What’s this? A wedding on my blog? That is correct!
While I am not super active documenting weddings any longer, there will be occasions when I say YES to the WED (Get it? Like Yes to the Dress? What, keep my day-job? okay 😉)
And when are those occasions? Glad you asked.
When it’s for a friend. When it’s for a couple who really digs one another.
When it’s for a couple who want nothing more than to spend the day celebrating surrounded by their loved ones.
When it’s for a truly kick-ass couple.
Christy + Austin absolutely checked all those boxes (and more!).
They celebrated their day at The Urban Hive in Sacramento.
The space is in a historic building in the downtown area of Sac. The industrial vibes of this building bring me so much joy. I love industrial buildings being used in creative and fun ways!
Also, I want to live there. I’m sure they won’t mind.
The day was full of lots of fun moments, lots of big happy emotions, a dash of puppy love, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of Rick Rolling. Not kidding. Read on 😉
Sweet Melvin was around for some support during the getting ready and the couple’s private vows.
Melvin is Christy’s fur son. I am not going to say he’s her favorite of the couple’s four cutie pups.
But he’s also not not her favorite? I don’t know, don’t tell the others.
I love quiet moments like this.
Little snippets.
So many layers of love, anticipation, hope, beauty, excitement.
And Melvin 😉
Christy opted to do a Family First Look and I thought that was such a lovely and beautiful thing to do!
I love it when couples create moments that work for their unique worlds.
It’s their day and they truly did it 🎶 their waaaaaaay 🎶
(sorry to earworm you)
Look at this gorgeous woman! And that bouquet? Her idea. I LOVE it.
It’s like a flower purse.
A Flurse!
It was such a beautiful idea and so different from the expected.
LOVE!
Onto the First Look and Private Vows.
This was my first time documenting private vows. And I really adore this idea!
It’s a way for the coupe to have some true private time (okay with a band of paparazzi surrounding them) –
so maybe not totally private time, but private-ish.
It’s a time to have a quiet moment during what is usually a whirlwind of a day.
I love this and hope it continues!
Oh, Heeeyyyy Melvin
This is a frame that Shawn captured and I just adore it. I love Christy’s expression, happy and content.
I love the feeling of preparation this gives me. Preparing to get ready for the ceremony, the reception. For life.
I also love quirky moments and this one is perfectly timed.
I mean, can we gaze at this beauty again? Yes, we can. And that dress!
I also love it when friends are around the help the couple. I love making sure they’re present in the photos too. Because, for many, our friends are our chosen family. I love showing that bond, that connection.
I’m not into super posey posey photos, or I should say, into making couples do the super posey posey thing.
But I will always take at least one posed photo because it’s an important part of the story line.
A full-on hours long Vogue photoshoot? No, we won’t be doing that.
I’d rather have you in an environment you love or that is unique to you, and give you a more candid portrait experience.
Quick-ish, simple, and then you’re off to spend your time with your loved ones.
I mean, I’m fun to hang out with and all but, your day isn’t about me.
Or my photography.
It’s about you ❤️
Ceremony time!
Austin planned something for Christy during their ceremony vows. Do you remember what I touched on before?
It’s a huge clue 😉
Christy is realizing something is happening …
Austin begins to sing, “I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling”,
As do her guests, “Gotta make you understand”,
“Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you”
Austin Rick Rolled Christy.
And it was pretty damn epic!
That was my first ever Wedding Rick Roll!
One of the things Christy and Austin love to do together is play cribbage.
So they played a game during their cocktail hour!
The board they’re using is one that’s been in Austin’s family for some time.
I don’t know much about the game (and now I want to know more!) but this game felt pretty high-stakes!
I’m not sure exactly who won (maybe) but my guess was the winner was Melvin.
Capturing ring shots without disturbing your couple or potentially losing very pricey bling = winning!
Melvin isn’t the only winner in town 😉
Time to PARRRRTTAAAAYY!
Christy + Austin’s loved ones know how to dance. They know how to have a very good time!
That makes me happy 🙂
Ah, the last dance. I always tell couples that their last dance (if they’re opting for one) will come up real fast. Wedding days zoom by.
It may not feel like that, especially if you’re planning an 8+ hour celebration. But, somehow, in the blink of an eye, suddenly it’s almost over.
“Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere but Not a Drop to Drink … yet.”
Christy + Austin: Happy Wedding, Happy Marriage, Happy Life!
Thank you for having me there to document this chapter of your love story.
Cheers to you both!
(and to Melvin + The Pups)
❤️
