Ah, Jessica & Anthony. Definitely one of my favorite couples ! I said it when sharing their sneak peek on my FB page and I’ll say it again here, their wedding was the perfect start to my 2014 wedding season!
I started at the church where the ladies were getting ready. No one else had arrived so I grab Jessica’s bridal “details” and toured the church until I found the perfect light – a stairwell of all places!
Jessica’s bouquet was 100% family heirloom brooches and pins! It was the most unique, most beautiful, and definitely heaviest bouquet I’ve ever worked with. In my opinion – totally worth it! And the prize for most personal touch to a wedding ceremony also goes to Jessica & Anthony, who are both United Methodist pastors. They commissioned a handmade communion plate and cup with which they served communion to their guests during the ceremony!
On to Jessica’s bridals, which I could have shot for hours instead of the 15 minutes I allotted in their timeline. She was such a gorgeous bride! Quick note: the cross bathed in baby’s breath is actually apart of the church’s decoration for Lent and Easter Time. Bonus!
The traditional bridal portrait in front of the church is certainly beautiful (see above) but can be dangerous for the photographer who’s standing in the middle of the road for the shot š The following is bound to happen at least once!
Anthony, thank you SO much for being such an awesome groom and reacting the way you did when you first saw Jessica during your First Look! It’s priceless!
Love these two!!!
We took a small field trip to a neighboring churchyard for two reasons, 1) it’s a beautiful yard and 2) God gave Jessica & Anthony one of the best spring days we’ve had prior and since so it was a tad bright outside when we were shooting wedding party portraits – the yard provided great shade!
One thing worth noting about this church is that they allow open flame candles. I understand why most churches don’t but it’s still nice when you stubble upon one that does. It adds a romantic element that can’t be substituted.
Instead of a ring bearer, they opted for a bell ringer! I imagine it was much more fun for him to clang those bells all the way down the aisle instead of holding a pillow š
And finally, it was time…
The image below is a perfect example on how First Looks do not take away from the traditional reveal… Even though Anthony had already spent a couple hours with his bride, it still took his breath away to see her walking down that aisle during the ceremony!
One of my favorite things to watch during the ceremony when I’m a guest (AND when I’m the photographer!) is the groom’s face when he sees his bride. I know I’m not the only one! And look, his mother (and guests) were still able to see and feel that moment!
My second favorite image of the night: I caught them sniffling at the same time! Too precious!
Then, there was the communion! The pastor who presided over the wedding first broke the bread and served Jessica & Anthony…
And Jessica & Anthony served their wedding party and guests. It was incredible to see such an selfless act by the bride and groom during their own day.
Married! Jessica fist-pumps the air with bouquet in hand!
The food was amazing! My mom (second shooter for the day) was periodically sneaking back to the kitchen while guests were eating to refill her plate. I couldn’t blame her!
Jessica & Anthony, thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for including me in your special day!
Ceremony & Reception | Broadway United Methodist Church
Florist | Mother of the Bride
Catering | Artisan Kitchen
Cupcakes | Artisan Kitchen
Stationary | Wedding Paper Divas
Hair & Make Up | Pur Bliss
Bridal Gown | Anne’s Bridals
Bridesmaids dresses | Alfred Angelo
Tuxes | Men’s Wearhouse
