As much as I might try, I don’t have a brain that remembers things word for word.  I wish I did- but I more gather just bits of pieces of things, and certainly how they made me feel.  But the words that stuck out the most were something like this:

“I promise to love you exactly as you are.  I will love you for who you are today, and who you will become.”. Just a small snippet of Eric and Marcella’s vows, but had a bit impact on me.  Isn’t that what marriage is all about, after all?  Loving each other, choosing each other, throughout life’s seasons? I loved it. There are so many things I could share about this day.  It was hugely “do it yourself”, from the dozens and dozens of hand baked fruit pies made by the bride and loved ones in the days leading up to the weddings, to the hundreds of punched out stars decorating each space, to the doorway up at the front of the ceremony space. I told this story on social media but it was too indicative of  the full day not to share in their blog post. My lovely husband (who second shoots with me) doesn’t really care so much about the dress or details or flowers or venue of a wedding.  He gathers how he feels about the day based on 3 things:

1). How nice the couple seem as people

2). How loved the couple seems to be by those at their wedding

3). How much the couple seems to love those at their weddings

These are all just feelings he gets throughout the day- obviously, you can’t tell everything by one day (and especially not a high pressure day!).  But at this one it was just so abundantly clear. We were dealing with absolute gems.  2 people who genuinely love each other and care about the world and those around them, and a lot of people who genuinely believe in and trust in and are rooting for the start of their new life together.  It was breath taking, really.  There were 160 people there, and somehow it still felt like a small intimate affair, because of the type of day it was.  I could shoot a wedding like that every weekend for the rest of my career and never tire of it.

You will notice there is no bridal party in these images- Eric and Marcella had too many close to them to choose, but much of the audience was coordinated in wedding colors (and suspenders and bowties) to help celebrate in style.  It was just such a beautiful day, and really gave me all the feelings of a perfect wedding day. Excitement, happiness, love, joy.  And anticipation, of what’s to come for them.  Marcella and Eric, it was such an honor to be a part of your day! Here are some of my favorites!

Stars for days…I LOVED them! This David’s Bridal dress was just absolutely beautiful, and so Marcella. Loved her DIY hanger! Marcella has loved dinosaurs forever…and hid a ton of them around the reception hall for the kids to find! They were a darling touch! Marcella is wearing Eric’s mother’s wedding ring, sandwiched in between two beautiful bands she found to compliment.  The perfect reminder of the love that came before them, which to me, is what wedding photography is all about anyways.
This ceremony setup was the cutest!  Marcella, you are such a true beauty! One of the sweetest first looks. These flowers were made by a coworker of Marcella’s…grown from her yard.  They were so perfect!
Favorite! This broach also belonged to Eric’s mother. Michael’s angle…loved this. This location might be one of my favorites ever.  Those over arching branches…sigh!!
Such a beautiful ceremony. There were just so many beautiful details at the reception!! Each pie had a different thing sketched in to the top. Of course, Eric and Marcella’s had a cloud, seeing as that is their shared name now 🙂 I don’t usually photograph food. But with the exception of the meat for dinner, everything was made by Eric and his restaurant (he is a chef), adding to the incredible list of DIY for this wedding. I am blown away by how that is all able to be done before a wedding…but I’m pretty sure the “how” is with an army of people who love you, and these two have that! Favorites!  You know we had to steal away for some sunset! It was such a beautiful sunset!  I ADORE this girl!

So much love to you two!!

It was so great to work with this wonderful creative team on Marcella and Eric’s special day!!

Venue: Juliette Lodge at Camp SOAR Meadows

Wedding Dress Boutique: David’s Bridal

DJ: Epic Entertainment

Caterer: Crabby’s Supper Club and Starrs Primal Meats

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

DIY by bride, groom, and friends: All decorations, 90% of the food, bouquet, PIES (seriously?!), paper flowers, and 1400 stars!!!