As a kid, I spent most of my summers with Adam. While we haven’t seen each other much in the past years, every time we do, it stirs up so many memories of sleep-overs and pools, mimicking Michael Jordan and Shawn Kemp in our driveway basketball games, and weeks of doing nothing and staying up late on the Outer Banks, where our families vacationed. Needless to say, being with him and his family feels good, and it was an honor to be there on such an important day for him and Jenny. When I first met Jenny, I noticed that she had an easy laugh and an easy smile, like Adam, and might just watch “classic” Adam Sandler movies with him…which means, of course, that they are perfect for each other. It was a beautiful, relaxed wedding day at Swan Lake in Plymouth, with a breeze that blew the threatening clouds past just in time to push the grand piano outside for their ceremony on the lawn.

My favorite:

I didn’t provoke these little guys at all.  I put the camera to my face, and they brought it!

Leandra and I are always looking for ways to simplify a subject, using what’s around us to remove everything but the important elements. This time, the railing around the gazebo removed everything else quite literally, but I like it. Jenny and Adam held hands the entire cermony.

A few portraits on the green before the party started…

The rings, on the grand piano.

We posted one like this in the sneak peek… but we really like it.

Jenny and Adam, it was so wonderful to photograph your day–you were both so easy to work with and photograph. We felt so warmly welcomed.

It didn’t take us long to realize that April and Joe’s wedding day was fueled by family–the family they were establishing, the love their parents and siblings shared, and the family of friends that were also there to share in the celebration. While their love and union was the centerpiece of the day, the love of their family and the bond that already existed in their beautiful boy, Noah, played an amazing supporting role. And, we must say, it also didn’t take long for us to feel warmly invited into the family for the day to photograph such a beautiful ceremony and celebration!

Leandra was full of praise for Camelia, where April had her makeup done.  The makeup artists did a wonderful job, and it was beautiful place to photograph in!

Joe and Noah.

Hey, there’s April’s new sister-in-law, Katie!

We both love the moment couples share immediately after they finish the recessional, before the rest of the bridal party joins them with high-fives and hugs (which, are great, too!). One of my favorites from the day…

April and Joe “got away” in such a classy, old, red Cadillac.

Their reception was held at Riverside Terrace, which had big, beautiful windows overlooking the river (which means lots of good light for us photographers!)

April’s mom, watching on.

The ringbearer: “I paid for this dance!”

Leandra caught this one of April and Noah: definitely a favorite.

And… outside for a few more portraits and details before April and Joe were on their way!

Thank you both so much for welcoming us into your families for a day. It was a joy to photograph!

We’re feverishly working on finishing April and Joe’s wedding (as well as a few more, too!), but wanted to share a few before the weekend.  We’ll have the whole post up as soon as possible!

Either Grant or I have probably said it before, but it’s worth repeating: We feel so blessed to work with our wedding couples. At some point almost every weekend we are asked how many bridezillas we’ve had the pleasure of photographing. The truth is, absolutely none! Yes, I’ve witnessed a few stressful moments or tense conversations. Sometimes, though, that is just part of the whirlwind of spending a finely-crafted day with masses of unpredictable (though well-meaning!) friends and family. We have been so blessed to work with wonderful, happy, in-love people. Of course Rachael and Jake were no exception. They seemed to completely enjoy their entire wedding day, and stayed relaxed from the very beginning of the morning to the late-night dancing at the Centennial Country Club.

Relaxed and happy? Check.

Rachael is a ballerina, so these shoes suited her perfectly.

I loved the detailing on her dress.

As the ladies got ready, Jake and his groomsmen played a round of golf. Then they headed to Jake’s dad’s for barbecue and their <30-minute wedding prep (seriously?).

And… everyone was ready. (The junior bridesmaid and Jake’s mom, below)

This set of images is probably my favorite from the day. Rachael exuded such a happy, beautiful confidence.

The veil is the same one Rachael’s mom wore on her own wedding day.

Am I going a little overboard with the bridal details here? They’re all just so lovely that I couldn’t pass them up!

Married! They took a limo with the wedding party for some pre-reception drinks at their favorite local bar, Hopcat. They were gracious enough to slip out for a few minutes to let us photograph them around the area.

And… it’s party time!

Didn’t I say she was a ballerina? (She even played a part in The Nutcracker last Christmas!)

We love the slow songs at receptions. Such a sweet, romantic atmosphere.

Of course, we wouldn’t want every song to be slow!

Rachael and Jake, thanks so much for allowing us the pleasure of shooting your wedding (and for your patience in waiting for this blog post!). Congratulations again on the beginning of your marriage… and many happy years to come!