After enjoying a very snowy engagement session with Melissa and Josh earlier this year, I got to know them a little better. I love engagement sessions for that reason- it gives the opportunity, outside of a busy wedding day for a couple to get to know me and how I work and I get to know them, individually and also how they interact as a couple. This information can be priceless, especially on a day when everything doesn’t go exactly as planned.
Little did we know at the time that their wedding day would bring in more weather, this time a heavy spring downpour. No one wants rain on their wedding day and I am empathetic as I experienced an unexpected downpour on my own wedding day. But honestly, these two are so in love and they were ready to tie their knot and combine their families- no matter what. They had created an epic day for their friends and family to enjoy in their celebration. Nothing was going to get in the way of their excitement, and it didn’t. They way they looked at each other all day….rain? Whatever.
As an event photographer, I manage Plan B’s and Plan C’s all the time though it does often take a bit to get them sorted out. Generally, I just show up earlier than the start time to get my alternate plans dialed in before the couple arrives- that way I can shift easier, depending on what is called for. While we did manage a few outdoor shots with umbrellas before heading over to the ceremony, we didn’t know what the rest of the day would bring, weather-wise so I was banking some outdoor daylight shots, just in case.
After the ceremony and joyful recessional down the aisle at Lincoln Christian Life Center we headed back to Club Lincoln Crossing for the party to begin. The space was awesome in that it had a protected area with heaters outside adjacent to the reception for guest overflow and big sliding glass doors that opened up the room to the outside. The dance floor had a solid backdrop that we were able to use for family photos and for table photos. Nice.
Everything from the venue to the florals to the fabulous Mexican buffet to dessert variety, from brother extraordinaire, Matt to DJ Erik, a seasoned professional – this was a party to remember. As soon as the dance floor was open, it was full and stayed that way…except….
at sunset when FINALLY, the sun broke through the clouds (add big, glorious sound with grand arm annunciation). I had been keeping my eye on sunset and scouting the outside for some sunset photograph locations if the rain let up while my awesome “wingman”, @Erin Miller continued on inside. When I saw the magnificent color breakthrough the clouds I ran in to get Josh and Melissa (and Erin), who had just started eyeing the crowd to find me for the same reason. We all ran outside and took in about 5 minutes of that gorgeous sunset before day turned to night. What a super sweet treat of getting to capture all of that glorious color behind them and for them on their perfect wedding day.
Congratulations Josh and Melissa and thank you for sharing your day with us! Here are a handful of my favorites.
2nd Photographer: Erin Miller, Ceremony: Lincoln Christian Life Center, Pastor: Holly Andreatta, Venue: Club Lincoln Crossing, DJ: Erik Riekenbery @Epik Weddings, Catering: Maria, Servers: Edible Express, Florals: Ambiance Floral, Cake Designer: Dena Lumbang @Kalanikakes, Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Nicole Beltran, Charcuterie boards: @niquesbitesboards, Dress: David’s Bridal
