Bride + Groom portraits are my favorite time to be around a couple on their wedding day. It’s just the two of them walking, hugging, swaying and soaking in every single emotion that the day brings!
Before the ceremony, it’s a lot of nerves about the ceremony combined with a relief of seeing each other finally, plus a huge dollop of excitement to get married and spend the rest of their lives together.
After the ceremony, the emotions are a bit more relaxed and carefree, with a huge wave of WE’RE MARRIED!! Finally!!!
This year, I photographed a few more elopements than I have previously, and I loved how there was so little stress and so much time to wander and soak in those ‘wedding day feels!’
Side note: this years brides + grooms all wore something that made them feel comfortable and confident and it TOTALLY showed in the way they carried themselves all day. Shoes are probably the biggest factor in killing your comfort level on a wedding day, and I was thrilled to see so many grooms wearing their own shoes instead of rentals, and lots of brides opting for a comfy pair to slip into for walking around for photos and dancing. 
Evan + Megan’s fall wedding day was overcast and cold and drizzly all morning and afternoon. When we walked out of the church after their ceremony, the SUN WAS SHINING and I couldn’t help but put a bit of sun flare in most of their post-ceremony photos because look how warm and cozy they look! They literally have that ‘just married glow.’ :-D
When I ask couples to ‘do a little dance’ during portraits, it rarely turns out like this – but this is totally Jayson + Jordyn’s personalities! I love how simple directions can yield such different results from each and every couple!
Still awe-struck over the spontaneous snowfall on Matt + Ashley’s wedding day. And his grandpa’s car. Coolest, chic-est wedding of 2017 right there!
I’d like to interrupt these sweet, fun-loving couples to introduce you to a few wedding parties – the people that surround the bride and groom with support and big laughs. As much as I love elopements, I also love seeing couples’ personalities mirrored and multiplied in their closest friends.
Okay, back to the snuggles for a bit! ;-) I still can’t get over the view from Evan’s parents’ back yard! Their ceremony was one in a million.
Alright, alright, Chris + Kelsey’s view was pretty spectacular, too! I love that you can see the ‘aisle’ she walked up, and their family and friends were scattered along the rocks on either side for the ceremony. The most natural outdoor spot to get married!
Silhouettes are always a fun image to grab, but the birds flying past in this one make it a favorite!!
Does it get any better than being carried off into the sunset on your wedding day?!
And now for a little preview of the next ‘best of 2017’ post – MOMENTS!! The candid, unscripted events as well as outtakes are the heart of every wedding. Sure, portraits are lovely, but these photos are what bring all those great memories come flooding back year after year!!
First look feels:
Ceremony love:
Reception magic:
Ashley’s dad shaking her newly-minted-husband’s hand as they switch from ‘first dance’ to ‘father-daughter dance’ – I can’t believe I wasn’t crying throughout this whole wedding dance (probably because all the tears dried up half-way through the first dance). ;-)
Ok, never mind, crying again now. Love this family SO MUCH!!!
If you enjoyed my favorite portraits from this year, plus the sneak peek of candids, be sure to check back next week for the full ‘best of 2017 MOMENTS’ recap! :-)