“Forever is not long enough.” Bob is such a romantic, right? I was fortunate enough to attend the rehearsal for Bob and Lara. I said to him, “Tomorrow, you get to start forever with Lara!” And “Forever isn’t long enough” was his response. How sweet! Bob and Lara are so totally in love and I am honored to have had a front seat to their big day.
Bob and Lara: Love Never Fails
Bob hails from the west coast and Lara is a native of Illinois. Both of them landed, professionally, here in Columbus. Bob’s first words to Lara were “I hope I don’t stink!” And, as they say, everything from then on out is history!
I love the sentimental and beautiful details of the day. See the purse in Lara’s hands? Her family sent off both her mom’s wedding dress and his mom’s wedding dress to someone one Etsy; they took some fabric from each and made it into this lovely purse! I love it!
Lara had so many capable hands to help her get ready. And, seriously, her bridesmaids were the best at doting over her. I loved ever second of this!
And these two groups were fun, despite the heat!
I loved the cufflinks these groomsmen wore. On one arm, they had maps of where they are from and on the other, where they were when Bob asked them to be in his wedding! Love!
I melt over the processional at weddings. Don’t you? We knew Bob would cry. Good job to Scott, best man, who had tissues at the ready for Bob!
I love how Christ-centric their ceremony was. I am falling in love with the second kiss–maybe even more than the first kiss.
There’s something about bubbles that brings out our happiest faces, am I right? Seriously, Bob and Lara are thrilled during their bubble exit!
Bob and Lara: Celebrate the Love
Then, we made our way to the Franklin Park Conservatory for the rest of the evening. Lara grabbed a quick and gorgeous shot with her fave ladies! I love these girls!
And we spent some time with just Bob and Lara, grabbing some pictures of these lovey-dovey newlyweds before we went in for the ultra-fun reception.
I love dinner time at the reception because it gives me a chance to sit down, eat, run through my checklist, and grab more detail shots. Between the ceremony and the reception, details were classy–not overstated. What a classy day, Bob and Lara! I think flowers are the most foundational element of the decor of the day. These white roses, provided by Madison House Designs, are the perfect foundation for Bob and Lara’s vows.
Okay, so, no fair: Bob and Lara have a logo! I want a logo! I’m so looking into a couple logo… :) Also, the treats at the reception were delicious! These cupcakes were scrumptious! Carrie’s Sugar Buzz, yes, you rock!
Now, Kari, you totally got Bob in your speech. What a great toast!
Oh, Lara, you are gorgeous! I love the after-speech smooches!
Um, Bob!? You are a dancing machine! Did you get it from your dad? What a fun dance moment!
After all of the fun dancing, we took a quick five minutes to grab this picture, which I love!
Bob and Lara,
Your commitment to one another is unbelievably obvious. I pray God blesses you as you begin your marriage and continues to draw the two of you closer to Him as you practice loving one another and others even more than you already do!
Love,
Rebecca
PS: Here’s a cute kid being entertained during the ceremony:
PSS: Here’s a hunk taking a breather from helping me capture reception moments:
PSSS: Here’s a nerd who took far too many tries to snap a nerdy picture of herself in a mirror:
Check out Bob and Lara’s same-day slideshow that I was able to surprise them with by cocktail hour! :) What a loving family these two bring together! I can’t wait to enjoy the full album with them after they return from their honeymoon!
Usually, when we plan a wedding in mid- to late-May, we assume the weather will be mild–maybe, MAYBE a little rainy. Even though Kourtney and Brett had a day with overcast skies and cold Canadian winds, the day was so sweet. And there was no rain. Whew!
And Kourtney, you are a stunning bride!
And your groom, what a hunk!
I absolutely love when brides have a first look for their fathers. I’m going to encourage more of these to my future brides. They get me every time!
I loved Kourtney and Brett’s flowers! The groomsmen’s boutonnieres! I mean! Look at ’em!
Kourtney and Brett: The Ceremony
Kourtney and Brett’s ceremony was an awesome picture of their devotion to Christ. I mean, I truly believe Christ will express excitement upon seeing His bride come to Him! Think of it! I love the symbolism of a marriage and wedding ceremony. And I love that these two stopped the ceremony for a couple of praise and worship songs. I mean, what can be better than capturing a love story while literally singing praises to God!?
We ventured back outside for a few wedding party shots after the ceremony and these peeps were troopers! I mean, look at those rolling hills! The winds were just whispering over the field. It truly was beautiful. And the guys thought it would be fun to frisk Jimmy, here. These guys were a riot!
Once we got to the reception venue, Neltner’s Farm, we got some stunning pictures of Kourtney and Brett. Seriously, the farm grounds are beautiful! I’d shoot here every day and twice on Sundays and still have a wonderful time!
Kourtney and Brett: The Reception
And seriously, this cake by The Sweeterie! It was as delicious as it was beautiful! Kourtney is actually a baker and works with Susan over at The Sweeterie. They don’t do cakes very often, but, in case you didn’t now, we should all make exceptions for the amazing Kourtney! :)
Kourtney and Brett danced to the most romantic version of 500 Miles that I’ve ever heard. I added it t my playlist and can’t get enough!
