Caley + Josh | Wedding in Elkhart, IN

August 22, 2009

When I pulled up to the house where Caley and Josh’s ceremony was to take place (Leandra arrived in the limo with the girls just before the ceremony), the lawn was empty, the tree-lined street was quiet, and every chair set up was empty. It was so calm, but from the set-out programs and guestbook, the sound system set up at each corner of the lawn, and the few musicians rolling in, there was a low buzz of anticipation and excitement. From the looks of everything, it would be a natural, simple, and beautiful outdoor ceremony. The thought occured to me that it was a perfect reflection of what we both had seen of Caley and Josh so far: they were so relaxed and easy-going through the day, taking the time to enjoy their friends and family, and once they did see each other, they loved each other naturally and easily. And, they threw a great party to end the day!

Naturally, Caley opted for a simple, natural look, and she definitely pulled it off!

Caley getting ready for her wedding

Wedding sandals

groom and groomsman getting ready

Leandra picked the pictures for this post, but I sneaked this one in because it’s hers and I like it so much. I just love the layers of the bridesmaids getting ready that she captured.

bridesmaids at a salon

Wedding in downtown Elkhart Indiana

Caley stepped out of the limo and onto the aisle runner–it was quite the entrance!

Bride stepping out of a limo in Elkhart

Bride and groom getting married in elkhart

Tyler, Caley’s brother sang during the ceremony and reception.

evening wedding in Elkhart Indiana

I wish I could say we planned this, but the sun peeked out just a little bit and a sliver of light illuminated just their hands. One of my favorites.

Caley and Josh during their wedding ceremony

Wedding ceremony in Elkhart Indiana

Groomsmen watching ceremony

Bride and groom walking out

We called this the “Hollywood Squares” picture. :D

Bridal party at a mansion

bridal party and historic mansion

Okay, just one crazy one.

bridal part on wrap-around porch

Portraits of Caley

Caley and Josh in Elkhart Indiana

They had a beautiful cake!

Wedding Cake

Creative centerpieces

The first dance…

Bride and groom's first dance

Bride and groom's first dance

Caley’s parents watching on…

Bride's parents watching the first dance

The best part about this photo? The little girl’s face.

Groom taking garter off bride

Wedding rings

We both loved these moments during a slow dance. Two more favorites.

Bride and groom slow dance

There’s Jena and Michael!

Wedding guests enjoying themselves

bride's parents dancing and laughing

Caley singing along

Jena dancing

Bridal party dancing

Like I said… they threw a great party!

Wedding guests dancing

Wedding guests dancing

Best tip for romantic receptions? Lots of candles! We love taking pictures in candle-light.

Candlelit portrait of bride and groom

Candlelit portrait of bride and groom

This next picture Jena insisted on taking, so although everyone looks exceptionally good in it, neither Leandra or I can take credit for it.

Caley and Josh had planned on getting married lake-side somewhere in Northern Indiana (they knew where, obviously, but I can’t remember!), but due to a late-in-the-planning-process complication, they had to change their location.  It certainly didn’t show, though, because the ceremony was so beautiful (you may remember the location from their engagement session), the reception was wonderfully put together, and everyone danced into the night while the rain poured outside. Thank you both, Caley and Josh, for inviting us into your day!

Caley: Best wedding gift ever. These are amazing. They made me cry..happy tears of course..and my mom called me and was crying just reading the first paragraph. Thank you so much!! I think the picture of Jayla with the camera should be a Kodak ad!

Jena and Michael Moore: once again you guys took my breath away. even if i didnt know and love caley and josh these pictures just grab the soul. I really cant believe anyone hires anybody but you guys lol! thanks for highlighting my special photography skills as well...that camera was so heavy!!!! :)

Liz: These. Are. Amazing. So glad to be a part of this beautiful day:)

Sherry Yun: Wow. These photographs are truly amazing. You two have done it again. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that you wouldn't, but it's always a question on what you'll be able to surprise us with next? I think every picture gave me the chills. Thanks for making my best friends wedding one that she'll NEVER forget!!! Peace & Love. =]

Brandi: What a sweet couple! I love that hollywood squares picture!

April Cochran-Smith: The "hollywood squares" picture is AWESOME! I'm pretty much in love with that last candle shot, too. So beautiful!