We’re workin’ away on finishing up Amy and Joe’s wedding from a few weeks ago, but here’s a few to enjoy over the long weekend. The two of them had a beautiful wedding on a beautiful weekend, and we can’t wait to share the rest (and the rest are coming soon)!

Our culture is filled with stories of couples who have to conquer whatever obstacles they face alone, and while I don’t doubt the strength of Haley and Matt’s love in the least, that’s not them. And that’s simply because they’re not alone. They were surrounded by close friends and even-closer families on their wedding day so much so that we were sure they wouldn’t ever been left alone to face the challenges they’ll face. Witnessing this is powerful, but it’s also a treat to photograph. And that’s about all there is to say–we thoroughly enjoyed photographing the love Haley and Matt shared and the love Haley, Matt, and all their friends and family shared. Our favorites:

The letter? From Haley.

Haley’s mom admiring her daughter.

Matt’s parents (and grandparents). Haley and her sister, who shared such a close relationship, sharing a short moment before the ceremony.

Grandpa, watching the pre-ceremony slideshow, and one of the flowergirls, “focusing” before show time.

Love this one.

After the ceremony, we spent some time on the church’s beautiful grounds–we love having something so beautiful right outside!

Beautiful. An all-time favorite bridal portrait.

Waiting to be announced…

And just before the first dance, we stepped outside the reception to take advantage of the sunset light…

…and I’m happy that it followed us inside for the first dance, too.

Haley’s brother and sister, and two of her nieces.

Love was certainly in the air!

We typically gravitate towards reception pictures other than the garter/bouquet toss, but couldn’t resist this one.

Thanks, Haley and Matt, for welcoming us into your beautiful wedding day! We were so glad to be a part of it.

We just wanted to share a few from Haley & Matt’s wedding on the east side of the state for them to enjoy when they return from their honeymoon in Mexico… more to come soon!

From the first time we met with Lauren and Jason, they were both insistent that “we knew best”–that is to say, they put so much trust in us as photographers to document their wedding day. Now, that always feels good to hear, and it always feels good to have that creative freedom! But to be totally honest, it also always makes us feel a bit of pressure to give ‘em what they want! However, now that we’ve gone through them all, assembled our favorites, and looked back to relive the day, we’re really excited to share these. We had such a blast the entire day with Lauren and Jason, from her parent’s beautiful house, to the outdoor ceremony in Granger, to the reception at the Hilton Garden Inn in South Bend…

We’ll just get to the pictures. Our favorites:

Lauren wore a Paloma Blanca gown and the earrings worn by her grandmother on her own wedding day in Italy.

I have to say that parents are one of the make-or-break factors for a wonderful wedding day (that may sound extra-obvious to some, but it’s true!). When Lauren came down the stairs in her gown, her dad was going up, and when they met, they exchanged a big hug and big smiles. It was a good sign that Lauren and Jason’s parents would be such a wonderful presence throughout the day…which they were.

Jason’s first look at his beautiful bride:

Lauren and Jason’s transportation for the day was her uncle’s vintage blue Impala.

Even the first time we met with Lauren and Jason, we heard a lot about Henry and Wesley. Jason and Lauren are two wonderful, proud parents.

Wesley, the youngest, had this hilarious way of, well, doing this:

The behind-the-scenes of a bride & flowergirls picture.  Sometimes it does take this many people…

…but lollipops go a long way, too.

Grandma’s “OK” is perfect.

Their reception venue had such beautiful lighting. Beyond flowers and vases and table numbers and everything else, dramatic, bold lighting can really make a difference in the overall look and ambiance of a reception!

The first dance…

My favorite.

Lauren’s dad gave a wonderfully touching–and funny–toast to her and Jason, which obviously had Lauren and her sisters in stitches!

This guy danced like there was no tomorrow. And he was good, too! I think his big grin could have landed him on The Sandlot.

…and a few more portraits. Inside, first.

…then out.

Two more favorites:

Lauren and Jason, it truly was an honor to be invited into your lives and families for this beautiful day. Really.