Now that our wedding season has come to a close, I thought it’d be fun to love on my 2019 couples one more time with superlatives! I love each of our couples so much and was so honored to be by each of their sides on their wedding days, so this is all in good fun. 🙂 Friendly warning that this will be a LONG post, but keep on reading to see my favorite aspects of each wedding in 2019!
1. Favorite Ceremony Location: Brittany & Chris
This ceremony location is so simple, and that’s exactly what makes it so amazing! Brittany and Chris were married at Bliss at the Barn, on a rolling hill at the edge of a forest. The sun hits this location at the perfect angle in the afternoon, and I love how they pop off the background thanks to the treeline in the distance.
2. Favorite Reception Venue: Emily & Bobby
These two were married at Weatherly Farm, which is hands down one of my favorite venues in southern Maryland! From a photographer’s perspective, the reception pavilion is the best of both worlds. It’s fully covered so that you’re protected in inclement weather, yet the sides are open, allowing beautiful natural light to pour in. Add in those stunning chandeliers, tall arched ceilings, and beautiful stone fireplace, and it’s just a dream!
3. Rowdiest Groomsmen: Aili & Tom
These guys were so. much. fun! They kept Leigh and I laughing all day long. Tom and his groomsmen are all firefighters, and they were the definition of work hard, play hard! I love it when couples and their friends feel comfortable enough to just be themselves around me – even if it means we end up taking a little more time to take silly portraits of the groom and his guys!
4. Best First Look: Abby & Mike
You all know how much I love first looks, but this was one of my favorites ever! Mike took his job of staying turned around VERY seriously. Abby called his name and he was like, “is this a trick? Am I really supposed to turn around now?” and we all just died laughing! And then this sweet moment happened when he saw her, and I’m pretty sure I melted into a puddle. So, so sweet!
5. Favorite Special Dance: Michelle & Bill
Michelle and Bill had a fun surprise up their sleeves for their guests: Bill’s sister sang during their reception! She’s crazy talented, and it made for such a special moment on the dance floor. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house!
6. Cutest Bridal Party Member: Amanda & Patrick
Okay future AWP couples, take note … this superlative can be easily won by having your DOG as your flower girl!!! That’s exactly what Amanda and Patrick did, and it was so adorable. Sophie was a total ham for the camera, too!
7. Funniest Moment: Lindsay & Chris
Lindsay and Chris both have a great sense of humor, but Lindsay really stepped it up on their wedding day! She teamed up with one of Chris’ closest friends, Steven, to plan a fake first look. Chris would be turned around, thinking that Lindsay was about to come up and tap him on the shoulder … except when he turned around, it was Steven in a wedding dress! Talk about taking the tension out of a moment! The couple had a real first look a few moments later, at which point Chris told Lindsay, “you look so much better than Steve!”
8. Favorite Vows: Kati & Jesse
Jesse totally fell apart when Kati walked down the aisle. It was honestly so powerful, you could actually hear the sniffles and see tissues being passed amongst the guests. Even we vendors were tearing up! However, nothing could’ve prepared us for they had written to each other. I can’t possibly do it justice with words, so head to THIS LINK for the highlight video to hear it for yourself!
9. Best Groom Nuzzle: Savanah & Ryan
If you’ve been photographed by me before, chances are your guy knows EXACTLY what “the nuzzle” is! Not everyone can nail the nuzzle on the first try, but Ryan is SO dang good at it. He just loved loving on his bride, and it showed for every second of portrait time during their engagement session and the wedding day! If I could hire Ryan to come show future grooms how to nuzzle, I totally would!
10. Favorite Ceremony Moment: Allison & Michael
This was one of those quiet moments that just takes my breath away once you know the story behind it. Michael’s dad passed away just a few months before the wedding, so naturally, the day of was filled with emotion. Allison and Michael saved a chair in remembrance of his dad right next to his mom, pictured here. I can only imagine the bittersweet emotions she was feeling in this moment, missing her husband while watching her son’s wedding.
11. Favorite Veil Shot: Amanda & Patrick
If there’s one piece of fashion advice I can give to brides, it’s to wear a veil! It doesn’t have to be anything ornate. My favorite is one just like Amanda’s: dramatically long, off-white in color, and free of beading so that it’ll float in the breeze like this!
12. Best Reception Entrance: Abby & Mike
Entrances are such a fun way for couples to show their personality, and Abby and Mike’s was one to remember! These two are hilarious and this moment was totally epic.
13. Favorite Food: Brittany & Chris
If you’ve been around for awhile, you know how much I love Mexican cuisine! So yes, an authentic taco bar will 100% win the “best food” category for me!
14. Most Epic Dance-Off: Michelle & Bill
If you’re out with Michelle and Bill, I suggest you clear the dance floor when Nsync comes on! Bye Bye Bye is their JAM and this was such a fantastic moment during their reception.
15. Favorite First Dance: Savanah & Ryan
This is another great example of how emotion and simplicity can make such an impact at a wedding. I just love these portraits from Savanah and Ryan’s first dance – the twinkle lights, their guests and wedding party surrounding them, the way they’re totally lost in the moment. Pure magic.
16. Most Unique Color Palette: Kati & Jesse
Kati wanted a winter wedding that didn’t feel too Christmassy, and she totally nailed it with this color palette! The bridesmaids wore wine colored dresses, and the florals had pops of vibrant berry, blush pink, and greenery. It all paired beautifully with the guys’ navy blue tuxes for a look that was refreshing and gorgeous!
17. Favorite Dad & Daughter First Look: Emily & Bobby
This was one of my favorite moments from Emily and Bobby’s wedding day, and it almost didn’t happen! Emily really wanted to have a special moment with her dad, but he unexpectedly came around a corner just a moment too soon and almost saw Emily before it was time. Fortunately we were able to shove Emily into a corner (sorry girl!) and block his view, so that this moment could happen. Totally worth it!
18. Most Packed Dance Floor: Allison & Michael
Allison and Michael’s reception was SO fun! The dance floor was packed all night long, at all ages. The beautiful lighting at Sylvanside Farm and their DJ really took it to the next level for these guests!
19. Favorite Florals: Lindsay & Chris
This bouquet by Little House of Flowers was absolutely STUNNING! I’m such a sucker for anemones, but paired with blush peonies and white roses? I was in HEAVEN. So, so pretty!
20. Favorite Dress: Aili & Tom
This was a tough choice because all of my brides are beautiful, but Aili’s dress by BHLDN takes the cake! Not only was the silhouette perfect for her, the vintage lace detailing was perfect for their venue, the historic Rosemont Manor. It was so different, yet classic and timeless – just like Aili!
That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this recap from our 2019 wedding season. If you’d like to chat about having me photograph your wedding, let’s chat! We’re nearly fully booked for 2020, with 2021 filling as well!
