I met Jessi last spring through her coordinator, and immediately knew we were a great match for her Warren Conference Center wedding. Jessi and Mike were fantastic to work with, trusting me to know the grounds and capture their adventurous, outdoor-loving personalities.
Before we got to the portraits, both bride and groom had their respective getting ready rooms in the North Lodge bustling with friends and activity. Check out Mike’s custom-made suit! Complete with stunning details like the wedding date sewn in the collar, and his name inside the lapel. An incredibly special touch to the day.
Then I borrowed the rings for a few moments. Looked around to find something to put them on or against, and found these hand-written vows on the end table. You amaze me. Those three words jumped out at me off the page. How sweet is that phrase? You amaze me.
Then it was back to the bride’s suite. It was absolutely bustling with people! Love the energy that friends from all walks of life bring in to a room on a wedding day. The mother of the bride is sitting on the bed – I love the way she is looking at her daughter.
After the dress was on, the mother of the bride took a moment to not only put on her daughter’s jewelry, but say out loud who each piece was from. Generations of women in the family had owned and worn those same bracelets. Like any good collage, the different designs looked incredible when all together.
Next we gathered inside to witness the signing of the ketubah. Each parent gave a heartfelt few sentences to the newlyweds before their marriage was official.
The way Mike looked at Jessi during the ceremony may have been my favorite thing about the day. Absolutely the sweetest thing to watch as they circled each other seven times, following Jewish tradition.
After the ceremony, it was a quick golf cart ride to the lake for a few photos of the bride and groom.
First thing to happen at the reception? An energetic, horah, of course! This image hit me in the gut when I saw it. The dance always moves so fast that photographer set up their shots, but you aren’t really sure what you get until later. I know I focused on grandma’s face for these, and tried to get hands framing her. Later I realized the hands were of both mothers. And all of those repeating hands in the background. This image is an instant favorite!
Every Warren Conference Center wedding is fabulous, but the balcony that sticks half way onto the dance floor worked particularly well for this shot. I did influence it, planning before the dance and asking the bride and groom to look up at me once they got on the chairs. I love their expressions and that this shot worked out just like I had planned! And YES, I can get the shot above and the shot below with one photographer 🙂
By comparison to all of the adults having a blast, this kiddo was ready for bed. Kids and weddings always create funny moments!
Finally, it was outside for some quiet nighttime portraits.
Such a treat to work with Jessi, Mike, and the entire staff on property for this Warren Conference Center wedding!