Now, in the photography world, a lot of photographers will complain about dry wedding receptions. But, seriously, I will never complain about them. Ever. One of the plethora of reasons: These GUESTS! And DJ Rob put on one heck of a party. Everyone had a blast!
Do any of you remember Kailee? She is my go-to video referral with Reel Love In Focus. She’s also Kourtney’s sister. Here’s an epic capture of her failure during the bouquet toss. Kailee, I love you.
And people had a nice time in the photobooth. Kourtney wanted the photobooth to match the theme of her wedding, so we used the inside of the barn as the backdrop.
Kourtney and Brett: The Exit
Lastly, we capped off the evening with a super romantic sparkler exit. I love how many people stuck around for this exit! It made it so special and fun!
Kourtney and Brett,
I loved capturing your day and telling your story. Thank you for the honor of trusting me with your big day, your priceless images, and, most of all, your Christ-centered love story.
I wish the both of you an amazing marriage–that you’ll lean in toward one another during hard times and rejoice together during the happy times. And that there will be plenty of happy times.
Love,
Rebecca
I’m positive I’ve never met a couple who laughs as much as Bob. Clearly Lara is amused! Blog lovers, I introduce you to Lara and Bob!
Here in Columbus, we don’t get many people like Bob. Bob hails from the Pacific North West; he and Lara met online–well, kinda. Lara and Bob met online the day before Bob started his new job at–you’ll never guess–the desk across from Lara!
Amazingly, Lara stuck around after Bob lead off with, “I hope I don’t stink” and they began dating quickly thereafter. Bob, you lucky dog, Lara’s a keeper for sure! But I don’t have to tell you that!
I can’t wait to serve them at their wedding in July!
For their engagement pictures, Lara and Bob started at the Franklin Park Conservatory. We were on the hunt for tulips and boy did we hit the jackpot!
Did I mention that these two work in an architectural firm? They design things–like retail storefronts and buildings. And other cool things. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an architect and these two are living the dream!
I don’t know about you, but I just love light. I love shadows, warm reflections, and the way the sun hugs the edges of us in a picture. Swoon.
These two are loyal… to their teams. Not that either of these two lovebirds are competitive, but I may or may not have caught a picture of Lara giving the other team a thumbs-down. I mean, there may be evidence locked away somewhere of this happening. Maybe.
Lara, your eyes are dreamy. The sky is jealous of those beautiful blues!
Bob, you still owe me that five bucks for me getting Lara to kiss you all those times.
I have been truly honored to get to know Lara and Bob; Lara has a sweet gentleness about her. She is thoughtful, has class, and her smile lights up a room. Bob is almost the punniest person I’ve ever met and can out-vocabulary me every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
When people ask me about my off-season, I tell them that, for the most part, no one gets married in Ohio between December and March. A winter wedding is rare in these parts. It’s just too risky. Some years we have a polar vortex howling off and on and other years, we have a random sixty-degree day showing up in the middle of January. It happens.
Most brides are just not up for that game. I don’t blame them.
You may have read Michael and Lizzy’s wedding post from last week. Just a few days after their wedding, I was off to Granville, Ohio, for some more wedding fun!
What’s that? Two weddings in one week? What are you, a superwoman? Yes. Yes I am.
Chris and Marissa: A Winter Wedding
Normally, I think winter trees look like, well, death. But these whimsical sidewalks make me want to bundle up and go for a walk. These morning shots are so enticing, even to me, the winter-hater!
I totally dig this shot. I mean, who wouldn’t love a little navy draped over a nice neutral backdrop? Maybe I’m just way too into this, but I love the groomsmen’s ties. I can’t believe I’m saying that about a bow tie. About five years ago, I wouldn’t let my own husband wear one. Times, they are a-changin’!
When the guys are getting ready, it’s kind of like I crashed a guys locker room. (Let’s not talk about the time I walked into a groomsmen suite only to find a guy just got out of the shower and was wearing a towel. I was mortified!) After everyone’s decent, I love being a fly on a wall while the guys fix their collars and fasten their cuff links. And use their phones as mirrors.
When a tux company gives everyone pocket squares and they’re not folded, what’s a group of groomsmen to do? Of course, at first, they just wing it. Then, they look at the directions. Then they find directions on YouTube. Finally, they nail it.
After all that work, I’d say they turned out looking rather dashing, wouldn’t you? (PS: Yes, you spy twins here. I am so fascinated by twins but I don’t want to be a creeper and ask them all sorts of questions.)
Gosh, I love Marissa’s mom! She wore this dress [censored] years ago and passed it on to Marissa for this special day! I love it! What a treasure!
I absolutely love that Marissa had both her mom and her grandmother to help her with the dress. I bet Oma helped Mom with the dress those few, short years ago and then helped her granddaughter, too! I’m so sentimental, but I’d hang onto a picture like this for my whole life. For real!
