I’m an emotional person. I cry when I’m sad, I cry when I’m mad, and I cry tears of happiness from laughing so hard. I’ve accepted it. But when we’re shooting, I’m in the zone. There’s usually no time to get emotional because I’m so focused on making sure we document our clients’ day down to every detail and ensuring that we don’t miss a thing.
But it was different with Mary & Chet’s wedding at Elon University. I was still focused and documented the day throroughly, but there were quite a few times that I needed to get ahold of myself and re-focus because I was overwhelmed by emotions! It was because every single thing about their day was genuine and sincere. Just standing back and watching the look of sincere happiness on everyone’s face was incredibly beautiful.
The day was a clear, sunny mid-June afternoon that was, luckily, accompanied by a warm summer breeze. It was the perfect day for a Southern summer wedding.
The girls enjoyed lemonade and fresh berries as a pre-ceremony snack.
While Mary’s only bridesmaid was her sister, she was surrounded by friends and family while getting ready at The Holland House on Elon’s campus.
She had a beautiful purple and white bouquet done by Robert Wade.
Mary’s father waited patiently for her to finish getting ready so she could pin on his boutonniere.
The bride-to-be and her father practicing their father-daughter dance. (And then I got emotional.)
Mary’s grandfather and brother-in-law relaxed and enjoyed themselves in the next room while Mary finished getting ready.
I love both of these shots below. Left is the shot I was taking, then I looked up and was moved by the expression of happiness on Mary’s friend’s face after taking a photo with her iphone to send to one of their friends who couldn’t make it to the wedding.
Meanwhile, Chet and his family were finishing getting ready at Holt Chapel on the Elon University campus.
Chet and his groomsman had played golf earlier in the day and continued to chip on the putting green prior to the ceremony.
When we shoot, Higs usually goes with the guys while I stay with the girls. As I was looking through all of our images (which I sorted by the time the photograph was taken), I realized that the two shots below were taken only seconds apart. I love that their happiness is equally evident at almost the exact same moment.
I love this shot of Mary, her sister and her mom making their way to Holt Chapel for the ceremony.
Mary and her father waiting patiently to walk down the aisle.
Higs always tries to capture the groom’s reaction when he sees his bride for the first time, but that ninja-husband of mine was so quick that he turned around and got the expression on Mary’s face as well. They’re so sweet!
One of the things I love, love, loved about their ceremony was that it started off by Mary & Chet facing their guests and thanking them for celebrating such an important day in their lives.
They continued to stand facing their guests throughout the ceremony while the speakers stood off to the right. It was wonderful to be able to see their faces and expressions throughout the ceremony.
Just married and walking happily ever after down the aisle!
Stay tuned for part two of Mary & Chet’s Elon University Wedding, which will include their “Just Married” session, as well as reception images!
