In my little hometown of Gretna, Nebraska, we have a wonderful floral shop called Town & Country Floral that I’ve been dying to showcase on the blog. I always enjoy the chance to stop in and see the incredible designs they’re working on. The owner, Linda, is always eager to help with a warm smile on her face. She graciously allowed me the chance to watch them work one Friday afternoon as they prepared arrangements for an upcoming wedding.

Flowers can make such a big difference in the decor of your wedding and  a good florist knows what will look spectacular in photos. I talked with Linda at great length about her process and her client’s happiness was of highest priority. Linda said it all starts with an initial consultation to discuss the theme and color palette of the wedding day. “Knowing what you like is just as important as knowing what you don’t like,” Linda said. “Bring lots of pictures – it is the best way to help convey what you do and do not want your floral designs to look like she continued. 

She discusses options with her clients based on budget and also what types of flowers are in season for their selected wedding date. Her clients bring inspiration for her to work from while she is designing. Items such as bridesmaid dress swatches, magazine clippings, a copy of the invitation and a photo of the wedding gown help Linda to customize floral designs for the wedding day. Pinterest has also been especially helpful in communicating ideas with her brides.

On the day I visited Town & Country Floral there was lots of activity going on. As you can see in the images, they were finishing up a wedding party order. Linda meticulously reviewed all the notes and inspiration photographs that she and the bride discussed. The flowers turned out flawless and I know those wedding photographs did too.

I am always pleased to photograph a wedding when I know Linda will be designing the flowers. There will be quite a few weddings this summer that we’ll be working on together and I’m anxious to see the incredible designs she’ll deliver.

If you’re looking for a creative florist in the Omaha metro area, be sure to check out Town & Country Floral in Gretna. You’ll be charmed the moment you walk through their incredible storefront. Linda cares for her clients as if they are family. She’ll give you a smile and a hug and send you on your way with a handful of beautiful flowers.

The Grand Manse and St. Paul Methodist Church provided beautiful backdrops to showcase the beauty of Ali and Scott’s relationship.

Scott designed and lovingly printed all the save-the-dates, invites and reply cards. I am flattered when my clients include me on the invite list. There’s nothing better than getting awesome snail mail like this!

Ali looked absolutely exquisite!

The look of peace and inward excitement on Scott’s face was so cool to witness while he waited for his bride.

We all walked from the church to The Grand Manse for the reception. Along the way we found some incredible light in an alley. The wedding party must have thought I was crazy when I told them to “stop right there!”Ali and Scott’s moms surprised them with a choreographed dance number during the reception.

Ali and Scott, Thank you for making Lincoln feel like home and including me on your wedding day…I can’t express how appreciative I am to have been there to document it for you! I wish you both  so much happiness!

To see more of Ali and Scott’s wedding please CLICK HERE for a slideshow.

Bridget and TJ’s day started off at the beautiful St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Omaha. I knew the day was going to be a fun one especially after photographing their engagement session. While TJ straightened his tie and Bridget stepped into her gorgeous dress I noticed that these two were already so in sync and they hadn’t even seen each other yet. They had planned on exchanging cards with one another and I noticed they had each wrote, “my love” on the outside of the envelope. Just yet another little sign these two were destined to marry each other.

TJ incorporated his Irish heritage in the wedding ceremony by wearing green argyle socks! I love this little moment where they giggled together over his foot attire.

The day ended at the Scoular Ballroom which was was a perfect choice for their reception. Every detail looked amazing while they danced the night away. TJ definitely had some creative planning involved for the garter toss! Thank you for having me along to document your wedding Bridget and TJ! You both were incredibly fun to get to know. Seeing the love you have for one another is one of my favorite perks of my job.

To see more of Bridget and TJ’s wedding, feel free to check out their slideshow.

Rachel had planned for their “first look” to be out in one of her father’s alfalfa fields since David had proposed to there. We couldn’t use the exact same field but this one certainly fit the ticket. I love the vastness of the sky in the background and the little purple flowers in front. They both looked so at home in each other’s arms eagerly anticipating the rest of the day together.

