*sigh*
I'm in love with this set of wedding images. I was excited about Sierra and Blake's wedding for several reasons. First, it was in Rolla. A mere 10 miles from my house. I'm used to traveling all over the state for weddings and after shooting for 9+ hours, a two hour commute back home is the last thing I usually want to do. So, this was a treat to be close enough to race home and fly into bed afterwards. Weddings are fun but tiring! Another reason I was so excited was because Sierra and her mom were very enthusiastic about the photography. I love it when people enjoy the photography part of the day rather than viewing it as a necessary evil. But, really, the MAIN reason I was excited about this wedding....
I've been itching for a bride to wear colorful shoes. Sierra was just the stylish woman to pull it off. But I'm jumping ahead of myself.
Meet Blake. He's easy on the eyes and such a nice, fun guy.
He's in love with this beautiful girl, Sierra...
I noticed all day long Sierra complimented other people around her. Even though everyone was focused on her, as they should be, Sierra was still as polite and charming as ever - noticing things like someone's suit or their perfume. She's a sweetheart. They decided to see each other and take pictures before the ceremony which was also a lovely change of pace for me. I have to admit that I love being the only one around when couples see each other for the first time. It's such a special, quiet moment.

I tried to include the shoes in as many pictures as I could :-) I love how Sierra and Blake pulled off this next pose. H-O-T!


The groomsmen. "Groomsmen" as a whole entity are always entertaining. These guys were no different. They came into the ceremony snapping their fingers. It was funny but also kind of cool. It was like West Side Story. I'm not sure if they were the Jets or the Sharks.

My awesome assistant, Katie Lortz, who I really can't do without anymore captured this image of the bridesmaids. And also the one below it of Sierra walking in to the ceremony with her dad. Katie needs to start her own portfolio I think.
The lighting was really beautiful during the ceremony and reception. Notice in the image above everyone is listening to the preacher while Sierra is staring at Blake. That image makes me melt every time. I have all of those amazing posed shots but I think this one might be my favorite from the whole day. The look in her eyes is full of love and is totally unrehearsed.
Besides the beautiful ceremony I was entertained by the youngest flower girl who, during the ceremony, managed to get the flower basket stuck on her head and then later held her dress up during a portion of the vows. I'm sure her mother felt otherwise but I thought it was cute.

At the reception Sierra and Blake gave their guests cream soda. Yum! (I think it was cream soda..I can't believe I forgot to try one!!!!) Either way, the colors were pretty which is really what I cared about.

More awesome lighting for the reception. Usually DJ lights are high and aimed down to the middle of the floor which colors the ground or people's faces but I think I prefer this effect. The lights pointed along the back wall and the colors changed every few minutes creating a nice but subtle ambiance.

Just as I was about to leave, a gang of friends, including Sierra and Blake, start busting out a dance routine to a mix of songs. It was AWESOME!! I just hope someone posts that dance on youtube because they rocked it.
*whew* Thanks for reliving that day with me. And Sierra and Blake, thanks for being so cool.