Friends, you may want to grab a mug of coffee and cozy up for this one. It's a long and fun one. :) Every wedding I document is a happy one, but this one in particular was so happy. I've never seen so many joyful people in one place at one time. Everyone was having the time of their lives. It was a party!
These two put their families first. It's evident in the way they lead their lives, but when asked, they said they knew they had found the right one because of the other's relationship with his/her family.
"I knew I found a good one when I felt like I was at home with him," Melissa said. "Michael fills a space in my heart and completes my family."
Michael and Melissa had a Serbian Orthodox wedding to honor Michael's family's heritage. This was an especially meaningful one for me because my grandpa was full Serbian, and although we aren't Serbian Orthodox, I thought of him all day.
Melissa and Michael, you know how much I adore you. I'm so excited to see where life takes you. Congratulations!
My fantastic second shooter, Emily, started out with the guys ... or actually Michael's entire family. This is how Serbians get ready for a wedding. :)
Meanwhile, I hung out with the girls ...
Melissa's best friend, Sam (on the right), is the sister of Callie, whose wedding I second shot with Amanda. Got that? Sam's the one who referred Melissa to me. Hi, Sam! Thanks, Sam! :)
One of my favorites from the whole day! So much emotion during this wedding!
Melissa, you're gorgeous!
Then it was off to the church! St. Sava is beautiful!
Ohmygoodness! Thanks for this picture, Emily! :)
So, in the Serbian Orthodox tradition, the groom stays turned around for most of the bride's walk down the aisle. This is how it went ...
Married! And then there was literally a party on the church steps!
These next pictures are too funny not to share. They drank this (strong) Serbian liquor that's name I can't remember. Melissa? Michael? Someone Serbian? What's it called again? Obviously, it's pretty tasty. Ha!
Then we headed to Squire's Castle for portraits. I was SO happy to see the sun. It's been a rainy fall!
Haha, I told them to "walk towards me" and this is what they did. Studs.
Ah, the light!
They left lots of time for portraits, which was fabulous!
There was so much dancing, including traditional Serbian dances. Emily and I decided that we need to learn them. :)
To see more (yes, more!) from Melissa and Michael's wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:
Ceremony: St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Reception and Catering: Sava's Event Center Florist: Heather Keating McCoy Videographer: Kosta Bokjanc Makeup: Stephanie Kolarovsky Cake: Stacey's Fabulouscakes DJ/Lighting: Rock the House Entertainment Paper Goods: Great Lakes Integrated Limo: A-1 Mr. Limo Bride's Dress: Casablanca Bride's Shoes: Steve Madden Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Angelo Tuxes: American Commodore Photobooth: Clear Choice Photo Booth
