Bethany's wedding started at the beautiful bridal suite at Venue 54 in Delmar, MD. The spacious room is perfect for the bridal party to get ready while also enjoying some drinks and food. Bethany was so excited for the day to start, that she even applied her make-up on while waiting for her bridesmaids to finish with theirs.
Guys Get to Have Fun
But, have you ever noticed the difference in how men and women prepare for weddings? It's a funny thing! The ladies usually arrive early to get pampered with hair and makeup and make sure everything is perfect before the guests arrive. Meanwhile, the guys show up about an hour before the ceremony, get dressed quickly, and seem to be the life of the party with no cares in the world.
So Many Favorite Moments
One of my favorite moments to capture as a wedding photographer is when the bride makes her grand entrance and walks down the aisle. It's a magical and emotional moment that marks the culmination of all the planning, decision-making, and anticipation that has led up to this very moment. From the joy and excitement in the groom's eyes to the tears of happiness in the mother of the bride's face, it's a moment that's full of so much emotion and meaning.
But, as a photographer, I also love to capture the couple's first dance. When they're out on the dance floor, it's as if they're in their
own little world lost in the moment together.
It's a beautiful sight to behold, especially if the couple is skilled at dancing and can make their moves look effortless.
The Bond Between Mother and Daughter
That being said, there's something particularly special about the moments shared between a mother and her daughter just before the bride walks down the aisle. It's a time for them to reflect on the journey they've been on together and to share a special moment before the bride takes her next big step in life. As a photographer, it's these intimate and heartfelt moments that I love to capture the most.
Getting Some Time Alone With the Bride
On the day of Bethany's wedding with Chris, we made sure to take some time to capture some beautiful moments of the bride-to-be with her bridesmaids and close family members. As a photographer, I always recommend taking these photos before the ceremony. Not only does it give us the chance to capture the joy and excitement of the wedding party before the ceremony, but it also ensures that the bride and groom can enjoy time with their guests during the reception.
The photo session was a relaxed and enjoyable experience, with everyone in high spirits and looking their best. We captured the natural moments of laughter, tenderness, and joy that will be treasured for years to come. From the proud look on Bethany's mother's face to the happy tears in her sister's eyes, every emotion was captured and immortalized in these photos.
After the ceremony, we were able to focus solely on the bride and groom and capture some beautiful moments of them together in stunning locations. The result was a set of photos that truly captured the essence of this wonderful day.
The Ceremony
Bethany took the first steps down the aisle to meet her love, Chris on her own. And then, together, they walked the remaining distance towards their new life. This moment truly captures the essence of their beautiful journey as a couple so far. They have learned that they are better together and that they can conquer anything as a team.
Your officiant must get to know you and your partner well before the big day. That way, they can create a ceremony that's perfectly tailored to your unique personalities and preferences. You could also consider having a close friend officiate - after all, they know you better than anyone! Take Bethany and Chris, for example. They wanted their ceremony to be lighthearted and full of laughter, with lots of funny stories about their relationship. Everyone had a blast, and Chris was thrilled with how everything turned out. It just goes to show that a personalized ceremony can make all the difference in making your special day unforgettable!
Uniquely Chris and Bethany
Chris and Bethany were beaming with love and happiness as they made their way down the aisle after becoming husband and wife. They took a moment to recreate a photo from their engagement shoot, which turned out to be an amazing idea and such a perfect moment to capture.
As they were leaving the ceremony area, they noticed two cold beer cans waiting for them. Without any hesitation, they opened them up and chugged them in sync, with huge smiles on their faces. It was such a fun and light-hearted moment that perfectly reflected their personalities. They even tossed the empty cans behind them with a laugh and continued on their way.
I know that some people may have found their actions to be a little unconventional, but I thought it was such a perfect way for Chris and Bethany to celebrate their special moment. It was a moment of pure happiness and joy, and I'm so grateful to have been a part of it.
Family Photos
As the ceremony came to an end, the guests and family members started gathering by the barn. Being a photographer, I couldn't resist capturing the candid moments that were unfolding before my eyes. The atmosphere was electric, and everyone was bubbling with excitement and joy. The newlyweds were in their own world, smiling from ear to ear, and I couldn't help but feel happy for them. The energy was palpable, and I knew I had to document it through my lens.
Despite the chilly weather, we were determined to capture the moments that would be cherished for years to come. Intending to get most of the photographs done, we strategically planned the session so that our guests could start heading inside to the warmth of the indoors.
Time With the Couple
After capturing the group photographs, I escorted Bethany and Chris for a stroll around the lush green grounds to capture some intimate shots of the newlyweds. This is one of the most treasured moments of the day that I always look forward to, as it provides an opportunity to capture the couple's love and connection in a serene environment. Unfortunately, weddings are often fast-paced, and I often wish we could spend more time on this part of the shoot. Nevertheless, we make every second count to ensure that we deliver timeless memories to the couple that they can cherish forever.
Party, Party, Party
The couple decided to skip the traditional cake-cutting ceremony. After introducing the wedding party to the guests, Bethany and Chris went straight into their first dance. Dinner was served soon after. Once dinner was over, everyone was invited to hit the dance floor and the party started in full swing.
I felt honored to be a part of this amazing wedding! It was filled with love and the couple's unique personalities shone through in every detail of their special day. They stayed true to themselves and their vision of the perfect wedding, making it an unforgettable experience.
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Bethany's dress was purchased at Downtown Bridal
Caterer: Mission Barbeque
Venue: Venue 54