When I made the scary, yet exciting decision to jump into wedding photography, I only had a portfolio full of children and families to show potential clients. I walked into the Green Hills Starbucks one night to meet with a couple who was interested in talking to me about shooting their wedding. I literally had no idea what I was doing. I had never met with clients before in order to book them. I showed up with hands shaking and my mind reciting over and over what I was going to say. Then she turned around and smiled and I knew it was going to be ok. Taylor's warm smile and easy way about her made me feel right at home. And it also did not hurt that we both had been counselors at Camp Vesper Point. Maybe a "few" years separating us but that never matters when you have a love for the same place. Then Ryan walks in and I instantly knew that I would love this couple, no matter if they chose me or not. He gets right to business and the hard questions but with such a charm that you have no idea you are under his spell until you leave. I sat there with our coffee sharing my heart for what I do and my dreams for what I want to do. Then we wrapped our meeting and parted ways with a promise of a phone call after they met with a few other photographers. I walked away feeling so grateful for meeting them and the realization that this would now be my job. My phone rang a few days later and got the message that THEY WANTED ME TO BE THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER! I was shocked. I was elated. I booked my FIRST wedding!!!
I truly feel like I owe so much to Taylor+Ryan for their belief in me and giving me a chance. I hope that these photos will be my way to say thank you for many, many years to come. Now...on to their wedding! What a day! What a night! Here are some of my favorites from the day....
Taylor+Ryan did not see each other before the ceremony but wanted to hold hands and talk before she walked down the aisle. These are always some of my favorite moments with the bride and groom. It was hard for Ryan to not turn around even though it was his decision to not see her prior!
Taylor decided to have a "first look" with her Dad. Oh.My.Word. Tears were streaming behind my camera. The sweetest moment between this Dad and his beautiful daughter.
The wedding took place at West End United Methodist Church. The sanctuary was so beautiful filled with stained glass windows and gorgeous lights hanging from the ceiling. You are not able to take photos in the sanctuary so we were perched high above in the balcony to get our ceremony shots. I loved when they took communion and then went to serve it to all their guests. Such a perfect picture of Taylor+Ryan and their love for God and others.
The reception was held at The Cannery Ballroom in the Gulch. And let me tell you- it was a fun party! It took every ounce of constraint for me to not break it down on the dance floor. That might be one of the hardest parts of photographing a wedding with good dancing - not being able to get on the dance floor. I am usually the first one on and the last one off. And there was dancing at this one! Taylor even had a dance mob to "Push It' as a surprise to the guests. All of her bridesmaids, her Mom's and even her Grandmothers were in on the fun surprise! It was definitely a fun moment!
It may have been POURING rain when they were leaving but you would have never known it by the look of joy on their faces! Thanks Taylor+Ryan for such a fun time!
