there’s something so beautiful about small southern towns. everyone knows one another- nothing goes by unnoticed, uncomplimented or without a hug. it’s a comforting environment- generations of families reside less than a mile from one another and friends are close and numerous! …and when everyone comes together for a wedding, the love and support is tangible.
when matt first dropped me off to start shooting at lesley’s bridal brunch the door was immediately flung open and my purse was taken to another room. i was introduced to the hostess and then to a few of her friends who had also arrived before the bride and her ladies. they sat around and chatted about family and friends while i photographed the table settings and chatted with the sweet older couple who was catering the meal. the ladies arrived full of smiles ready to start the day. and they started it right! with ice cream parfaits to be exact! how awesome!? :)
we arrived at the church and even though we’d shot there before i was again surprised at how much this church aligns with any crayon picture of a church i would have drawn as a kid. to me it’s the quintessential southern ‘church’ and it’s so beautiful!
once we were settled inside the bridal room the girls had a few minutes to relax before the getting ready fun was to begin! as they chilled out and talked about makeup and marriage i took a few minutes to grab some details of lesley’s wedding jewelry. and we all know how i LOVE doing that! this mini chandelier made for a unique backdrop which i loved!
the ladies slowly started getting ready and lesley was torn between leaving her makeup very natural (michael’s fave!) and adding extra mascara. she decided to compromise and add just a touch! perfect!
placing the veil is usually when the reality of what’s about to happen really sets in. i love lesley’s calm and peaceful expression here:
before the ceremony tears sprung up in the eyes of lesley’s older sister. she was so happy for lesley and so helpful the whole day, it was a sweet moment:
just before lesley and her dad walked down the aisle she stole a glance at her reflection in the foyer. i remember this from my wedding day too- i kept forgetting that i looked like a bride and was really caught off guard every time i saw my reflection with the veil and white everywhere! surreal for sure.
in case i forgot to mention it in the last five seconds i LOVE working with matt. we are able to separate and capture two very different aspects of the action and when i saw this picture he made from the front of the church as lesley and her dad walked just past her mother and grandmother, i fell in love.
after the ceremony we took lesley and michael out to the front of the church to grab some portraits under the massive oak trees. trees work so naturally as frames in an image- i love how matt’s portrait came out!
and of course i’m up close grabbing little details! ;) the wind created some nice movement in this shot, so romantic!
so i decided to experiment a little and see if i could create a romantic (INTENTIONALLY) out of focus image. and i love how it came out, maybe i’ll be trying this again!
michael is a rather stoic guy but i love this little smile we captured! this image is just about happiness and love:
i love the way lesley clutched michael’s jacket during the first dance, their personalities compliment each other so well:
this is a family portrait taken by matt. this moment just happened and he grabbed it- and i LOVE it!
we noticed the wedding party slowly disappear which usually only means on thing…yup! the car. here michael’s brother watches as their dad stretches over the top of the car to leave them a message for the getaway!
and they’re off!
lesley & michael, thank you so much for including us in your wedding day! we had a great time capturing your friends and families as they loved on you guys. best wishes!