Kansas Wedding Photography | Cassandra & Taylor
When he turned to see her, I thought surely his smile would break his face. And Cassandra's reaction was exactly what you'd expect from a bride, when her groom first sees her in her wedding gown. She was radiant and beaming.
We hung Cassandra's gorgeous wedding gown in the doorway of her church, before Taylor arrived. It was a very important shot. The church itself, quite important. Cassandra's parents were married in this same church many years ago - and on this day, October 17th, 2015 - Cassandra would follow in their footsteps with her own wedding within these walls.
Taylor arrived later on, while Cassandra got dressed downstairs with the help of her sister and two sweet friends. When Cassandra's Mom arrived - Taylor beamed, and told her how beautiful she looked. This was a moment I relished in as a photographer - a groom, so happy to see his mother-in-law. It's special, friends, so special.
When it was time for C&T to see each other, Taylor alone, waited impatiently in the church, while Cassandra came upstairs to find him. When he turned to see her, I thought surely his smile would break his face. Cassandra's reaction was exactly what you'd expect from a bride, when her groom first sees her in her wedding gown. She was radiant and beaming. So happy to see him gushing over her. He checked her out from head to toe, even had to feel the material of her dress.
Soon, a ceremony would begin. When Cassandra came down the aisle on the arm of her sweet father - I think Taylor might have just maybe welled up a bit. But the look of pure excitement, pure anticipation when Cassandra was handed off to him - a look that again, as a photographer, I relished in. He loves her oh so very, very much.
These two said their vows in this little Catholic church known as Immaculate Conception, on quiet little Elm Street in Louisburg Kansas. And trust me when I tell you, it was perfect.
Vows were completed and out the double-doors they went - Cassandra's Mom beaming with excitement, and Cassandra herself doing a little happy dance outside.
We all took off to Deer Creek Golf Club in Overland Park Kansas for a fun reception. When we arrived, the first thing on the agenda was the wedding party and myself going out to the greens for some photos, and oh the fun we had. There's nothing quite like a wedding party who's up for anything, has a great time together, acts like goofballs, and lets me click away! Combine that with a couple who just got married and can't stop smiling about that fact - it's a good day!
When it was time for the reception to begin everyone filed inside and the night began. Lots of good food, great conversation, endless smiles, and joy that was practically tangible. Cassandra changed into a more comfortable dress after the poor dear began to not feel well. It's really simply unfair for a bride to feel sick on her wedding day!! But, the night went on, and Taylor held her up on the dance floor, watched out for her all through the evening, and together - with family+friends, they happily celebrated their best day.
Cassandra & Taylor - Your wedding day was so wonderful and I so enjoyed being a part of it! Thank you guys so much for picking me as your photographer, I'm overjoyed that you did!!
Absolutely love how Taylor had to feel of Cassandra's dress! So sweet!!
Cassandra's wonderful parents were married in this same church many years ago - it was only fitting that a couple photos be taken of them on this very special day!!
Such a HAPPY lady!!
That right there - is one happy mama! :)
And that friends, is a very happy lady, doing a little happy dance :)
These two ROCK a serious face like no couple I've ever known! - And their happy faces are sooo gorgeous too!! Gah!
A special thanks to the amazing team behind this perfect day!
Ceremony Venue | Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Reception Venue | Deer Creek Golf Club
Go here to see Cassandra + Taylor's engagement session!
Check out more ELP weddings here!
North Carolina Wedding Photography | Adria & Derrick
Adria and Derrick stood together with their friends and family, both present and in spirit, while the rain poured outside in this sleepy little North Carolina town, and they devoted their lives to one another.
This girl, this gorgeous bride, I've been blessed to have her in my life as one of my dearest and best friends for well over 10 years. And I love her to pieces. So you can bet that when Derrick proposed, I put my boxing gloves on - from halfway across the US. Adria is by far, hands down, one of the sweetest souls on the face of this planet. Whoever she ended up marrying had to be worthy - had to be. That's just simply how I saw it! The good news is, Derrick, by all accounts seems like a wonderful match for her and her heart - and my sweet Adria is happy. So I never had to put those boxing gloves to use.
Wes and I flew into North Carolina on October 3rd to visit my family+friends for a few days before I got the epic chance to photograph Adria & Derrick's wedding on October 10th. The whole week was beautiful, gorgeous weather - sunny, mild, excellent. However, on 10/10 - it was a monsoon. I hated to see rain on the best day of one of my best friends, but - I also knew no storm cloud or raindrop could outshine her spirit, or her joy on her wedding day. And, I was right.
With seven of her best girls, her sis included - Adria prepped in the downstairs of her home church while Derrick and his guys prepared upstairs. Sunflower bouquets alongside gorgeous blue bridesmaid dresses - and one very gorgeous strapless wedding gown. Black tuxes, and blue ties. Everything was in order.
