ALMOST FANTASY

I’m sure this will be the absolute longest blog post ever. It’s quite common for me to stop mid-editing and feel a rush of gratitude for how blessed I am to be here, at home, on my own computer editing some of the most beautiful images in the world — images of real, human, personal love and commitment. What is a little less common however, is the amount of times I stopped while editing Rebecca and Dennis’ wedding to mentally (and sometimes verbally — though no one was there) exclaim “They are SOOOO cute!!!!” I literally could not stop being impressed by their love, compassion, and devotion; combined with their obvious gratitude and anticipation at starting a till-death-do-us-part life together. So here is, like, a bajillion images, since I couldn’t pick just a few, so you all can share with me the “Oh my gosh, CUTENESS!” that every witness experienced that day. Love is so precious.
First – getting ready at Serenity Spa and Salon (Saginaw, MI). This was Mom’s FIRST up-do. It was awesome to see how excited she was! (Both for the up-do and for the anticipation of the wedding event).

















Serenity did a wonderful job of staying within schedule. By the time every one was ready, we even had a few extra minutes for “girl time”! My favorite part about this… Rebecca was mic’d (we were doing video for her as well), so all the fun and laughter is recorded as well!



Meanwhile, my teammate, Rachael was at St John Vianney’s Catholic Church capturing all the untouched details. Note Rachael was using a “tilt-shift” lens. Tilt shift is a special kind of art lens that allows the artist to selectively blur bits of the composition. This creates an unmistakable focal point, which is soothing to the eye and good for the soul. Notice how she kept the shift on the native focal point (the place which your eye would have been drawn regardless)? This type of photography can also mimic the way our human eyes take in the world. (Like when you focus on a near object and all the distant and peripheral objects are naturally blurred). It’s kind of fun!



And yes, inside the church – this was happening…
These guys were so sweet. Often, the men don’t arrive until the very last second. (They know they just have to “get dressed”). But Dennis’ guys were present and good humored an hour and a half before the ceremony (albeit they did bring games). Hey! It counts!

Here is Rebecca’s gorgeous dress… a Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner (#1915 – Venice Lace Appliques on Tulle over Chantilly Lace), purchased at Becker’s Bridal in Fowler, Michigan.


She had gorgeous shoes and details…

And her flowers were from Austin’s in Freeland, Michigan…

Aren’t these rings lovely! The snowflakes!!! Yay!





There was a quiet moment, where Rebecca got quite serious. …the prelude music had started. She wanted to be able to hear it, and really be present. It’s here… her wedding day!!!

Yay!!!

Dad came to meet her in preparation of walking her down the aisle, and we had time to take a quick portrait of Dad with both daughters, all ready to go!




Rebecca wanted me to make sure I was watching Dennis’ face. It didn’t take me long to see why. He was the picture of calm until the first glimpse of his bride.

Actually, Dad was having trouble holding it together too!









The ceremony was a nestled within a full mass – traditional for Catholic weddings. I was honored and humbled to be allowed to photograph both the sacrament of Marriage, and the sacrament of Holy Communion, tendered by a priest who was truly full of grace.





In the contemplative time after communion, the looks of love and pride could melt anyone’s heart. They are sweetness itself!



In a joyful finale, they are married! Congratulations, friends! That was SUCH a beautiful wedding!





We took a trolley to the reception at the Hellenic Banquet Center.




I love how random strangers were showering them with goodwill!


The decorations were STUNNING!



And Dad’s toast made everyone cry. He gave a rose to Mom, and to each of his daughters, and a tiny teddy bear to Rebecca to let her know, that even though he gave her away, she will always be his priceless little girl.



I love first dances!!!





And father/daughter mother/son dances too!



Aren’t the mom’s dresses lovely, by the way? They were purchased at Lola’s Bridal Boutique in Saginaw, along with the bridesmaids’ gowns.















Friends and family were exceptionally supportive, allowing them to be “alone in a crowd” in the most romantic way possible.







The evening ended with a finale – “New York, New York” as the newlyweds will be spending their honeymoon in that glorious metropolis. Happy Winter Wedding Rebecca and Dennis! May you have a long life of love and friendship forever!

(D.J. provided by Rusch Entertainment!)