magical things happen when ideas flow through her skillful hands), but throughout the night, you could even here the guys commenting on how incredible the decorations were, so... you know it made an impact! :)

If you're looking for an outdoor/indoor rustic, Nebraska-style wedding venue... be sure to check out the Lied Lodge/Barn in Nebraska City!

Of course, before guests arrived to feast their eyes on the barn, the ladies were busy getting dressed at the Lodge...

A 5 minute walk from the Lodge, through the woods, landed guests on this incredible vista...

I love this shot Emir took...

Just when I thought things couldn't be more amazing... I met the kids. How cute are they? And, are you ready for this? Rachael made the flower girl dresses. Of course she did. Because... like I said, she's a magician. (The underskirt/petticoat was navy blue to match the bridesmaid dresses... naturally.) I couldn't get enough of these cuties...

Another gem from Emir's cam!

More surprises... after the ceremony, the bridesmaids changed into boots and had matching cardigan sweaters to keep them warm as the sun went down. (Is there anything Rachael didn't think of????)

There's nothing quite like riding off into the Nebraska sunset—on a hayrack ride!

Rachael's mom Cam even sent Emir and I home with caramel apples—too cool! xoxo to you all!!!!!

Down the Aisle: Jenna + Kevin

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Anytime I get invited up to West Point to photograph a wedding, I know I'm in for a treat, and Jenna & Kevin's wedding was no exception. I was anxious to check out their famed "Grand March" wedding tradition. It's somewhat like a conga line gone wild, set to polka music—what a hoot! The best part is, it ends with everyone encircling the newly married couple on the dance floor, setting the stage for the first dance. (Photos below!)

Thanks for inviting me to be part of your family for the day—congratulations to you all!

This lil' stinker was not having me or my camera at all. But I caught up with her here, and got her to crack! Mua-ha ha!

Any