Both Adria and Derrick sadly lost a Grandpa before their wedding day - so there were some missing parts to this very special day. Perhaps, the biggest missing part, would be Adria's Dad. Derrick hung a photo of his beloved grandpa off of his boutonniere. He'd still have him near. And, Adria had something special sewn into her wedding dress. An old work shirt of her Dad's, with his name patch on the front - cut out, in the the shape of a heart. He still walked her down that aisle.
Adria and Derrick stood together with their friends and family, both present and in spirit, while the rain poured outside and they devoted their lives to one another. These two lovebirds braved the pouring rain after the ceremony and us 4 (my awesome husband helped keep us dry by holding multiple umbrellas!!) hit a grove of pine trees in which Adria LOVES (for good reason!) for some photos. And then friends, it was time to celebrate :)
A gorgeous reception took place at Carolina Event Center - decked out with a beautiful wedding cake, lots of framed family photos, warm fireplaces, and oh-so-happy people! So much dancing and celebrating, and laughter!! Adria and Derrick wrapped up the night in a sparkler send-off. And they're going to live happily ever after ;)
Adria & Derrick - Well, this seems unprofessional, but, I LOVE Y'ALL. Thank you SO MUCH for giving me such a huge honor and having me document this day!! I'm so glad we could be there and witness it all!! And Derrick,....the boxing gloves are put away, but they are easily accessed! Take great care of my sweet girl!!
Derek danced with both his Mom & Step-Mom, and it was perfect
For the Father/Daughter dance, it became the Mother/Daughter dance - and there were few dry eyes in the room.
North Carolina Family Photography | The Hill Family
Family of four!
During my time in North Carolina in October, I also got together with this precious little family for a mini family session! Amanda and Dustin are another couple of people in which I go way back with! I hadn't had the chance up until then to meet their too-cute daughters - and let me tell you, they are SO sweet!
Haven is sooo mature for her age, and took direction like a pro. It likely helps that this girl is in dance, and rocks it in front of so many people so often! Little Kinley is SO full of spunk and hilarity that my job was done when it came to making genuine smiles happen! Amanda and Dustin were awesome too of course, - laid back parents are the best! These guys hadn't had family photos taken in a while, so I'm so glad we were able to get this session in!!
Us five got together on a partly sunny Monday afternoon in our hometown for this little session - the truth is, we actually did this session at the location of mine and Wes' second reception back in 2012! :) This place is near and dear to me, and this little family was the perfect group to revisit this location with.
The Hill's! - Thank you guys SO much for having me do a mini family session! It was obviously so great to see you guys again, and meet those girls of yours! I hope you love your images!
Tennessee Family Photography | The Hull Family
Family of five!
I've known these two awesome parents for a long, long time - but only recently had the JOY of meeting their beautiful little kiddos! These guys live in Tennessee now, but made a trip over to North Carolina when I was there back in October - and thank goodness they did, because it meant I finally got to meet AND photograph these too-cute-for-words kids!
Us six got together on a cool and overcast Sunday afternoon for a little mini family session in my, and their, old hometown! It was fun to explore alleyways I only used to walk by! Logan is their oldest and he's the sweetest little thing. So mature for his age! Haddie, or Haddie-cat is their middle baby and my goodness is she awesome. Red hair and red hair spirit! She definitely wanted to be in charge on our photo excursion, and it made for some adorable shots! Last, but so not least - is their newest little squish, Miss Isla Mae. With a name like that, you know she's as precious as precious can be, and she absolutely is.
Crystal & Bruce - Thank you guys sooo much for coming into town and making a little time in your schedule for some family photos! SO glad I was able to meet those babies, see you guys again, and photograph all of you! xoxoxo
Little Haddie-cat led the way!! :)
A true family! Babies are upset, and all Mom & Dad can do is laugh about it! This is LIFE! :)
North Carolina Anniversary Photography | Jess & Chris
These guys obviously share a deep bond - they know how to have fun together, laugh together, and love each other unconditionally.
I've known Jess for so many years now, and she's the sweetest, most awesome girl! Her and I have so many things in common - especially when it comes to our love of shabby chic. And this girl knows how to take a thrift store find and turn it into something incredible! From furniture to fashion, she's the cats pajamas! She runs a blog all about her thrift store finds, and her transformations, and you should totally check that out! Confessions of a Thriftshopaholic.
Her and Chris were married in September of 2012 - less than a month before Wes and I were married :) Their ceremony and reception happened in the same venue that we used for our second reception! Jess proved once again her awesomeness that year, with relaying helpful info to me regarding our venue, and I appreciated her help so much!
For Jess and Chris, their 3-year anniversary happened just a few days before we arrived in North Carolina, so a mini anniversary session was definitely in store! We got together on a hazy little Sunday afternoon at a gorgeous Episcopal Church close to mine and Jess' southern roots. And these two lovebirds knocked it out of the park :)
These guys obviously share a deep bond - they know how to have fun together, laugh together, and love each other unconditionally.
Jess & Chris - SO enjoyed spending some time with you guys this October!! I hope you love your images! And Happy Anniversary!! :)
