Love Me Do Photography

It’s rare that I actually get to be a guest at a wedding, but such was the case for Rebecca and Chris’ wedding out in Foresthill, California. But even still, as a guest, I had to have my chance to take some photos. Official photographer of the evening, Emily Buckles, graciously allowed me to steal the couple away for about 10 minutes to snag some great shots!

It was amazing being out in northern California for a wedding. We have yet to shoot a CA wedding, but have one later this fall. I can’t wait, we’d love to be able to break into the west coast wedding world!

Margaret and David were married at Ridley Creek State Park. Their story is one of love and adventure. Photographer, Emily Wren, second shot for me. I loved all of their choices in style and detail, as well as the feeling of celebration in the air. It was very unique and traditional, but not without the feeling of intimacy with family and loved ones. The couple live in Korea where they teach English at a University. They met because Dave was being auctioned off for charity. Margaret did not try to buy him, but they later started dating regardless. From there they’ve traveled all over including Israel and Palestine. The mutual engagement had no wedding ring, nor did the wedding ceremony have rings either.

As you can see in the pictures, Margaret and David’s wedding was not your typically-styled wedding. For starters, Margaret bought her dress on eBay. “I liked the colors of the dress. I tend to wear understated colors in my daily life, but I felt like this was one day where I could be out loud and happy. I didn’t set out to confront the tradition of wearing a white dress, it just didn’t seem to fit with what I wanted. I also saw no reason why I should have to wear a white dress! David’s suit was custom-made by a Korean tailor, with the tuxedo t-shirt from Ebay. He liked the simple cut of the suit and also how it was a foreign, atypical style. He thought the simplicity of it would go well with Margaret’s more complex dress. “We liked the funny contrast of the tuxedo t-shirt with suit. It was an inversion of the tradition of the bride wearing white.”

As their relationship strengthened while they were in the Middle East, they reflected that in their choice for food at the reception. Cedar’s Restaurant was the caterer, and it was delicious! Dave designed the invitations, and the upcycled napkins were bought off etsy, while Margaret’s sister made all the table cloths. Various kinds of bells were given to any children who attended the wedding so they could ring them as Margaret walked down the aisle. The ceremony was performed by Margaret’s siblings, who read off the story of how Margaret and David met. The two “best men” stood at either corners of the room and held signs up at different intervals with words like, “boo” and “cheer” so that everyone in the room would join in as well. After the vows, since there was no officiant, the “best men” held up signes that said, “we now pronounce you…” while everyone in the room read off the pronouncement. It was a splendid way of having all of your loved ones involved in your ceremony, as they are there not only to watch, but to actually be a part of the new union you are forming.

A few words from Margaret on their favorite parts of the day:

“Dave’s favorite part of the day was dinner, because he could finally relax and enjoy the evening! My favorite part was when Dave teared up before I did! I cry a lot, at anything, and he very rarely cries. To see him get that emotional was touching. I also loved how unexpectedly excited I felt when we were walking into the ballroom and meeting each other. Your pictures capture how happy we were, despite the last-minute rain plans and the craziness of wedding planning. Seeing everyone so happy made me happy. “

Finally, I have to share with you some of the words from their incredible vows! Everything was written so beautifully that I can’t help but to share them:

David: The elements of travel are capricious and chaotic. In thanks for safe passage in the past and in the future, and for guiding us to the shared journey of our union, we give reverence for their favor.

Margaret Will you do me the honor of sharing the adventure together and to return home in the eventide of our lives with gratitude and a song of praise upon your lips?

Did I mention their wedding also had a bouncy castle?

Genevieve is from Pennsylvania and Ben is from England. They met years ago at a punk rock show in London and have been together since; first seeing each other long distance, then Genevieve moved back to London to be with Ben. The wedding was at the Brandywine Manor house, which is beautiful and close to where Genevieve grew up. So many Brits flew over to be a part of their day, and they made the wedding so much fun. Ben and Genevieve looked fantastic and were so sweet that they made us feel like old friends. We had a blast! Thanks, Genevieve and Ben, for having us be a part of your wedding! We will come hang out in London one day!

Our good friend, Kat, over at Rock n’ Roll Bride asked me if I would write a guest post instructing future-couples on “How to Look and Feel Natural in Front of the Camera.” Go over to her site and check out what I had to say!

Rock n’ Roll Bride is also who we did our contest of Free Wedding Photography through. The couple who won’s wedding is coming up in a little over a month. We can’t wait!

Thanks Kat for giving me the opportunity to write a guest post for your amazing blog!

Rachel and Stacey were married at Bartram’s Gardens. Photographer, Inna Spivakova, second shot for me. Although Bartrams had been hit by a major storm just days before the wedding, everything came together beautifully! Rachel and Stacey’s supportive friends and family surrounded them on this gorgeous day, and it was clear that all of their loved ones were so excited for the union between the two of them. I really love the natural beauty of Bartram’s Gardens and it reflected so well the love between Rachel and Stacey. Their casual personalities made them great subjects for photographs, and it was hard to get a picture of Stacey when it wasn’t gazing lovingly into Rachel’s eyes.

Thanks Rachel and Stacey for having us photograph your wedding!

There is something about a rainy day that makes photos look so good! Luckily for us, for Laura and Phil’s wedding at Bartram’s Gardens, we had perfect luck with weather. The rain stopped about 45 minutes before the ceremony was scheduled, so we got the best of both worlds: gorgeous light and an outdoors ceremony!
Laura and Phil live in West Philly and really enjoy the neighborhood and the nature that surrounds it. So Bartram’s was perfect because it is so remote and beautiful, but still right in the city and full of rich history.
Laura and Phil wanted it to feel like a backyard gathering and it did! They got their flowers from David King (Triple Tree Farm) who has a stand at the Clark Park Farmer’s market. He pulled together beautiful arrangements and filled them in mason jars Laura and Phil provided. Nature’s Gallery florist made the gorgeous bouquets. Friends of the bride and groom, Zoe and Brennan Lukas of Whipped Bakeshop made the amazing cake.
I really loved that Laura and Phil gave everyone a little bit of themselves at the wedding. Laura is a ceramics artist and made the adorable ceramic favors for everyone to take home. Phil is a musician and really got into organizing the performances and the mixes for the reception. The West Philadelphia Orchestra played music for the ceremony and parts of the reception. They have an amazing sound and it really added to the ambiance. A good friend of Laura and Phil sang one of their favorite (and mine!) Magnetic Fields songs during the ceremony.

All in all it was wonderful day and we had a great time. Thanks guys for having us along!