I don’t shoot too many traditional Catholic ceremonies, but I’ve always loved this classic shot of the bride and groom kneeling at the altar. There’s just something about the beauty and grandeur of a big Catholic wedding. Not to mention the churches are usually stunning (this one is St. Anne’s here in Vegas). And the parties that follow are always a hoot. ;)
I often photograph my clients after their chapel weddings – perhaps they’ve been roped into thinking that they can’t have their own photographer at their ceremony (which is sometimes true – ask me if you need to find a venue that will let you bring me along!). Usually, they’ll tie the knot and then we’ll meet somewhere fabulous for a two hour photo shoot (or more!) that embodies the spirit of their day. These shoots are a total blast for me – the pressure of the day is off, and we can kick back and have a ton of fun.
This time was a bit different. Lucas and Kelly traveled to me from Australia, where they had been married in December. Kelly didn’t love their wedding photos, which is one of the saddest things a bride can tell me about their wedding day. Lucas planned this shoot out as a honeymoon gift to Kelly, from start to finish – hair, makeup, you name it. She was so surprised, but so excited to create some amazing images together. I always work hard for my couples, and I wanted Kelly to take away an amazing experience from the day.
We spent an hour at the Arts District, and an hour on the Strip, and I was sad to see them go. They had such great chemistry, such an aura of love between them – as newlyweds should!
We hit Bellagio just before dusk and got some incredible shots that are some of my recent favorites. As many years as I’ve been doing this, I love that I always come away with something different for everyone. I can shoot the same place 5 days a week, with 5 different couples, and come away with 5 completely different shoots. If there’s one thing my job isn’t, it’s boring.
I hope your honeymoon was everything you ever wanted – and that you’ll cherish these images forever! Hugs to you both down under!
Shooting from above has become a current favorite of mine, especially when there are stairs involved. The renovated Terrace Suites at MGM are perfect for intimate affairs, and this suite was no exception. I loved the angle looking down on them, surrounded by glass and white and gold. With just a hint of red shoe. Perfect.
Sometimes all you need is a wall. I love huge, dramatic locations just as much as the next girl, but sometimes all you need is a simple wall. This moment is just about you, and nothing else. You’re lost in time, can’t quite wrap your head around the fact that you’re married.
So you lean your weight against the wall, still warm from the afternoon sun. You lean into your partner, you let go. And all you need is that wall. To hold you up and let you sink deeper into the moment.
And it makes for a pretty killer image while you’re at it.
This is the look I get when my brides and grooms are having a good time. I know it well. It’s the genuine laugh from the lovely lady on the right and the feeling of ‘hey, I’m doing it, and it’s actually kinda fun’ from the dapper gentleman on the left.
Okay boys, look… photo shoots aren’t all bad – I swear! They only hurt a little (not at all, actually), and after an hour or two, we’ll have created something really magical that you will both cherish for years to come. So go ahead and give me that look – I’ll be watching for it.
Who says Vegas chapel weddings can’t be adorable and fun? I truly adore the smaller affairs, and this one was no exception. These two came all the way from Australia to get married in Vegas and we certainly did it Vegas style. This was shot outdoors in the gazebo of the Little White Wedding Chapel and was perfectly short and sweet, followed with a killer shoot in the Arts District. The perfect way to spend two hours!
Man, these two could barely keep it together as Mike was waiting for Tiffany to appear at the end of the aisle. Mike would tear up a little and his best man would look over and they would burst into laughter. It was all anyone could do to keep from crying, watching them laugh like that. That anticipation will getcha every time!
I’m starting to feel the springtime road trip itch coming on. Can you blame me?
Oh, Tiffany – I’m still fawning over some of your images. This one included. In fact, it’s probably one of my favorites. And I pretty much can’t get over that birdcage of yours. Hotness. I think I’ll buy one to wear to the grocery store, or Starbucks, or when I’m cleaning house. It’ll be the new tiara. Appropriate? Not really. But I’m not exactly into being all appropriate these days, so it’s cool. Happy Monday!
Ahhh, the power of the crop. There’s nothing better than a perfectly composed and cropped shot. Like this one! Yep, I’m totally biased, as I should be. *winky face*
My latest obsession is the perfect crop. It usually involves showing a little lip. And a little leg. Because that’s what we should all be doing more of.