Life seems to take it's own path. One day you are flirting with this cute guy at a tailgate party, and the next blink of an eye you are flying by the seat of your pants with the little boys under the age of 10. Grown up. Married, and wondering when will we have time to celebrate "us" again.
    This is the story of Cedar Rapids couple Rachael and Britton. My favorite thing when they contacted me to be their wedding photographer, is that they straight up told me, "Oh yea, and we are already married." 
SAY WHAT?!
Yep.... kids, house, jobs, the works... with a court house wedding to seal the deal years before. 
But Miss lovely Rachael decided, it was time for her dream wedding to come true. 
     They had quite the time trying to get a church that was okay in letting already married couples have a full service, but landed on the St. Pauls Methodist over in Cedar Rapids. The church has AMAZING architecture. Character in their wood, and a unique semi-circle sitting area on pews. Luckliy, since I love to help with planning spots and lighting, I got to see the space with her at her conformation appointment. Sadly, the rules in the church only allowed photographers to be seated and in the back, but I think we got some gorgeous details despite the complications. 
     Her bridal party was absolutely a hoot, and we all had an extremely fun time on their afternoon party bus! I love taking in the laughs and shenanigans that besties provide for my camera. It was fun to see that even, sisters, in laws and     
     

Life seems to take it's own path. One day you are flirting with this cute guy at a tailgate party, and the next blink of an eye you are flying by the seat of your pants with the little boys under the age of 10. Grown up. Married, and wondering when will we have time to celebrate "us" again.
    This is the story of Cedar Rapids couple Rachael and Britton. My favorite thing when they contacted me to be their wedding photographer, is that they straight up told me, "Oh yea, and we are already married." 
SAY WHAT?!
Yep.... kids, house, jobs, the works... with a court house wedding to seal the deal years before. 
But Miss lovely Rachael decided, it was time for her dream wedding to come true. 
     They had quite the time trying to get a church that was okay in letting already married couples have a full service, but landed on the St. Pauls Methodist over in Cedar Rapids. The church has AMAZING architecture. Character in their wood, and a unique semi-circle sitting area on pews. Luckliy, since I love to help with planning spots and lighting, I got to see the space with her at her conformation appointment. Sadly, the rules in the church only allowed photographers to be seated and in the back, but I think we got some gorgeous details despite the complications. 
     Her bridal party was absolutely a hoot, and we all had an extremely fun time on their afternoon party bus! I love taking in the laughs and shenanigans that besties provide for my camera. It was fun to see that even, sisters, in laws and     
     

high school friends all had such a fun chemistry. We were able to cruise the country side and arrive downtown Amana Colonies to let the party begin. The Amana Colonies Festhalle Barn was super friendly, super helpful, and provided a ton of their own people for decorating too! I am a stickler on getting great lighting, AND they were so accommodating with getting enough string lights, bistro lights, and even opening the doors to get us some amazing photos to follow. {PRO TIP: I am a theater lighting designer, and director so I know the BEST tricks for gorgeous photos.} TO follow the community tradition, they were able to have Phat Daddy's Restaurant cater. OMIGOODNESS. Seriously some of the best wedding food I have ever had.  To end the evening, after some of my secret spots in the Cedar Rapids/ Amana countryside for sunset portraits...the kiddos danced on the stage, the DJ Daren Barker played a personal song for the couple and Mamma got to slow dance with her babies. A perfect ending to a dream wedding.