As we made our way home from the wedding with tired feet, sore shoulders and a full wedding day behind us; my second shooter Nicole and I couldn’t stop talking about the day. Every wedding has it’s unique, individual characteristics that stick out to us and Michael and Emily’s day was full of them. Was it the way he looked at her? Or how romantic the ceremony felt? Maybe it was the beautiful bridal bouquets? How about the emotion everyone in the room felt when Emily read Michael’s note?  Typically, we can each narrow it down to one, two, maybe three things that we adored however this wedding was different.

He stood there, looking out the window, trying his best not to take a peek in the mirrors around him.   Emily made her way down the Allerton Mansion grand staircase in her timeless, sweetheart wedding dress.  It felt like everyones favorite scene in Titanic. For Michael and Emily, it was better than that.  She delicately tapped him on his shoulder once she made it down the stairs. He turned around and saw his stunning bride.  They shared a moment together, Emily asking if Michael liked her hair and Michael beaming from ear to ear.  The giddy anticipation of the soon to be Mr. & Mrs. continued throughout all of their photos. When I asked Emily if she was doing alright and if she needed anything, she responded, “Nope! I am just excited to be getting married.”

Their bridal party was composed of friends, family and friends who had turned into family.  The girls wore lavender full length dresses that gave each one the ability to make it their own.  The men kept it classy and wore black tuxes with bow ties. I loved the simplicity of their suits especially when paired with the bridesmaids bouquets. Throughout the mansion, music could be heard as photos were taken and preparations were made. The music was coming from the piano in the basement. Playing that piano was the ring bearer who was only eight years old.  For him to be so young yet so talented was truly amazing.

Five o’clock came and all guests took their seats out back facing the pond.  Michael waited anxiously at the alter while Emily stood waiting for her turn to walk down the aisle.  Emily’s father gave her a big squeeze as he gave her to her Michael at the front of the ceremony. The ceremony was simple and beautiful. The bumble bees agreed and decided to occupy Emily’s bouquet.  But even the bees couldn’t get in the way of Emily and Michael’s romance as they stood in front of all of their close friends and family.  They vowed their lives to one another and shared a first kiss as husband and wife.

Florence the Machine and other favorite artists of Michael and Emily’s played throughout the reception. Michael’s best man included a touching story of how Michael told him very early on in his and Emily’s relationship that he knew she was the one. Emily’s eyes welled up in tears as her and her father shared a very special father-daughter dance together.  Michael and his mother incorporated crazy moves in the middle of their dance.  The shy little flower girl came out of her shell and boogied on the dance floor with her grandparents.  Everyone had their fair share of sweet treats like lemon bars, sugar cookies, red velvet cake and more from Pekara Bakery.

As previously mentioned, Nicole and I just couldn’t quite pinpoint what made this wedding so wonderful.  After discussing all different parts of the day, we ended with the realization that Emily and Michael were what made it that way.  This is a couple was overjoyed that it was their wedding day. They were relaxed, happy and excited to be surrounded by their loved ones celebrating.  Emily and Michael, I hope you continue making life as much fun as you did on your wedding day.  You are a beautiful couple and it was a pleasure to photograph you.

Visit here to see Michael & Emily’s engagement photos.

VENDORS –

Florist: Flowers by Kristine

Reception Music: Red Letter DJs

Dessert: Pekara Bakery

Dress: Michelle’s Bridal

Hair & Makeup: Oak Street Salon

Details: I Do Events