Rejoice Lutheran Church Wedding: Hayley + Andrew

Hayley and Andrew spent the day with huge smiles on their faces, love in their hearts and surrounded with laughter from their friends and family. These were the things that were most important to them on their wedding day and it was clearly evident how much they cherished it. There were little surprises mixed in the festivities that kept the guests on their toes waiting for what was next. From a surprise spotlight pose before she walked down the aisle to the very special first dance with Andrew, she always made sure her guests were smiling.

Hayley is the girl that will run up to meet you with outstretched arms and a warm laugh in her voice. She has this incredible personality that makes you forget anything troubling you and instead join in with her contagious smile and positive attitude. Andrew compliments her perfectly as he matches her kindness and adds his own unique sense of humor to the mix. As I greeted Andrew on his wedding day and asked how he was doing he instantly asked how baby London was. These two are always thinking of others and that is a rare quality these days.

I enjoyed capturing these images of Hayley helping her Dad get ready by braiding his hair. Their relationship is a special one as clearly shown in these pictures.

Their “first look” moment was perfectly timed and full of emotion.

Nothing like a little pre-wedding huddle excitement!

And of course Hayley made her debut in style right before she walked down the aisle.

Hayley and Andrew’s wedding day continued on with the reception at Anthony’s Steakhouse in Omaha. All the details of the day coordinated perfectly with the turquoise and sage green accents. The unique, one of a kind florals were done by Town and Country Floral in Gretna.

Hayley and Andrew you two are just the cutest couple! I wish you all the best in life and a big hug from me too. I have enjoyed getting to spend time with you during the engagement session and your beautiful wedding day. You have an amazing ability of making those around you feel loved. It’s no wonder you have such a large group of amazing friends that enjoy spending time with you. Cherish each other and this special time as you embark on your new life together!

St. Cecilia’s Cathedral Omaha Wedding: Kristina + John

This was such a beautiful wedding to be a part of. The weather was absolutely perfect. Most likely a top ten day for this summer. Kristina and John are an amazing couple that you should definitely get the chance to meet. Kristina told me how she had prayed for a husband that shared her beliefs and passions. After hearing their story and the stories from their bridal party, I am in awe even more of how right they are for each other. They have a beautiful relationship that they just started weaving together and I’m sure it will continue on for many years.

The entire day was full of excitement that started as Kristina’s friends waited for her to arrive from the hair salon.

Their first look was so much fun to witness and capture with our cameras. My friend and fellow photographer Angie Gottsch was there and we got both of their reactions. I love that excitement in their eyes!

St. Cecilia’s Cathedral has many special meanings for this couple. One of them being that John proposed to Kristina there. We went back to the spot on the wedding day and John gladly got down on one knee again for his girl.

Kristina and John put a lot of time and thought into the details of the day. The reception had a travel theme based on all the wonderful places they have traveled together and are planning on going including Hawaii for their honeymoon. In fact, John has traveled to all of the states except Hawaii so once their honeymoon is completed he will have visited all 50 states.

There’s one more reason why I care so deeply for this couple. Kristina is my doctor and saw me through a healthy pregnancy and delivered baby girl London in February. She is a blessing on so many levels! I will always remember hearing her tell me my baby had a bunch of hair  from behind the C-section drape. She was the first person to hold and connect with my daughter and that’s an amazing thing. I can’t believe she gets to do it on a daily basis for other new mommies. So we had to ask Daddy to run London down to the reception so she could get a picture with the Doctor that delivered her. As you can see below she cares for Kristina as much as I do.

The groom’s cake was something special Kristina had arranged for Jones Bros. Cupcakes to make for John. It showcased the Creighton Bluejays, the United States, and John’s little white truck that he used to visit all those states.

Kristina and John, thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to document your wedding day. You are special to me for so many reasons. Your love for your friends, family, and most of all each other is very inspiring. I’m excited to see you bloom together as a married couple. (I also can’t wait for you to have a baby or two!)

To see  a slideshow showcasing Kristina and John’s wedding please click here.

