This business of mine is something else, you know… it is just so amazing that I get to develop friendships with so many people from around the world. I know that I have mentioned it before, but I get to spend one of the most intimate days of my couples lives with them. I get to see the first moments of their marriage with them. And I get the pleasure of documenting each detail so that they will never forget exactly how that day felt.
And when you get to do this with people who are so genuinely invested in you, and care about you as a person… not just your camera… well, that is what dream jobs are made of…
When I met John for the first time he was definitely a man of business, and he had a vision for his wedding… as I got to know him more, he is also quite possibly the sweetest, and most loving teddy bear of a guy, and I can see just how hard Tara has fallen in love with him. And Tara, although quiet in the beginning, is so thoughtful, hysterically funny, and I honestly consider the both of them dear friends.
Weeks before the wedding my husband and I had the chance to sit down with both of their families for dinner so that we could discuss all of the details for the wedding day, and when I fell in love with their families just as hard as I had fallen in love with them… I knew that I had really lucked out. I was lucky that Tara and John had allowed me to find out who they really are, as people, and as friends. They gave me a chance to be part of the most important day of their lives. I am –beyond– happy, and beside myself to share these gorgeous photos with you guys.
Personalization to wedding details is not only something that your guests enjoy, but it is also like putting a time stamp right into your wedding images. Tara purchased John these panda bear cufflinks as his wedding day gift. Seeing them in this photo will likely bring her right back to the day and time that she bought him this gift, the way that her ‘Panda Bear’ nickname for him originated, and the smile that came to John’s face when she gave them to him.
So, you remember me saying that John had a vision for his wedding, right? Well, boy oh boy, did he ever. Navy tuxedos with black lapels and trim. Black bowties, and well-groomed details. I don’t know that I have ever loved the groomsmen attire more. More importantly, though, was how freaking awesome these guys were. Popping bottles in the hotel room was just the beginning of a day that was filled with so much fun and laughter.
I spent way too much time with the guys… I mean, bottles were being popped, so obviously that’s where I stayed… but so I was a bit behind schedule when I met Janelle over at the girls room. Your Beauty Call was finishing up with the girls’ hair and makeup, and Janelle and I got to work on details! And, wow did we have details to photograph! The room was sprawling with gorgeous light, beautiful dresses, and paper goodies from SHEpaperie!!
All of the beautiful dresses, and gorgeous details are nothing compared to having a couple who you are excited to work with. Because when you get to work with people who are more beautiful on the inside than they are on the outside, then it isn’t really work at all, is it? Tara, thank you. Thank you endlessly for your friendship, for the beautiful gifts you gave Janelle and I on your wedding day, and for even thinking that you needed to give me an additional gift because it was my birthday. Your soul is beautiful, and your kind heart was felt throughout your entire wedding day, and every day since.
I don’t have to continue to tell you how much I love to do a first look. I wish so badly that my wedding photographer had offered a first look on the day of my wedding. There was never a moment during my wedding day that I got to just stop for a second, and really talk to Fraser. A wedding day is always so rushed, but the first look takes a small window of time, and allows for you to be alone with your bride or groom, and gives you a moment to breathe together.
Or in Tara and John’s case… you can be alone with your bride or groom… on a very busy walkway in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. ha ha ha! But, even with all of the on-lookers, I can assure you that the world around these two disappeared for a few moments. John’s reaction to seeing Tara for the first time was so endearing, and he was truly struck by her beauty.
We got to have the best of both worlds for Tara and John’s wedding portraits in that we could embrace the chaos and commotion of the Las Vegas strip, and we could also escape to little pockets of beautiful architecture to create some portraits with a timeless feel.
Tara’s lace veil had Janelle and I swooning all the live long day.
We embraced some more of the hectic overhead walkway, and we are forever grateful to a handful of pedestrians who allowed us to stop traffic for a couple of minutes to get some fun, party filled bridal party shots! And they can thank us for the epic photo-bombs that we allowed them to enjoy!
The amazing thing about working with a wonderful couple is getting to work with their friends and family by proxy. Good people attract other good people, which means that your day is filled with cooperation, generosity, and incredibly helpful people. This bridal party was simply amazing.
Tara and John opted for a ballroom wedding at Flamingo Hotel & Casino which was lit by a single chandelier above their altar. And who else except for Scheme Events and LED Unplugged to be on hand to create such a magical setting?
Tara and John were toasted throughout the night, their friends and family danced the night away, and the first day of their marriage together proved to be nothing less than magical. Thank you again, so much, for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day, Tara and John. And to your parents and siblings… and your dear friends… I enjoyed every single moment with you.
Day Of Coordination: Scheme Events • Venue: Flamingo Las Vegas • Photographer: J.Anne Photography • Hair & Makeup: Your Beauty Call • Florist: Jena Waller • Lighting & Lounge Rentals: LED Unplugged • Ceremony String Quartet: Harmony String Quartet • Reception Entertainment: Lucky Devils Band • Cake: Flamingo Las Vegas • Officiant: Peachy Keen Unions
