Dac met Joyce first. They both attended the same church in Wichita when Dac was in college. The same church where Joyce would meet Seth a little later. I didn't meet Joyce (although I remember hearing about her and seeing pictures, etc...) until just recently. She found out we were doing pictures and contacted me a few months ago. They had a fairly short engagement (much like ours) but hey, when you know, you know! Seth and Joyce had lots of time to get to know each other better while on a recent mission trip. How cool is that? What an awesome experience to share together.

January 8, 2011:

Seth and Joyce had very helpful groomsmen and bridesmaids... definitely among the best. The bride and groom were also very considerate though and made sure everyone had plenty of bagels, fruit, and lunch options for everyone (hey, it helps!) Seth even sent Joyce a perfect gift that morning. Starbucks!  It was her favorite drink and he got it just right. =) I, as usual, hung out with the girls in the bridal room while they were all getting ready. Hair and makeup came to them and, as you'll see, all the girls were stunning. One of the most popular questions I get asked is "is it weird/awkward to just hang out with strangers while they get dressed?" or "I bet you hear ALL kinds of things, huh?". The truth is, it can be a bit awkward at first. BUT, I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting new people and the people we work with are amazing. I could see myself being great friends with any of them! Also, let's face it. It can get pretty fun/wild/crazy in the bridal room. =) It's always a good time!

Anyway, back the wedding. It was simple and beautiful. Seth and Joyce opted for a "first sight". YAY! Once you see the pictures, I think you'll understand one of the reasons we advocate for it. It's just such a sweet moment. You'll also notice Seth was just as excited and in awe when she walked down the aisle "for real" too. Loved it! =) The ceremony was very moving. They started things off with some praise music. That atmosphere is certainly something we've missed about our college churches. I just sat in the back for a minute, closed my eyes, and soaked it in. We were very blessed by the opportunity to photograph this wedding. No doubt that God's hand was in that. They also recited very heartfelt vows to one another. It was one of the sweetest ceremony's I've witnessed.

Afterward, we headed for a couple pictures in front of the home they'll share together and under a stone gazebo where Seth proposed. Then, we headed to the reception. There was a scrumptious-looking Asian meal, with rice centerpieces and fortune cookies adorning the tables. There were also multiple flavors of cake and TONS of dancing. Oh the dancing! =) I loved that too! It was a blast.

Ok, enough of my babble and onto the pictures!  





Seth and Joyce, thank you so much for inviting us to be part of your special day. You two are such wonderful people and it was truly our pleasure to get to know you, work with you, and capture your wedding. We wish you the very best.

Here are just a few of our favorite blog shots from the past year. I look back through these and am nothing if not extremely happy that we've met and became friends with SO many amazing people just this year alone.

Can you feel the love?!

Last month we headed over to Joplin, MO for a beautiful pre-Christmas wedding. Andrea and I had exchanged some phone calls and lots of e-mails, and we had even met her sweet parents at Shannon and Shawn's wedding back in August. However, I hadn't met Andrea face to face yet, I didn't even know what she looked like! When we got to the church that morning, we started walking down a hall to find everyone. We passed a couple girls, then this smiley, energetic girl came towards us and I just knew it had to be Andrea. It was!! And I knew within a minute that I was going to reeeeeaally like this girl. =)

Sure enough! Andrea is a real go-getter and took charge of her big day. Not in a mean, bossy way at all... but rather, with assertiveness and calm. She's as nice as can be and her direction helped the day move so smoothly. When we met Ty, I thought, "what a perfect match". They just seem to "fit". He's a super nice guy too!

The ceremony was very sweet. There were lots of smiles and tears on everyone's part. Andrea's Dad sang... are you kidding me?!? How did he do that?!? It was great. The church was also beautifully decorated for Christmas. Why not take advantage of that!? Great idea.

Afterward, they had a simple, perfect reception with a homemade cookie bar (complete with adorable labels), a hot drink bar with hot chocolate, coffee, cider, and all the toppin's. (On that note, let me interject. When I hear the word "toppin's", I can't help but remember Miss Congeniality. You know the line.... no? Sandra Bullock takes pizza into the gym where all the contestants are working out. Of course, she starts digging in while the girls drooling. Miss Rhode Island sweetly says "at least scrape off the toppin's" before all the girls devour the pizza. Guess you had to be there... anyway, enough of that... back to the wedding.)

Like I was saying, the reception was the perfect winter treat! I'm so glad we got to know these two. They were wonderful to work with and so were all of their families and friends! We truly had a great time.

 

So today I come to you with my head down in shame. It's been TOO long since our last post. The holidays really set us back a bit on editing, but we're making progress and if you're waiting on pictures, thank you so much for your incredible patience!! I know how hard it is to wait.

Back in December, we headed down to my old college stomping grounds (Stillwater, OK) to shoot a wedding at a church I actually attended my first year or so there. It was our first Stillwater wedding and I couldn't have been more thrilled to be there! I hope we can do more work down there! Special thanks to a fellow OSU alum and friend, Kevin Ferstl, for sending Tanner and Kelly our way!

Due to timing, we didn't get a chance to meet with the couple before their big day. I mean sure, we talked a ton through e-mails, etc... but we didn't get to meet face to face.  That tends to make me a little nervous, but so far we've really lucked out with great couples anyway! =) Kelly and Tanner were no exception. Kelly was a SUPER laid back bride and Tanner was as friendly as could be. Their wedding party and families were also truly great. Kelly and I even got to hang out a bit back in the bride's room while everyone else was lined up to start the ceremony. I probably asked her a trillion questions but she was sweet to answer anyway. We actually have quite a bit in common... she and Tanner dated a looong time and had some long-distance thrown in there too. I'm so happy they get to be together now... I remember what a great feeling that was!

Anyway, enough rambling. Here's a few shots from their absolutely beautiful Christmas-time wedding. Enjoy!!