St. Patrick’s Gretna Wedding: Allison + Paul

Allison and Paul… they met during college at a party where “it all started with a coin”. You’ll have to ask them to tell you the story or you can read about it on their wedding website that Allison designed. Their proposal story was a cute one and we even went back to the sentimental spot for their engagement shoot. Now they’re married and back from their honeymoon enjoying their new time together as husband and wife.

There were so many things that made their wedding day fabulous I don’t know where to begin. To start off they are just an amazing, kind-hearted, fun loving couple. Completely in love with each other but also concerned about and kind to everyone they meet. I cried a little at their first glance moment and again when Allison’s father gave his speech at the reception. It’s wedding days like this that make me love my job even more. Getting to know my clients and seeing them enjoy such a monumental day is like nothing else.

Please enjoy a glimpse into Allison and Paul’s wedding, May 21st, 2011.

As I prepared my gear for Allison and Paul’s day, I imagined all the unique details that would be included. Being that Allison is a designer everything was sure to coincide together creating a beautiful color palette full of lush details and rich textures. The icing on the cake was her father’s vintage ‘56 Pontiac Star Chief. The car’s shiny paint job matched the rest of the details and provided a perfect backdrop.

Allison wore a brilliant smile throughout the entire day. It seemed to deepen even more when she’d snuggle up to Paul.

Seeing Grandpa’s entry in the guest sign-in book warmed my heart. “Be good to each other...”

A big hug and thank you to you both! Your story and attitude towards each other is so inspiring. I hope you enjoyed the sun and surf and most importantly time together during your honeymoon.

All my best to you as you go forward together!

To see  a slideshow showcasing Allison and Paul’s wedding please click here.

Sacred Heart Wedding: Athena + José

When I met this couple last winter while sporting a prego belly, I knew they would be a great couple to spend the day with. Unfortunately we didn’t get to have the engagement session together since it was rained out twice! As expected Athena and José’s wedding day was jam packed full of family, friends, and plenty of fun. We started with getting ready images at Athena’s mom’s house then traveled to the beautiful, historic Sacred Heart church. I can’t even begin to describe the energy of the ceremony. Everyone in attendance had a smile on their face and enthusiasm in their voices. The joyful choir had the congregation as well as the bride and groom grooving along with the music.

The vintage Rolls Royce from Timeless Transport was icing on the cake for their day. A classic, beautiful car that seemed to float over the road as it drove them to our next stop, Lauritzen Gardens.

Their night ended up at the Holland Performing Arts Center and just like everywhere else we had already been, it looked incredible. A perfect backdrop for an exciting evening celebrating their love. By incorporating new and old traditions to the reception lineup I know their guests were entertained all night. I loved watching the ladies grasp hands and go under the tunnel made by the bride and groom while running through the room to the fast paced music.

Athena and José…your wedding day was perfect and everything a marriage should be about: Love, Joy, and Togetherness. Thank you for the honor of commemorating your special day and I know it’s merely the start to something even more incredible than what you have now.

St. John’s Creighton Wedding: Angela + John

Sweet love . . . that’s a good way to describe this couple. When we did their engagement session last fall they told me how they met over TCBY yogurt. John would show up conveniently when Angela was working and order the same thing each time. He was definitely sweet on her.

I’d say they’re sweet on each other after looking through these images. Angela and John’s wedding this past weekend at St. John’s was a perfect way to transition out of full time mommy mode and back into photographer. They made it so easy to click, click, click away and capture the essence of the day. Her beautiful eyelashes, his slightly scruffy beard, perfect elements to nuzzle up against. No wonder I found them cuddling up to each other all day.

Details are always a favorite of mine to capture. I love this rich, vibrant purple that was incorporated many times throughout their wedding.

Have you ever seen a prouder Papa? While standing next to his beautiful daughter and soon to be bride he just looks so happy. This image of Angela’s sister giving her a quick peck on the cheek was captured just minutes before she walked down the aisle. The bridesmaids and I were keeping her company in a teeny little room close to the entrance.

All my best to you Angela and John! I enjoyed every minute  we spent together celebrating your relationship. I hope you’re enjoying your honeymoon and spending it relaxing and savoring each minute with one another. Safe travels!

To see more of Angela and John’s spring wedding, feel free to check out the slideshow for a full scope of the day.