Early in the wedding booking season I received a call from a bride bubbling over with enthusiasm - she needed to find out what dates I had available so she could pin down her wedding date. Jenna was that kind of bride - one that loves photography and was excited to work with me after I she was a bridesmaid in a wedding I photographed last year.

Obviously, I love it when that happens. It is amazing to work with someone that is so passionate about photography and chooses you! It is a great place to start, a real honor.

I quickly found out through our phone calls and meetings that Jenna is my passion sister. I get (lovingly) mocked for being a bit overly passionate, sentimental and romantic about life, and Jenna is right along there with me. So you can imagine that working together was a wonderful thing.

What else I learned about her is that she is smart and totally in love with the right guy.  Andrew is the quiet one in the relationship, but he is rock solid, romantic and crazy about Jenna and her family. Jenna calls him the "guy that makes other husband look bad."  He definitely charmed me.

Jenna and Andrew planned a beautiful wedding, and despite all the hoopla that surrounds a wedding they never lost sight of the reason for the day.

We started the day with them having a "first look" - they met in the park and saw each other before the ceremony. Andrew was nervously waiting and Jenna snuck up behind him with a tap on the shoulder.

I am seeing more clients take this approach on their day. It allows the bride and groom to have a bit of time together and is quite romantic. It also allows the ceremony to flow quickly into the reception which is lovely for the guests.

 The first-look photos (kudos to my uber amazing assistant Jen for taking some of these) :

The wedding party was stellar, emotional and SO supportive of the bride and groom.

The couple after their I- do's (another one of Jen's great shots):

The very pleased (and fun)  father of the bride

and of course some portraits ..

rings and burgers - yum!

UPDATE: Kudos from the bride

Email 2:

Karen,

I cannot tell you how much I love the pictures. I cried when I saw my sweet husband's face at the first look. I am proud to be your "passion sister" and think your words are so kind and sweet. I not only feel I have a found a fabulous photographer to work with, but also a friend. Thanks again for everything, you make photo-dreams come true!!

Love, your biggest fan Jenna

Email 1:

Karen,

The heart and soul you put into our wedding will never be forgotten. I would not have made it down the isle without your calming effects and guidence. I can't wait to see the pics, I know they will be great! You are so amazing at what you do, my dad is still talking about the "class act" photographer. What an unbelievable woman you are, I feel honored you were at my wedding.