VACATION (Oh, and I photographed a wedding)!!!
Last week Brian and I went to Disney World for a vacation. (He was the best man in his BFFs wedding in Florida. More on that in a bit.) I won't lie. It was hard being away from the kids. Gabriel even told me he loved me for the first time the night before we left...I had to choke back tears. But it was restful, fun, and much needed. It was nice to have a chance to get to know Brian again as a husband, and not just as the father of my children and provider of the moo-la. ;) (I honestly have no idea how to spell "moo-la".)
So...we have no pictures from our trip. I wanted to enjoy it fully. Not be lugging my camera with me everywhere snapping pictures of everything. Trust me...when we go back to Disney in October you'll get your fill of Disney pictures then. We had some fabulous dinners, slept in, read books written for grown ups in the daylight hours. It was insanity I tell you. Of course my mom had it all under control back at the house with the kids...I know because I called her every day to enquire. lol I knew she would, but it set my mind at ease.
Of course I snapped these pictures before we left so I could look at my precious kiddos when I missed them:
As I mentioned, the reason for our visit was for Steve and Clara's wedding. It was a sweet intimate affair. Only immediate family and Brian and I were present. Two days before we left Steve called to ask if I'd be the photographer for their ceremony/reception. AAAHHHH!!! I am NOT a professional photographer, and would never claim to be. But, when a friend asks...you can't say no. I'm quite pleased with the results overall though. Luckily, I've been through the wedding photograph thing on my own special day so I had some ideas already. Here are just a few (all right...I had trouble choosing, but trust me...there are a lot more than this) of the highlights from their special day. I hope they like them!!!
They chose to have their wedding in a garden setting. It was lovely, but CRAZY sunny and hot. Poor Steve...Clara kept wiping his face off because he was so warm in his suit.
After the ceremony they didn't really have an isle to walk down so they took a stroll together through the garden. Upon their return they did this:
You'll notice that the garden shots are a lot brighter and bolder. This was for two reasons. It's really hard to compete with that super bright sun, so it's best to just go with it. Also, I wanted these quieter moments to have a more peaceful, romantic feel to them.
This was the entire group...wedding party and guests. :) (Well, the exception of me of course...someone had to take the picture. :))
See, I was there. ;) Steve's aunt was so sweet and made sure to steal my camera away to get me in some shots.
I find that I'm a big fan of detail shots. It sort of helps you to have a full picture of the day I think. All of the little things add up to make the big day just right.
These little penguins are so sweet. They were the cake toppers. Clara and Steve painted them and had them fired/glazed. Clara then added the accessories. Part of the reason they were chosen is because penguins mate for life. Very sweet, and a nice personal touch. That's a hard thing to do at a destination wedding. On the back they say "Just Married" when put side by side.
I hope they like these, and all of the other bazillion photos I have for them. I was really honored to be the photographer, and just hope that I filled the shoes well. :)
Best wishes to Steve and Clara!!! We love you.
Oh...and those kiddos of mine...just as cute as can be. I've enjoyed being home again. Now...anyone want to come watch them again? ;) I kid. I kid. Brian is out of town this week and next on business. At least I'm well rested??? HA!
So...we have no pictures from our trip. I wanted to enjoy it fully. Not be lugging my camera with me everywhere snapping pictures of everything. Trust me...when we go back to Disney in October you'll get your fill of Disney pictures then. We had some fabulous dinners, slept in, read books written for grown ups in the daylight hours. It was insanity I tell you. Of course my mom had it all under control back at the house with the kids...I know because I called her every day to enquire. lol I knew she would, but it set my mind at ease.
Of course I snapped these pictures before we left so I could look at my precious kiddos when I missed them:
 |
| She looks JUST LIKE my mom!!!! |
They chose to have their wedding in a garden setting. It was lovely, but CRAZY sunny and hot. Poor Steve...Clara kept wiping his face off because he was so warm in his suit.
 |
| Originally the top of the fountain jutted right out of the top of Steve's head in this picture. It looked odd. So, I "magically" removed the top of the fountain. Much better. I considered removing the entire fountain, but since they did get married in front of it...it seemed wrong to remove the entire thing. |
it makes me chuckle! :) It was a great moment.
So natural and lovely. I love when a bride doesn't do a big up-do. I prefer when a bride wears her hair similarly to how she wears it in every day life...just kicked up a notch.
 |
| There was this awful black and gold plaque right above this bench with giant gold pine cones on it. UGLY! And through the magic of photo editing...POOF! Be gone eye scorching plaque. |
She got him. It was great!
Best wishes to Steve and Clara!!! We love you.
Oh...and those kiddos of mine...just as cute as can be. I've enjoyed being home again. Now...anyone want to come watch them again? ;) I kid. I kid. Brian is out of town this week and next on business. At least I'm well rested??? HA!