Katie + Leigh were married in New Jersey, with an amazing wedding reception at
The Red Mill Inn at the beginning of September.
Every wedding is beautiful and special ... but to me, this was an
extra special wedding. You see, Katie and I grew up together. She emailed to tell me she was engaged and that I
would be photographing her wedding; no one else would do.
Leigh and his fellas getting ready ... he wore his grandfather's cufflinks for the day, which is a special way of tying in family history.
Katie's co-workers made a special getting ready shirt for her. :)
Some beautiful bride getting ready pix.
The traditional ceremony was at
St. Ann Catholic Church in Hampton, NJ. This pic is from the night before; after the rehearsal. Some cloudy skies and a moody moon? Love, love, love!
I just love both of these images!
Matron of Honor, Tammy, is at the left. True story: I introduced Katie and Tammy in high school. These two were instantly BFFs. On the right are Katie's sisters and her sweet niece. It's safe to say the little niece has stolen everyone's hearts! :)
Mrs. & Mr.!!!!
Katie is an American Irish. Her brother married an Irishwoman, and the extended Irish family attended the wedding. Can you say PARTY?!??!!? The clip she wore in her hair (the Irish Trinity Knot) was loaned from her sister-in-law. The bag she attached to her bouquet? A gift from her SIL's family, a traditional Irish gift to the bride. Inside it contained a piece from her grandmother's bridal bouquet. Lots of family tie-ins that were so beautiful!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful bride!
This is a great series of Leigh. :) I believe Katie was off to my left, egging him on and trying to make him crack up. Mission accomplished!
Quiet couple portraits.
So.In.Love.
Just LOVED the variety of locations for wedding portraits at
The Red Mill!!!!
Stunning image of
The Red Mill from across the river.
Delicious sunlight!
A little serenade and some ring action .... :)
When Katie and I were talking about her wedding, and catching up on life in general, she told me she and Leigh met because he played in a band. We later were talking about a guest book and some more creative options for one. Offhandedly, I said "A Tiffany Blue guitar would be a great guest book" ... she jokingly repeated it to Leigh, but the idea took hold with him. So while it might seem that this is a popular Pinterest idea, nope ... it's an old friend's cheeky quip. :)
Love the tented reception!
The seating chart was on this board that Leigh made ... and it is incredible! And in tribute to Katie's reverence for Audrey Hepburn, there's an awesome marriage quote on it, too!
Lots of fantastic details!
Love that their 1st dance was filled with much laughter & smiles!
Some sweet parent gifts!
Dancing with parents & Grandma Grace! :)
Matron of Honor Tammy and I were talking during the reception ...
"Have you ever seen Katie so happy?" she asked. "No. Never." was my immediate response. We shared many happy memories from childhood, but I've never
EVER seen her so happy. :) Just makes my heart swell. :)
What a stunning, STUNNING reception location! I want it in my backyard! ;)
I need to send out a
VERY SPECIAL and
GIGANTIC thank you to Miss Kathryn from
Everyday You Photography for traveling from Kansas to NJ to assist me in photographing this wedding. Usually Mike & I photograph together, but on the rare occasion it's not logistically possible, Kathryn has been an amazing friend who has been willing to step in and help us out! Big hugs & many thanks, Kathryn! Without you & your GPS, I would never have made it out of the Newark airport!
(I am so seriously, not even kidding!!!)
Are you ready? Final image here ... you might look at it and say:
"Karen, that's blurry and not very special." .... Let.Me.Tell.You. The entire day, rain was forecast. Did I mention it was MUGGY? We kept our fingers crossed, and except for a brief 5-minute downpour during cocktail hour, the rain held off. Until 1 hour before the reception was scheduled to end ... and then the sky opened and it poured. POURED. Gully-washing, cat drowning poured. Guests scurried to the hotel shuttle and we ran around, putting up as much as we could. I looked out and caught a glimpse of the bride and groom, arms around one another, scurrying through the rain into the house.
THIS is wedding photojournalism, folks. It's also quite possibly my favorite image from the day (and I think it will also be the closing image in their wedding album). The little, in-between moments. That's what makes life!
Katie + Leigh ... a thousand thank yous for your kindness, generosity & friendship. Very few people would plan their wedding date around my availability and even fewer would fly me across the country to capture those wedding memories ... thank you, from the very depths of my heart for your willingness to do both!
Love & hugs,
Karen
