One of the hardest parts about being a wedding photographer is when your friends get engaged. Especially when they ask you to be THEIR photographer. Of course you’re flattered and honored, but part of you secretly conducts an inner struggle against the part of you that would love to only be a guest. Then of course there’s the part of you that doesn’t want to give the reins to another photographer, fearful that no matter how great they are….they’re just not good enough for your friends. Because of course we want the best for our friends and family, even if it means we have to make a sacrifice.
Within hours of getting engaged, my friend Christine asked me to be her photographer. This brought a whole lot of emotions to the forefront….excitement, doubt, fear, love, joy, etc. I was afraid maybe I wouldn’t live up to their standards…I was excited that they thought of me to ask…I was super excited that they were finally tying the knot! I wondered how I would balance being a friend and a professional. I wondered how my husband would feel, being a guest while I was working. I discussed all of these feelings with her, because we’re open like that. We came to an awesome compromise…I would work up until the reception, at which point I would become a “guest” and pass the reins to my super amazing assistant, Tessie, who is a terrific photographer in her own right. This seemed to be the perfect solution but proved to be somewhat useless LOL because I don’t know how NOT to be a photographer. I couldn’t abandon my camera the entire night, but I did manage to get some drinking, er, dancing in. 
Christine and Jason are dear friends of ours. I’ve said this before. They are genuinely awesome people and role models for how a relationship should be. They give and take so eloquently. They are somehow able to lead separate lives while still being completely entwined together. (Ahem, case in point…a 9 hour Black Friday shopping trip with yours truly didn’t even ruffle Jason’s feathers!) Their “fights” are even cute. It’s kind of sickening, actually. LOL All kidding aside, we love them and it was truly my pleasure to be the one to not only preserve their memories, but also help create some with them too.
A few details…
Christine’s dress was beautifully simple, which reflects her day-to-day style.
I’m a sucker for the shoe shots so I posted two cuz I couldn’t decide!
I adore black magic roses! They really add dimension to a bouquet of all red roses.
Christine started the day at her parents’ house for hair and makeup.
Oh the beautifying process us women endure. Men – be appreciative.
Christine and I took a trip to MAC weeks before her wedding, where we both spent entirely too much money and learned how to do our own makeup. She did an awesome job though! (and we’ve become quite the addicts ever since LOL)
We had to sort of bustle her veil for the trek up to the University & Whist Club.
Finishing touches…
The very excited and anxious bride. I can’t believe she even sat still for these photos, as anxious as she was to see Jason!
Gawgeous!
Classic Glamour and Beauty. I heart this photo.
J&C opted to meet before the ceremony in order to knock out most of their photos beforehand. I LOVE doing a first look! I don’t think they could have waited until the ceremony anyway…they were both so anxious to see each other!
Jason waited at the bottom of the staircase as Christine came down the stairs and threw her arms around him.
Such sweet moments!
A quick portrait on our way outside…
Look how incredibly handsome he is!! I love the all black tux with the red tie. Really pops in photos!
I see how it is, Jason. I’m just the hired hand…go ahead and stick your nose up at me. It’s ok. 
J/k! Tessie grabbed this shot of me adjusting Jason’s bout. I think I end up doing this at every wedding LOL.
Again….LOVE the black and red.
Freakin awesome shot of Jason that Tessie got.
A little American Gothic…(that they could barely keep straight faces for!)
All smiles.
I suppose a fire escape is not your ordinary spot for wedding photos, but you know me…finding inspiration in strange places! I love how it turned out!
As we were waiting for the ceremony to start, I stopped to chat with some of our friends as they were arriving. Happened to get a nice pic of this pretty lady and her hubby. Some of you may recognize Christy as the other fabulous photographer who shoots with me at some weddings. Her and Tessie rock and they are my two main assistant shooters.
The ceremony was BE-A-UTIFUL! Love the arch, and normally I’m not such a fan of arches.
It was so stinkin cute how he was lookin at her during the ceremony.
I cried. I admit it. I’m a sap. Couldn’t help it. It just happened. Out of nowhere the eyes started tearing up….dammit! Thank God for hiding behind the camera!
Jason’s Uncle Fritz performed the ceremony, making it very personal and unique.
Being that Christine speaks fluent German (and teaches it and translates it for a living) they incorporated some into the ceremony. I guess only they will know what in the world was so funny! I could barely keep from laughing at how hard THEY were laughing!
The New Mr. & Mrs. !!
A couple first dance shots…
Ok ok…YES. I danced. I love dancing. I was very torn between holding a camera and shaking my booty. It was quite the dilemma! Thankfully Tessie rocks and could totally hold her own so I did put the camera down for a bit. (even though I was supposed to abandon it for the rest of the evening!) Here’s proof. I even changed into a dress! Happy?
Matt & Derek rocked out.
As did Jason.
And well…Chris & Matt had fun. Let’s just put it that way. This is the LEAST incriminating photo of these two….I’ll leave it at that. hehe
and for kicks…here’s a shot of me and Marc. (aka M&M) and yes…in case you’re wondering – cuz I KNOW you are – I had kicked back just a few Amaretto Sours by this point and was quite happy.
I can’t even believe you guys are finally married! It’s so awesome! Thank you so much for entrusting Tessie and I with your memories and for including us in your day. Oh and thanks for playing Sexyback for me at the reception.
My bad. So I’m going to finish that one and then I also have to post up pix from today’s Joe Biden rally! So stay tuned….lots of good stuff coming this weekend.