ericamay photography blog: thought studio.

The photo blog of www.ericamay.com.

Backyard Wedding Ceremony in Wichita: Allyson and Rafe – Part 3, The Ceremony June 4, 2009

We’re on to part three of Allyson and Rafe’s wedding photos! This post is all about their ceremony. I love wedding ceremonies. It’s my favorite part of every wedding day — after all, it’s the reason we’re there! I love the vows, the rings, the heartfelt words and emotional glances. I’m moved to tears more often than not. I’m a girly girl, and I live for things like this. :)

Here was the setting for their ceremony in the backyard (Jeff took this one):

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They key to getting a flower girl down the aisle? Candy. :)

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The other flower girl (Jeff’s):

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Jeff also grabbed this moment of Allyson and her dad right before he walked her down the aisle. I can’t get enough of photos like this…

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And, one more of Jeff’s awesome shots:

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Meanwhile, I was capturing these shots:

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It was an emotional ceremony for everyone. I love when two people commit their lives to each other. Allyson and Rafe’s ceremony was so sweet. The pastor, German, talked about loving like Jesus demonstrates and how He taught us to love unconditionally — it was an awesome message.

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The next two are Jeff’s. I love how the first sets the scene and captures the awesome glow from the setting sun.

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My perspective:

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Husband and wife! I love this moment!

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I also love the moments right after the ceremony, and watching reactions of family members and friends.

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One more post to go — the reception! :) That will be a fun post, I can guarantee that! Coming soon (I’m hurrying, I’m hurrying!). :)

 

Wedding traditions: the ceremony! January 27, 2009

So you might remember the little series I started at the end of 2008, taking a look at wedding customs and giving you the chance to vote on your favorites from my 2008 weddings. In case you missed the first posts, we covered wedding cake and engagement/wedding rings. So it’s been really bothering me that the holidays came and I didn’t finish out the series before the end of the year. And you know what they say… better late than never! :) I am totally someone who hates leavings things “hanging” and I’m not what anyone would (ever) call a procrastinator. So, here we are… we’re going to do a few more posts about wedding traditions and favorites from 2008.

For those of you just starting to plan your 2009 wedding, now is a great chance to get ideas! :) If you have any questions about anything pictured as we wrap up out little look back at the best of 2008, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll send you details in an e-mail or connect you with the bride who planned it!

During this look at wedding ceremonies — which can range in length, style, location, and every detail included — we’re going to focus on my favorite outdoor venues from 2008 ceremonies!

Most often, wedding ceremony traditions are shaped by your religion, country of origin and family history. Some events include the lighting of a unity candle or participating in a similar unity ceremony, a traditional tea ceremony in Japanese wedding tradition, the exchanging of vows and rings, serving communion or participating in mass, and so much more.

The best way to personalize your ceremony? Draw from your family history, traditional customs for your background, and remember — you can be the start of a tradition, too! Definitely talk with your officiant and your family members to incorporate events into your ceremony that really express who you are as a couple and where you’re headed as husband and wife!

Choosing a ceremony venue that is a good fit for the style and traditions included in your wedding is important. If you want a very traditional, formal wedding, you might want to think twice about planning an outdoor ceremony — and if you want a more relaxed, shorter ceremony an outdoor location is a gorgeous spot for a ceremony! Your vision for your wedding ceremony should go hand-in-hand with the traditions and wedding rituals you want to uphold!

Alright… on to the best outdoor locations of 2008! :) I’ve given you two views of each ceremony site, so you can get a feel for different angles and what it was really like to be there. These were all gorgeous weddings with tons of personal touches, so I’m letting you do all of the voting to choose your favorite. :)

 

First, Emily and Nate’s wedding last August at the Circle S Ranch near Lawrence, Kansas. This location is nestled amongst the hills and plains of this northeastern location in the state, and the ceremony site itself has gorgeous archways made from tree branches and natural limestone comprises the ceremony focal point.

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Next, Sheridan and Justin’s May wedding in her grandparents’ pecan grove near Humboldt, Kansas. Yes — this gorgeous property belongs to her grandparents, and Sheridan was the first person to request a wedding here… I love this, because it was so rooted in family tradition and memories, and they created an awesome memory here together!

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Third, Brooksie and Kevin’s gorgeous-weather May wedding day at Botanica the Wichita Gardens in Wichita, Kansas. Their ceremony was held on a little hill, with their guests below on a tree-covered patio. The entire area was shady and had some gorgeous late afternoon light filtering through!

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And finally, Jessica and Seth’s late June wedding at Nathanael Greene Park in Springfield, Missouri. Their ceremony was in the park’s hasta garden, complete with a stone hill, waterfall, winding paths, a picket fence and gorgeous flower beds throughout.

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Now, vote for your favorite! :) Want to say more about why you love these locations? Just click on the “Comments” link at the bottom right of this post!