This picture on the left, that’s the same pose her mother did in this dress on her wedding day. These red flowers just pop! Mmmm. I love them!
As Marissa began her march toward Chris, I am dying to know what twin number one said to Chris, here. Give it up, man! What did you say!?
I love the tall organ pipes that were the backdrop to their vows, their ring exchange, and their first kiss as husband and wife!
Speaking of first kisses, I love them. I basically snap as many as possible and deliver more than anyone needs. I’m working on that. But, I have also started a tradition: I stop the bride and groom on their way out and have them kiss again: a second kiss! I’m in love with these moments.! So much.
I love the exit Chris and Marissa chose: While Marissa’s brothers rang the church bell, the newlyweds exited the building surrounded by love, laughter, and applause.
Check out those bell-ringing moves!
Chris and Marissa had their reception at the Granville Inn. We stopped and grabbed some couples shots before the reception. I love when brides feed their guests a little early so we can have some time to relax and snap a few lovely pictures!
Mmmm. These first dance pictures. That Christmas tree. I am drooling.
The twins did a delightful speech for the bride and groom. The took turns and warned Marissa properly. I’m not worried for you, Marissa: Chris seems like a stand-up guy.
Melinda and Peggy, you two were a hoot! I loved getting to know you two more at the beautiful rehearsal dinner! I love your kids, by the way!
My goal is to get more of these in 2016: A pic of me with the bride and groom (and my Hunk, the secret weapon). Thankfully, Marissa reminded me at the end of her reception and a friend stepped in and snapped this. (Thanks, Amanda!)
Chris and Marissa, I am so happy that the two of you found each other. You are perfect for one another and I can’t wait to see you two grow and become one as husband and wife. I count myself blessed that I have been able to be a part of–not just your big day–your life.
His name is Michael. He told me that he and Lizzy were planning a wedding this coming summer and I was delighted to hear that he planned to hire me for the wedding, too.
Well, a few weeks after Michael dropped to his knee and heard the best “yes” of his life, I got a message: They were planning to get married in December!
December?
Wait, that’s in, like, a few months, right? Like, this December!?
Yes. This December.
Well, my calendar was clear for the Sunday after Christmas, so we signed them up and set the plans in motion.
Michael and Lizzy were the most perfectly laid back couple ever! Before the ceremony, they were in street clothes, decorating and putting things together. They were checking in with me to be sure they weren’t behind schedule and perfected their classy decorations quickly and efficiently. What else can you expect when the groom is an engineer? I love these two so much.
Michael and Lizzy: First looks and second kisses
When the time had come, both donned their wedding apparel and we caught their first look.
I love the light above Michael’s head when he saw Lizzy. Mind. Blown.
Now, I’m usually addicted to bright, vibrant colors. But Michael and Lizzy’s day was so dreamy that I fell quite in love with black and white images. Look how classy these two look all dolled up to say I do.
Lizzy’s dad beamed all day long! I love the moment just before they walk out. He just looks at h er with such delight. And she’s beaming as she walks down the aisle! What delight!
I am drooling over this second kiss moment. I love how their loved ones are so close to them and everything is so warm and mushy. Call me crazy but I love mushy. A lot.
Maybe I feel a little two excited about the fact that I get to follow the bride and groom out of the ceremony! I get to capture authentic and exciting moments like this one. Here, Lizzy just said, “This is my husband!” I love how excited she is to be married to Michael!
So, with these cake-cutting pictures, you must know the story. In the first picture, Lizzy’s laughing because she dropped the cake on the ground. On. The. Ground. Obviously, Michael had nothing to do with it! After they were successful in their cake-cutting endeavor, they were so nice when they fed each other their cake smidgens. Then, Lizzy got silly! Michael retaliates! And then you see the results. I love seeing newlyweds being silly! (Cake by Maribelle Cakery)
Here, you’ll see Michael’s mom helping him with beard cake trap. Michael said that he still had cake in his beard the next day! And Michael’s mom was just so presh! She smiled all day long.
Again with the black and whites? Yes. Because love is sometimes simple. Like the simplicity of black and white. These first dances matched the lovebirds perfectly: simple, yet meaningful. Dad had me all gushing and I was literally sobbing when I was processing the father/daughter dance. Literally. Like tissues and snot and all that not lovely stuff that you’re not supposed to talk about on wedding blogs because it’s all about the happy now. Yeah, I just went there. Please move on to the next image.
After the reception, I stole Michael and Lizzy away to the [almost] vacant streets of Cincinnati. We grabbed a few moments in the middle of the street, taking advantage of the wet streets. I absolutely love this picture. Absolutely. Maybe I’ll even hang it on my wall! Maybe.
Michael and Lizzy, I wish you the absolute best as you begin your marriage. Lizzy, I’m so glad you have chosen Michael! I’ve known him for a few years and he’s genuinely a great guy! Michael, Lizzy is so sweet and I couldn’t be happier for you!
