Sherry and Alex were the BEST couple to help me kick off my 2015 wedding season. These two are so incredibly sweet with each other and everyone around them. All day they made sure that my second shooter Samantha and I were well taken care of. One of my favorite memories from their day? When we showed up to the reception and saw that they had set aside a table for us labeled "Beauty Capturers." I think I laughed out loud, but I had been laughing the whole day so it was just another happy moment.

Sherry is hilarious … in a really unexpected way. One minute she was talking with her bridesmaids, the next she had them cracking up at the punchline of one her infamous jokes (telling jokes is a habit she picked up in med school). Alex didn't stop smiling at her the entire day. He has the kindest disposition I've ever witnessed, and the two of them together are unstoppable.

Some of my other favorite moments from their day:

Sherry reading The Little Prince while she was waiting to go to the first look.
The flowering trees that started blooming just in time for Sherry and Alex's sunny wedding day!
The hilarious groomsmen group hug.
Listening to the ceremony (and reception!) translated into Chinese for out-of-country guests.
Sherry and Alex's Chinese tea ceremony.
Alex's violin performance.

Ceremony and Reception: Cleveland Botanical Garden Videographer: KRR Production Cake: Tai Wah Chinese Restaurant Hair Stylist: Ramona Dauksa Bride's Dress: Simply Bridal Honeymoon: Singapore and Indonesia!

I'll never forget getting that call from Cristy the morning of her wedding. Her son who had been at basic training with the Army was going to be able to get back in time for their wedding after all, and could we move up the timeline a bit to accommodate that? I knew how important family was to both Cristy and Denney, and having met her three fantastic kids it was a no brainer. Of course we would make a last-minute switch to the timeline, even if it meant compromising some photo time.

This is the thing about weddings. We--vendors (read: me), brides and grooms, family members--can get so caught up in making sure every single moment is planned perfectly, but when it comes right down to it, it's the messy, unpredictable, spontaneous moments that end up being the most memorable and the most cherished. It's looking past the wedding day and realizing that five years from now is just as, if not more, important than the day you say "I do." I so appreciated that Cristy and Denney had the sense to throw away the timeline that everyone said they should have so they could fully feel and live the most important parts of their day. Not the details, not the smooth transitions and two+ hours of photos, but the family that surrounded them. I will remember their wedding for as long as I do this job. It was full of all good things.

Cristy and Denney, I learned so much from you during our time together. Just being around your family and friends was a testament to your character, and I really respect the way you put family first every time. Thanks a million times over for inviting to share in your day. I loved every minute!

Cristy and Denney had a first look in Patterson Fruit Farm's beautiful meadow. It was like a dream!

Isn't Cristy's bouquet perfectly feminine and whimsical? Heather of Fair Rarity is extraordinarily talented with florals. Do yourself a favor and check her out if you're looking for a florist!

The ceremony was so emotional and included Cristy's daughters, which was a beautiful touch.

And then Cristy's son arrived after months of being away ...

This was truly one of the coolest things I've ever photographed.

And THEN all five of the family members shared a dance ...

What a gorgeous evening for a gorgeous couple!

Ceremony & Reception: Patterson Fruit Farm Florist: Fair Rarity Caterer: John Roberts Band: Flat Foot DJ: Anthony Ciresi Bride's Dress: David's Bridal Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal