Serena & Andy
Had you asked me at the beginning of my photography journey if I would ever commit to a wedding, I would have said HECK NO! The stakes are too high and the brides are scary and the mothers-of-the-brides are terrifying.
I don’t know if it’s due to the current state of the world or just a different personal mindset, but I’m starting to leave space to surprise myself. I’m trying really hard to replace some “what ifs” with some “why nots.” And so, when Momma Beth called pre-pandemic to ask if I’d capture her daughter Serena’s wedding day, I said yes, and oh bless their hearts for trusting me! Serena and Andy joined the many couples to have to rearrange plans and get creative with their special day. They stayed true to their April wedding date, but made it tiny and safe, and I sent positive vibes from afar. My heart was SO happy when they contacted me a few months later to ask if I’d capture a wedding celebration instead.
This family. From the moment I arrived at this beautiful location in my own hometown of Disputanta, I felt so welcome. Look at this home/venue! Just gorgeous. I shook off my nerves pretty quickly and headed straight to the upstairs master bedroom to see the lovely bride getting ready with her momma.
I snuck away to intrude on guy time and had some pretty great memories of my own wedding photos showing a group of fellas trying to get those ties on. These are just the best. I also got to have my first peek at a very special member of the wedding party, fur-daughter Stella. Serena already told me how special this pup is, and I vowed to try my best to capture her, too. HUGE relief when I scrolled through my camera post-wedding and saw lots of clear shots of the happy gal!
Though I didn’t get to see them walk down the aisle and say their vows and share their first smooch, I was thrilled to see all the beautiful details of a wedding reception as if nothing else in the world could rain on their special day. From the gorgeous (and delicious!) cake to the personalized koozies, Serena & Andy thought of it all plus more. They got their wedding tacos. And most importantly, I think, they got out of those wedding clothes and dove right on into the pool. (Thank you, Andy, for coming back out to get cake photos in half wedding attire/half swim trunks. You’re the real MVP.) CHEERS to these two who let me boss them around for multiple shots on a HOT August afternoon. Love abounds here.
Let's pause for some of my favorite moments:
...By the way - Serena & her momma melt my heart.
... And finally, the shot that I was praying to nail! Look at this gorgeous dress change for Mrs. Matthews! Sparklers, smiling faces...so much good.
So, would I do a wedding again? A small-ish one with a family as fun as these folks? Absolutely!
