Sometimes I struggle with where to begin on blog posts, but not because there is not much to say, rather because there is SO much to say. That is how I felt about Rachel and Matthieu’s beautiful wedding from this past weekend.  There were just so many pieces of the day that completely touched my heart, but I’m not sure I can put any of it into real words.  It was much more feelings. Unbelievable kindness and excitement and warmth and celebration.  All of this when these two have been through so much, and yet there was just so much joy.  It was really kind of stunning, and made a huge impression on me.  These two just LOVE people, and good grief, people love them.

The day was beautiful, full of unexpected sunshine, Rachel had a completely beautiful and not totally typical dress, they had striking colors and perfect flowers everywhere…but those aren’t necessarily the parts I will always remember about this wedding. To explain exactly what I felt, I am going to tell you a little about the dollar dance, and then I am going to show you their images! 🙂 The dollar dance has unexpectedly become one of my favorite parts of wedding coverage even though it is usually quite long, and obviously each rotation could look similar.  But what I am finding more and more, and to an enormous extent with these two, is how much RELATIONSHIP we get to view in this half hour.  How many people we get to see embrace Rachel and Matthieu and hug and kiss them, and congratulate them. How many small children I get to watch Matthieu toss up in the air and swirl around while thinking he will make a wonderful father some day.  How many people look at Rachel with faces that say that they absolutely adore her and would do anything for her.  And how person after person just gets a moment to connect with the bride and groom on one of the most important days of their lives.  No matter now long, I could not put my camera down.  I had to keep clicking, attempting to capture the small details of every sweet relationship. Matthieu and Rachel are relational at their cores, and it is absolutely beautiful. I absolutely adored watching them interact with their loved ones, start their family together, and share their joy with others on their wedding day. Rachel and Matthieu, it was SUCH an honor to celebrate you! I am thrilled for you both and know you will have a beautiful life together- sending much love to the beach to you!!! 🙂

LOVED everything about these GORGEOUS flowers from Main Street Floral in Carlinville! 

I just love all the fluff in this picture…so many sweet little girls in tulle helping and fawning over Rachel as she got ready- it was adorable!

A perfect little gift from her groom 🙂

St James in Chatham is absolutely stunning…excited to shoot more there in the future! And seriously, those flower girls?!!!
Beautiful ladies!!!

LOVE!

These are Matt’s two sisters…and they love Rachel!! I love this image my Michael got!

Looking good guys!

Love this in all ways!

Married!!!

Her dress…

I absolutely adore all of these- so many favorites!

Favorite!!If you follow me on facebook, you saw my mention to this amazing dance floor.  Clint from Party on Productions kept the party going ALL night–and he made this space absolutely STUNNING- these up lights in the background added to the atmosphere so much and the floor was an absolute dream to photograph for me- so much pretty light bouncing around everywhere- I absolutely adored it all!  The next many are from that dollar dance I was talking about…and I love them all.Look at this series closely…it involves a groomsmen somersaulting to catch the garter, and then giving it to a sweet boy- loved it all!Love you guys!!!  Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon!!!