Backyard Summer Wedding in Wichita: Allyson and Rafe – Part 1: Getting Ready June 4, 2009

I am super excited to start sharing Allyson and Rafe’s gorgeous wedding with you. I know it might have been just a little mean for me to only post ONE image and then make you wait a few days for any more… :) I realized that I have so many photos I want to share with you from this wedding that I’m going to now break it up into parts. So you might have to keep waiting in suspense to see all of the parts of the day, but I think you’ll agree that it’s worth it. :) In the end, you’ll get a more complete idea of what their day was like and the awesome moments that made for great photography. :)

So this first “installment” will cover some of the details and the preparations before the ceremony. Allyson and Rafe’s wedding was held in the backyard at Allyson’s parents’ house — a gorgeous location for a very elegant yet casual atmosphere. I absolutely loved the vibe of the whole day!

I love images of brides getting ready for their big day. The first set of photos were all taken during the preparations to make already gorgeous ladies even prettier. :)

I love this!

Beautiful… Allyson is just beautiful.

And, the handsome groom… waiting for the fun to start…

And getting his microphone on for the ceremony:

Okay… now on to a few of the details. First, THE DRESS. Allyson chose a gorgeous Maggie Sottero dress… which are always some of my favorites to photograph. The details are amazing.

And the shoes (in a cute wicker rocking chair in her parents’ master suite):

The bridal bouquet (in front of the fireplace screen in the living room):

And one of the tux jackets, hanging on a water spout outside. I loved that the guys wore brown pinstriped tuxes. Jeff grabbed this unposed shot:

Alright… coming up in the next post: the bride and groom portraits! :) Stay tuned!

Year number one. October 14, 2008

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Dear Jeff,

I was thinking today about our story. Our story of patience, distance, friendship, phone conversations, e-mails, and years and years of waiting. You know, we’ve always called it a “chick flick” story. And it’s true. The best part is, it’s real life.

I can still feel the nervous excitement I got every time I knew I’d (finally) get to see you, those one or two times a year for HOBY. I remember how my college friends called you “the guy Erica’s going to marry” — even before I let myself believe it. I can still feel how my heart filled up and exploded when you (finally) told me after 5 (or was it more?) years of friendship that you had a “really huge crush on me.” I remember how I couldn’t wait to call all of my friends who had heard me talk about you for years to share the news. I can still feel the anticipation of (finally) getting to see you during our long-distance dating time. I remember the huge phone bills that my parents got for months and months until you (finally) switched to my cell phone service (thanks, Mom. we owe you!). I can still feel the joy of our wedding day, and the realization that it was (finally) here. I remember walking down that aisle towards you and knowing without one ounce of a doubt that you were meant for me.

It’s hard to believe that was a year ago today. I am so blessed to call you my husband. I can’t imagine a more loving, thoughtful, funny, generous, silly, optimistic and encouraging person to spend my years on this earth with.

Thank you for loving me like you do.

Love,

Erica

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October 14, 2007 — A Journey Back to Our Wedding Day! :)

I’m going to let the photos tell the story here… photos by La Brisa Photography

We’re featured in the La Brisa Photography wedding section — to see color versions and more photos, head over there.

 

One year already? Small, I know, in the grand scheme of things. But so, so great.

Jeffrey…I love you. And I just can’t say it enough.

Wedding Preview: Emily and Nate August 5, 2008

There is a really, really long post coming soon about the wedding of Emily and Nate at the amazing Circle S Ranch near Lawrence, Kansas. With so many details, fun memories, personal touches and gorgeous landscape, I’m waiting to do a big monster-sized post about the fantastic salon, wedding venue, lodge, and of course the amazing couple and their families!

For now, though, here’s a little sneak peek!

Oh, Emily. I can’t wait to show you the rest. You (and your wedding day) are so lovely, my friend!

Wedding: Becky and Matt July 29, 2008

I am so excited to share Becky and Matt’s wedding day story with you. This day was so much fun to capture — I can only describe the mood of the day as purely joyful. I couldn’t get over how smiley and cute Becky was all day long. These two K-Staters definitely know what it means to be in love.

When I arrived that day, Becky was just beginning to get her make-up done by one of her matrons of honor, Erin (you might recognize Erin from her March 2008 wedding!). The girls were all having a lot of fun getting ready together…the second photo below was taken when Becky realized that she, in fact, had lip liner on her eyes. Oops! :) Just another opportunity for Becky to prove that absolutely nothing could get her down on her wedding day!

I love this shot of Becky and her wedding dress — the two pairs of hands are her matron of honor and her mom — I love how both of their wedding rings are showing, too!

Meanwhile, the guys were enjoying some laid back time in the really awesome lobby/lounge/super great photographic wonder in the church.

Indian Creek Community Church has an entire wall of hand prints for all of the members who attend. Jeff captured this great shot of Becky’s family’s prints — here are Becky and her brother Scott’s prints:

The church offered such a variety of locations, backgrounds and beautiful natural light for the portrait sessions. It was such a fun way to tie in the location and the memories Becky has at this church with their wedding day.

Good grief, how cute is she?!

The ceremony was set up with a scene — glowing stars, a park bench, a glowing street lamp in honor of the family members who could not share their day, trees — it was super cute, and very unique.

Becky and her dad were so adorable all day. It was a day when you could tell that her dad was sad to be letting go of his daughter, but so proud of her and the new life she is beginning. There were so many great shots of the two of them throughout the day, but here’s one from their dance together:

Thanks so much, Becky and Matt, for allowing us to capture your most special day. Family and friends, pre-register for the entire online album on Pictage by clicking here.