Nicole and Jordan

Wow, what a weekend! As I mentioned in Friday's post, my cousin Nicole got married on Saturday and what a gorgeous day for a wedding!! Perfect weather, a beautiful bride, a handsome groom, and a fantastic party...what more could you ask for?

I was just a guest at this wedding...however, you didn't think I would leave my camera at home did you? I had to take the opportunity to get some wedding photos to show you all, and that's what this post is all about. Please keep in mind that as a guest, I had certain limitations that a wedding photographer wouldn't have on the big day, such as being restricted to a church pew during the ceremony (and trying to stay out her photographers' way so they could do their job). Regardless, I think I got some great photos and I am so excited for everyone to take a look.

I've included some of my favorites below, but you can see even more photos by clicking HERE to view a slideshow I put together (the photos below can also be seen in the slideshow as well as several others not seen here).

The day began early, with Nicole inviting me to the salon to take some photos of her getting all dolled up for the big day. This is one of my favorite parts of the day, the air is full of excitement and anticipation! I absolutely ADORE her hair, isn't she stunning?



After hair was finished, we headed to the church so Nicole could get her makeup done. I also took some detail photos during this time, including her beautiful dress and sparkly shoes! Once her photographers arrived, I headed home to get myself ready for the wedding.





When I returned to the church, family members were milling around and I captured this photo of my grandparents, which I love.


The ceremony was beautiful, and the vocalists were absolutely amazing. I have to admit, I got a little teary during the final song (and I know I wasn't the only one!). I think my favorite shot of the ceremony is this one sort of looking over the shoulder of my uncle (and father of the bride).




You could tell Nicole spent a lot of time and energy on the reception decor, and since Josh and I were reception host and hostess, we were able to photograph some reception details before everyone else arrived.



How many cousins does it take to fasten a bustle? This photo was taken by Josh...I'm the one in the purple dress!


Again, this photo of the first dance was taken by Josh.


Party time!


And finally, the newlyweds have a quiet moment near the end of the night (I especially love this photo because Nicole's entire family is in the background - her mom is to the left and her dad is dancing with her sister to the right).

Vendor information:

Florist - Becker Florist
Reception venue - Opera House
Cupcakes - Creative Cakes by LuAnn
Centerpieces - Uptown Elegance

It's a Nice Day for a White Wedding

There's just something about weddings, and I'm not 100% sure what it is that makes me love them so much. Could it be because it's one of the only times I get to witness my nearly 7 ft tall younger brother doing the worm across the dance floor? Possibly...but I don't think that's it. Honestly I think it might be because it's such a hopeful and exciting time for a couple as they declare their love in front of their friends and family, making a promise to stick by each other despite life's challenges. I also love weddings because they remind me of how I felt on my own wedding day three years ago. It was the most wonderful, perfect day...in a nutshell, one of the best days of my life.

Although I'm not exactly looking forward to the Chicken Dance (just wondering, does anyone really like that song or is just tradition at this point and people feel it's not a wedding reception without it?), I AM looking forward to witnessing my cousin Nicole and her fiance Jordan tying the knot tomorrow. It's going to be a beautiful day, and I'm hoping to grab a few photos in between getting teary eyed and busting a move.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Workshop: Jessica and Eric

I'd never been to Kent Park in the 8 years that I've lived in Iowa City, and the weather was supposed to be beautiful on Saturday afternoon. I didn't have a session scheduled, so I called up my good friend (more like sister from another mister) Jessica to ask her if she and her boyfriend would be willing to model for an hour or so. I guess you could say we had a private photographer's workshop, Josh and I, as this session wasn't for anything other than to give us the opportunity to try some new things in a relaxed setting.

Just to clarify, Jessica and Eric are NOT engaged, but don't they make a cute couple? They dated back in their high school days, and after over four years apart, they managed to reconnect this past winter.

Even though this session was more for practice, I ended up with some beautiful (and fun) shots that I wanted to share with all of my readers.

Jess joked that she was watching America's Next Top Model in preparation for her modeling debut. Not sure if it was Tyra that inspired this shot, but I love it.

And finally, a shot by Josh (so cute!!)...