We’re still working through the hundreds of pictures we took over the weekend we spent in Whistler, British Columbia photographing Courtney and Andy’s wedding, but we wanted to share two because we couldn’t wait much longer! It was such a blast to be there and such an honor to photograph…

Two early favorites (although I know we’ll have many, many more!):

The dance floor in the MacDonald Ballroom at the Fairmont Chateau in Whistler was lit so dramatically:

We’ll be back with more soon!

Kim and John had a small, intimate wedding ceremony with friends and family this spring, but had a larger ceremony and reception this fall. Their bridal party was exceptionally nice, their families were both so supportive, and Kim and John both seemed to have each other’s well-being in mind constantly. Obviously, that made our job easy through the day, but it also seemed to us that all those things are exceptionally good to have as the two of them start their lives together.

Our favorites from the day:

Even though it blew and blew and spat rain outside through the day, the top floor of the Doubletree was surrounded by windows. So we had plenty of natural light to work with!

The younger-than-12 contingent of the bridal party were all-stars. They did a wonderful job through the day!

We’ve never seen this game played before: Kim and John sat back-to-back, each holding one of their own and one of the other’s shoes. They answered questions like “Who’s the better driver?” by raising the corresponding shoe. The results were pretty hilarious.

One of my favorites–from Leandra’s camera:

Another favorite:

Thanks for inviting us into your day, Kim and John. Best of luck to you in the years ahead!

When Amanda and Leandra first spoke on the phone months ago, Leandra said that it seemed like Amanda really wanted to work with us, and that it sounded like we would really enjoy photographing their wedding. And that’s how it turned out. Everything was exactly how we had hoped: we enjoyed photographing Amanda and Tim’s wedding so much. And it’s not only because we loved photographing them, but because now we know two more wonderful, laid back, genuinely good people. Amanda has a verve about her that makes her want to twirl in her dress (and laugh every time) and gives her a bold confidence that’s really fun to photograph. Tim is soft-spoken and exceptionally kind. In other words, they’re both very lucky to have each other!

I’ll stop gushing–here are our favorites from the day:

Amanda made Tim’s boutonniere!

With Amanda, we couldn’t resist lots of bridal portraits!  She looked and seemed so confident in herself…and did I mention beautiful? Beautiful!

Leandra’s view is the first, mine, the second. Love ‘em.

Amanda and Tim needed no coaxing whatsoever to get them to sit close and smile and laugh and be–you know–into each other.

Another favorite (of both of ours).

So, Amanda has amazing dads. She reconnected with her birth father and mother some time ago, and he and her adoptive dad both walked her down the aisle and gave wonderful, touching toasts.

Her birth father thanked her for having the courage to seek him out and start what has become a wonderful relationship…

…and that of course, led to lots of this:

Okay… one more favorite. We always love the portraits we get towards the end of the reception, when there’s no timeline left or any inkling of stress–when it’s just “each other” and family and good music.

Thank you, thank you, thank you both for welcoming us into this beautiful day in your lives. We’re fortunate to have met you two and feel honored to be a party of your wedding day.

What we have to say about Amy and Joe’s wedding will make us sound like a broken record, but it’s true: we’ve been truly blessed by the couples we’ve worked with this year, and the two of them are no exception. Their wedding was filled with the things we love about wedding days: an easy-going bride and groom that weren’t distracted from the reason behind their wedding day, two helpful, supportive families, and a wonderful celebration. Filled with, in short, what makes weddings so enjoyable and joyful, whether in Indiana or halfway around the world, whether a month ago or 5oo years ago.

Our favorites:

Amy, you looked beautiful!

The two of them were served communion by a groomsmen.

A hug from grandma (love this one!):

The bridal part had a bit of time to hop on golf carts and explore the beautiful grounds of the South Bend Country Club.

Amy’s sister gave a great toast (and she had a tough act to follow: a hilarious “video toast” by the groomsmen!):

And, back outside for a few after dinner. Love these.

The flowergirl (and Amy’s new niece!):

Amy and Joe, thank you so much for inviting us into your lives and families on such an important (and beautiful!) day. We wish all the best to you in your new lives together!