Chris and Colleen said their "I do's" at Timothy's Restaurant Bar and Grill. You probably won't be surprised, that the wedding, like so many in the past year was rescheduled several times. My hat is off to all the couples who stay determined to have their wedding.
It's All About The Attitude
Collen and Chris are such an example. And after I got to know them better, I am not surprised. They make an awesome couple. The first thing you notice when you meet Collen is that she is nothing but sunshine. She simply glows. That's it. That is the best way to describe her. I think her mantra is: "Everything will be beautiful and perfect, nothing will come between me and my joy."
All That Matters Is Marrying Chris
This is exactly how she was on her wedding day. It was truly glorious to watch how grounded she was. I told her that she didn't look nervous at all, and she replied with a big smiling face: "Why would I? After the year we all had, after the friends and family we lost, we are here, we made it, we are the lucky ones. There is nothing this day can bring but joy and happiness. If the cake falls, so what it will still be delicious. If the DJ gets sick and can't make it, someone will have a playlist on their phone we can party to. You are already here, so I don't have to worry about the photographer. This day is already perfect! I can't wait to marry Chris!"
If Change They Way We Look At Things...
With this kind of attitude, nothing can go wrong. It made me realize that our reality is shaped in many ways by the way we look at things.
Timothy's Riverfront Grill, Is Where Its At
Chris' and Colleen's wedding changed form and shape over the month and ended up being very non-traditional to fit the moment. Timothy's Riverfront Grill has a nice size room for a small reception and outside dining is available as well. However, there is no room for the ceremony to take place on the premises. So Chris and Colleen got permission to build a small Ceremony stage by the river. Problem solved.
Since the wedding was going to be small and intimate both Chris and Colleen wanted to mingle with the guest before the ceremony.
"Everyone attending is so incredibly dear to our hearts that it just feels right to spend time with everyone before the ceremony."
It just made sense and from a photographer's point of view, it made even more sense. It gave me a chance to just stand back and let it all unfold in front of me.
Taking Care Of Things
When I first met Colleen it quickly became clear that she is a woman who is used to taken charge and taking care of things the right way. Her wedding day proved to be no different. Just minutes before she was to walk down the aisle, she realized that the speakers were not working and before anyone knew what was going on she was off to find a solution to the problem. My kind of woman.
The Master Of Ceremony
The ceremony was short and sweet with a friend taking over the officiant ceremonies. I love when a wedding is officiated by someone close to the bride and groom, because they can speak from the heart about the couple. Also because they are often not used to public speaking and goof-ups make for great photo moments.
Proud Pappa
The most touching moment of the ceremony came when Chris made a special promise to Colleen's daughter. I have photographed many weddings where blended families come together, but this was the first time a step-parent made a point to include his partner's offspring in the ceremony. Well done, Chris, well done.
More Time For Photographs
After the ceremony, we had a chance to take more photos on the riverfront and then we went inside for food and dancing.
Just like Colleen predicted the day was filled with love and laughter and everything turned out to be perfect.
I am so grateful to have met these wonderful people to have been part of the sweetest day.
To see more of Colleen and Chris' wedding just cruise to this page:Â Collen and Chris
If you have made it this far, Thank you!!! If you want to see more of my photography, please visit here: Wedding Portfolio for engagement photos click here:  Engagement Portfolio