Chelsea and Richard

Chelsea and Richard got married on one of the most beautiful fall days I think I've ever seen, although admittedly the temperature felt a bit more like late August (at least there wasn't any humidity!).

Surrounded by their family and friends, Chelsea and Richard exchanged vows and rings and sealed it all with a kiss.

The day ended with a great party, full of toasts, tears, laughter, and dancing. I must say, Richard is quite the dancer, dipping everyone from his mother in law to his new wife!

Chelsea and Richard - Congratulations! I wish you all the best now and in the future.

While I wish I could include all of my favorites on the blog, I don't want to crash anyone's computer! You can, however, click HERE to see their slideshow (seriously, don't miss this!!), which includes all of the photos below and several more to round out the story of the day!

Their first look was so sweet, I love the way Richard is smiling at Chelsea in this photo (taken by Josh).




The flowers (which were done by Hy-Vee) were so pretty! I loved the fall colors.






Richard's favorite color is orange, and he loved showing off his bright socks!


Chelsea's flower girl was her niece, and honestly I don't think she could be any cuter! Just look at that sweet face.


I love this moment between sisters as Chelsea waits downstairs for the ceremony to begin.




The church was so beautiful, I love all of the art on the walls at the front.


















Vendor Info:

Bride's Dress: Simply "I Do" in Cedar Falls (ask for Susan)
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Bride's Corner in Waterloo
Flowers: Hyvee in Waterloo on Logan Avenue (ask for Deb)
Reception Venue: Brick City Bar and Grill
Cake: Kathy's Kakes, LLC
DJ: BenJammin' Productions

There's a first time for everything...

When I was growing up I was in 4-H, and my mom insisted that my sister and I show cattle in the local fair like she did at our age. I picked out both a steer and a heifer (boy and girl cows for those who aren't "in the know") from my grandparent's herd and then stayed at their farm for a few weeks, walking the calves up and down the gravel driveway and spending time with them to build trust. By the time we made it to the fair at the end of July, I was ready...nervous, but ready.

The day of the show, we woke up to pouring rain which pounded on the metal roof of the building as we waited to go in the ring, scaring the calves (and all of the other animals in the building) and making them as jittery as they were the day I first chose them. I'm sure they sensed my nervous energy, which didn't help - but their anxiousness also seemed to infiltrate every ounce of my being, making it even worse. As the gate swung open so we could enter, I turned to my grandpa (who had been holding the calf's lead while we waited) and my mom and said "I can't do this!!" with what I'm sure could only be described as wild panic in my eyes. He handed me the rope and my mom said firmly, "You have to!". I'm not sure if anyone gave me a gentle push through the open gate or not, but the next thing I knew it was over and I had done it! Once I got that oh so scary "first" out of the way, it got easier and easier the next time I had to do it (although the nerves were always there, they seemed a little less intense).

Sometimes it takes someone you love to push you to do the things you are afraid to do and have faith when yours is wavering, like my mother back on that rainy day. I'm not going to lie, I woke up today excited but completely full of nerves. I'll even admit that there was a moment as we packed the car to leave when I wanted to look at Josh and say "I can't do this!!" but I knew that if I did he would just say "You have to!".

So as we pulled up to the church I was ready. Nervous, but ready. I breathed deeply and reminded myself, "I can do this. I have to!"...and I did. Was it perfect? No. Did I do my job? Yes, and I learned things along the way. Most importantly, I proved to myself that although the nerves will probably always be there, I can do this.

Many many thanks to Chelsea and Richard, as well as both of their families and friends - we had a wonderful day and I couldn't have asked for a better first wedding.

Thankful Thursday: Taking Chances

Some of you may remember from Chelsea and Richard's engagement post that I am shooting their wedding this weekend. So, this Thankful Thursday post is in honor of them. You can't imagine how incredibly grateful I am to have people believe in me and my abilities, and how much I appreciate the opportunity to chase my dreams.

To Chelsea and Richard - I'm honored that you have chosen me to document your big day. I can't wait to see you on Saturday!

To everyone else who has supported me over the past year - I couldn't have done it without you. I will be forever grateful.