Rachel and David’s wedding day was full of so many unique details. The backdrop of the champagne and dessert reception at the old Opera House was by far my favorite though. The old wooden folding chairs, the antique David City advertisement curtain and all the delicious homemade desserts gave the evening such a nostalgic feel. It was such a pleasure for my second shooter Angie and I to tag along and document the start of their life together.

Want to know a little more about how they met? Please click here to see Rachel and David’s engagement images.

Dying  to see more images from Rachel and David’s wedding day? Please click here for their slideshow.

Enjoy your images Theresa and Nick. I am so pleased you chose to utilize them in a custom photo guest book. Your guests will love browsing through it on September 28th!

Hugs,

Cara

P.S. Thanks for bringing the “frog” that Nick won on your very first date. I loved incorporating “his” story in with yours too.

They will be wonderful parents I just know it! And I know Kim will love all the fun aspects of having a little girl! The shopping, hair bows and tutus are some of the many perks associated with having a baby wrapped in pink.

All my best to you both as this new life change is just around the corner. Baby girl will definitely steal your heart and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without her.

I had the honor and pleasure of documenting their beautiful purple themed wedding this April. They are two of the kindest, most down to earth, genuine people I’ve encountered. My favorite part of the day was when about 20 mins before the ceremony when everyone was rushing here and there tying up all the loose ends. Rachel was in the bridal room patiently and calmly waiting to marry her best friend. Jake stopped by and leaned in the doorway. I found them face to face quietly chatting with each other. Not a soul around them were calm and quiet. Bridesmaids were doing their final primping, the children of the bridal party were running through the doorway but Jake and Rachel just stood there nuzzling faces and quietly talking and laughing. Anyone could see it, they just calmed one another. I thought about how most often I like to sit back and search for true connections unfolding and here it was right in front of my eyes. I told them how much they inspired me and how this was my favorite part of my job, to witness this true love in a best friend.

I love this shot of Jake’s Dad as he thinks about what he wants to leave as his inscription in their guestbook.

Rachel’s bouquet had some very special ladies’ pictures attached. I love how she shared this moment with Jake.

Their wedding reception at the Omaha DoubleTree Hotel was absolutely beautiful! The staff had gone the extra mile in creating such a stunning party for everyone to enjoy. I loved all the personalized touches that Rachel worked on and incorporated throughout the room.

Rachel and Jake, I am so happy to have gotten to know you and I’m honored to be called your friend. I think so highly of you both. You are wise beyond your years and you value what is most important in life. . . each other.

All my best to you!

-Cara

My favorite image of the day isn’t a dramatic posed portrait. It’s this spontaneous image right here taken when we stopped for a quick drink. Their whole-hearted kiss and strong embrace shows it all. And as they chatted with their friends I looked down and saw their hands locked together this way. I can already picture them in 50 years walking down the sidewalk together holding hands exactly the same way.

The day started out at Jenna’s parents house while the girls finished up their makeup and donned their beautiful dresses. I was told after I took these images that the wooden chest Jenna’s shoes were resting on was her Grandparents. I’m so glad to have included a piece of her heritage in the images.

The first moment they saw each other . . .

Their reception was held at The Ridge in Elkhorn and the entire evening was flawless because they had the best DJ in Omaha, TeeRoy from Unique Pros.

A big hug and even bigger “thank you” to you both, Jenna and Keith. You have been so much fun to get to know this past year. I’ve loved hearing your stories and learning about your relationship. I feel honored to have gotten the chance to document this exciting day for you.

I was pleased when they mentioned they wanted to share the spotlight with their two dogs. The pups were well behaved and full of energy just as I expected. And I couldn’t leave without a quick shot of TJ’s truck with the dog kennel in the back. In the words of Kip Moore’s song, “There’s just something ’bout a truck” . . .

Bridget and TJ’s May 26th wedding is quickly approaching and I’m looking forward to spending the day celebrating with them! See you both soon!