Last weekend was so fun for Nathan and me. We got to visit our old stomping grounds of THE Miami University for a Miami Merger wedding! I did gymnastics with Nichole while a student at Miami, and it was so surreal to be photographing her wedding! She and Dan were a dream to work with, and reminiscing was exactly what I needed! For now, a little peek ...
They weren't exactly chummy after their first meeting. Chelsea and Drew worked the same summer job on their break from college, and in Drew's own words: "For some reason I was totally dedicated to my summer job. I am such a perfectionist." That was the problem. Chelsea describes Drew's dedication as "enthusiasm" and it totally overwhelmed her.
"He acted like he knew everything and his way was the best way to do whatever task," she said. "He will tell you he was the manager but really he was a cafe associate just like me."
Something changed, however, because after that first summer of working together, the two stayed in touch when they went back to their respective schools. Chelsea realized that Drew is just super warm and friendly and cares extra about everything he does.
It took a couple more years before they would even start dating, but there was no looking back once they started. Their relationship even survived long distance after Drew graduated from college before Chelsea.
"I love Drew's smile," Chelsea said. "It is irresistible and makes it so hard to get mad at him. I also love his sense of humor. He knows how to make me laugh and can brighten any mood."
Chelsea and Drew are the type of people that feel like your friends 10 minutes after meeting them. They're both so friendly, and I've loved getting to know them this past year! Thank you for always being so awesome, you two. I can't wait to see where life takes you (and what kind of dog you settle on)!
This little flower girl just thought Chelsea was the coolest. I have to agree with her!
Chelsea's dress was so pretty!
I love that Drew escorted his mom down the aisle.
And THIS is the face of an excited groom ...
I have my friend Brittany to thank for that wide-angle shot up there. :)
Love this bridge in the Flats. Such a great backdrop!
Favorite.
Gorgeous, Chelsea!
You too, Drew! ;)
And then it was off to the Cultural Gardens ...
This is another favorite. You nailed it, Drew!
I loved shooting at The Ballroom at Park Lane! Melissa and her team are fabulous!
Popcorn bar!
To see more from Chelsea and Drew's navy and yellow wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:
Ceremony: Bay United Methodist Church Reception: The Ballroom at Park Lane Caterer: Marigold DJ/Lighting: Selective Sound Florist: Urban Orchid Hair and Makeup: Vanity Lab Cake: Wild Flour Bakery Bride's Dress: Wtoo Bride's Shoes: Etienne Aigner Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Limo: A-1 Mr. Limo Invitations: LookLoveSend Program Fans: Magnet Street Honeymoon: Western Caribbean Cruise!
This couple is so cute (sorry Stefan, you're cute). I loved spending the most perfect August day with them and their friends and family (a cool 75 and sunny in August?? I'll take it!). Lots more coming, but here are a couple of my favorites for now ...
Amanda and Justin are the sweetest people you'll ever meet. They have the biggest hearts and their family and friends look up to them so much. I want to be like Amanda and Justin when I grow up. :)
These two have made it through thick and thin. Justin's a military man and has been all over the world in the last few years. And through it all, their relationship has not faltered. It's such a testament to their characters to hear their story and realize that though they're only in their early 20s, they have the maturity and commitment and compassion of people twice their age.
I could go on and on about these two, but I will let Nora, Amanda's maid of honor and best friend of nearly 10 years, tell you what is true and real about this bride. She gave the best and most sincere toast I've ever heard at a wedding:
"Amanda, you possess an inward, as well as an outward, beauty that is completely inignorable. You have the kindest heart of anybody that I know, and I love how you always stay true to yourself and your values. I have always and will always look up to you for that. Amanda makes all of those around her better."
And Nora couldn't forget about Justin:
"One of my favorite memories (of Justin) is when he came up to me one time when I was working and he was talking about Amanda. He looked me right in the eye and he said, 'Nora, I love her so much.'"
Seriously. Pull at my heart strings.
Amanda and Justin, I feel so blessed to have met you two. It really is true that you make those around you better, including me. I'm so looking forward to following your journey as a married couple, and I wish you all the best in North Carolina!
Almost the entire day took place at Goodell Gardens in Edinboro, Penn., and it was a beautiful backdrop for a wedding!
Everything about this day was so sweet, including Amanda seeing her dad for the first time.
Amanda, you are one gorgeous lady! She looks like Kirsten Dunst, don't you think?
And the handsome groom.
The cuteness ...
One of my favorites from the day.
These two are SO photogenic!
LOVE this one that Emily captured!!
Amanda worked so hard on all the DIY details!
So much love.
Emily and I agreed that the weather on Amanda and Justin's day was the best we've had all year ... 75 and sunny! Which is saying something for July! They lucked out!
To see more from Amanda and Justin's vintage, garden wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:
Ceremony/Reception: Goodell Gardens & Homestead Caterer: Calamari's Squid Row Videographer: Hutch Studios (check out their beautiful video!) Ceremony Musician: Jon Halmi, From the Hip DJ: Entertainment by Lisa Keating Hair and Makeup: Coventina Day Spa & Salon Bride's Dress: Beverly's Touch of Class Bridesmaid's Dresses: Bill Levkoff Tuxes: Vera Wang Cake: Lisa Williams Pieri Stationary: DIY, printed by KimKopy Flowers: DIY Wooden Signs: Barb Powers Honeymoon: Gatlinburg, Tenn.!