Last weekend I had the honor of photographing Al & Ceciley's big day. It was a perfect Saturday, truly. The sun was shining, it wasn't too hot, the wind was minimal, and the sun showed up at all the right moments.
I met Ceciley at Primp & Blow while she, and her bridesmaids, were getting their hair & make-up done. I took some shots of the girls, along with Ceciley's mother and soon-to-be Mother-in-Law, getting their hair curled, pinned, and straightened, as well as getting that perfect eyeshadow color applied. Ceciley looked so beautiful and radiant already, and she wasn't even dressed!
I could tell she was excited and ready to marry the love of her life.
Ceciley and Al chose the Kemp Center for the Arts as their wedding and reception venue. And let me tell you, it is truly a beautiful place. The garden is gorgeous. The art around the grounds is inspiring and original, and the trees are just incredible!
Ceciley's wedding planner, Kathy, really put a lot of love and care into the decorations and set-up of the reception area. I've never seen centerpieces like were at the tables at the Kussavages' wedding. Mesmerizing!
I couldn't help but notice the groom's cake next to the gorgeous wedding cake. It was so original and so silly! I got a great chuckle out of it. Dotty Hoover, of Just Bite Me Creations, baked and decorated both scrumptious (and beautiful!) cakes for Al & Ceciley.
I took some pictures of the groomsmen, who were all obviously fantastic buddies! I love when all the groomsmen cooperate with me so it's not like pulling teeth when it comes to taking their pictures! They were a pleasure to work with, for sure.
I then went back up to the bride's room, took pictures of her getting into her gown, with her bridesmaids assisting her, and then we headed down to the art gallery to get some pictures of AL & Ceciley praying together and holding hands around a wall. Ceciley didn't want Al to see her in her gown before the wedding, so we had to do some finagling to make sure he didn't see his ravishing bride! We did succeed!
Before the ceremony, Ceciley gave her father, step-father, and soon-to-be father-in-law custom engraved wallets, and each one of them cried upon the sight of seeing her in her gown. It was a beautiful moment to witness- very raw and real. Those are my favorite moments to capture. I'm so glad I was able to experience that with them.
And, on to the ceremony! Ceciley and Al got married in the garden, and the it was so special. Their love radiated throughout the entire grounds. Everyone who attended jaws dropped when they saw Ceciley walking down the aisle. She looked like royalty!
I chased Mr. & Mrs. Kussavage back down the aisle and managed to get a few pictures of them together, fresh with adrenaline and giddiness, before the stress of portraits set upon them. And the result, in my opinion, was amazing!
Then, of course, came all the family portraits! I loved getting to quickly meet every single person in Al and Ceciley's families. They were all beautiful people and I'm so glad they were able to make it to the big day.
The bridal party looked absolutely stunning. The bridesmaids gowns were some I've never seen before. The wrap-around-style gowns were so classy, sassy, and original. I loved how they fit each bridesmaid and flattered each of their body types. Ceciley definitely chose the perfect dresses for her girls!
And don't even get me STARTED on the flower girls! Their outfits were pure MAGIC! They reminded me of fairy tale characters. Beautiful tulle skirts, hand-crocheted tops, and the most precious lace crowns I have ever laid eyes on.
Al & Ceciley's reception followed suit with the beautiful day that came before it. So much laughter, love, and well-wishes. The whole ballroom was filled to the brim with sincerity and love. I truly enjoyed my day with Al & Ceciley! Thank you so very much for choosing me to capture these moments for you, and your families, to cherish for years to come!
Congratulations, and may your love always be as true, strong, and unfaltering as it was the moment you said "I Do!"