steph & gene’s wedding….what can i even say about this couple & this weekend? i talked at length about these two in their engagement session post, but just in case you didn’t know: steph is one of my best friends from college, and gene is her amazing new husband. husband! does anyone else find it weird when someone you know is suddenly someone’s wife? add to that a trip back to the area where i spent four really important years of my life, and a chance to see some friends i haven’t seen in a long time, and most importantly, the opportunity to capture the love between two totally awesome people? best wedding ever.
friday night started with the rehearsal dinner, an intimate & relaxed get together…followed by a little pre-wedding party at bbg’s, utica’s barcade. you know what always makes a wedding better? when the bride challenges the groom to a prenuptial game of skee ball.
the next morning, steph & her bridesmaids started with hair appointments – i met them at the salon to relax & have some mimosas.
i had to grab a shot of steph’s engagement ring with her wedding countdown – she brought it all the way from north carolina for the wedding so she could finish the countdown.
boys vs. girls. is anyone surprised?
steph’s bridesmaids gave her a scrapbook full of photos & letters from themselves & all of the important women in her life. <3
steph & gene decided that one of the most important parts of their day was doing a first look, and i’m so glad that they made that decision. it was a such a wonderful time & i’m so honored that i got to capture it for them. {i’m also crazy thankful that channing was willing to be my second shooter for the first look & parts of the reception – his shots are below, with mine.}
it was amazing how all of their nerves just dissipated after they saw each other. <3
puppies! we brought in orly & roxy for a few shots but they had to head home before the ceremony.
the other awesome benefit to doing a first look was lots of time for portraits at the gorgeous ceremony location.
something about a lance…i don’t know.
i loved that their moms started their sand ceremony for them!
the next two shots = AMAZING.
i also got to witness the maid of honor & best man signing the marriage certificate! and channing drove the bride around in a golf cart:
party time! and let me tell you, the bski’s know how to throw a party…
pink velvet! yum!
you know the shot above had to be during a sing along of ‘don’t stop believing.’
that happened…and then this happened:
sparkler exits? pretty much the best.
photography: e. gilbert photography
rehearsal dinner: stonebridge golf & country club
rehearsal dinner after party: bbg’s
bridal party hair: tasha’s techniques (coral)
ceremony & reception: twin ponds golf & country club
cake & cupcakes: cutiepie cupcakes
dj: big beat dj service
floral: village floral & diy
destination wedding photographer – e. gilbert photography
other posts you might enjoy:
– danielle & chris {vintage nautical disney wedding}
– kelli & tim {rainy day paradise cove wedding}
– erica & jon {glam peacock wedding at mason and jardin}
