Lexington Wedding Photography: Jeremy + Tracy

Tracy was a particularly beautiful and photogenic bride, and I hope I wasn't overly gushy about how much I was in love with her gown -- all that taffeta that floated behind her wherever she walked. It was a challenge not to fill this post with just pictures of her! The camera loved her! We started off the afternoon at her parents' home with these first bridal shots in her childhood bedroom.

I love, love, love it when a couple chooses to do the majority of their portraits prior to the ceremony. It gives us more time to get some great photographs. As you can see, the "first look" moment is still very special.

Such stunning windows at First UMC... and a stunning couple too.

One of the reasons why I love shooting at the First United Methodist Church is the spectacular architecture! What texture!

I so enjoy witnessing the happiness of the wedding ceremony...

Off to the Carrick House for the reception...

More joy....

Coordination and beautiful florals provided by Alicia DeBoor of Great Expectations....

It's no secret that I'm supremely sentimental. I tear up at every wedding I shoot. The moments differ from wedding to wedding and at Tracy and Jeremy's it was during the mother-son dance. I can't say that it's a traditionally emotionally grabbing moment for me at most weddings, but on this evening it hit me that I could be in Mrs. Graham's shoes in a couple of decades. Having just become the mother to a son this summer, it suddenly changed my point of view and the emotion of it really caught me off guard. I love the way she's looking at Jeremy below and I think I'll be looking at my little guy the same way in a few years when I'm surprised to find him, all grown up and getting married himself.

Thank you, Jeremy and Tracy, for the opportunity to document your wedding day! I appreciate your kindess and wish the best for you as you embark on this next stage of life together!

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church, Lexington

Reception: The Carrick House

Lexington Wedding Photography: Katie and Ben Are Married!

She worked at the bank where he was a customer. His loan officer suggested they go out to lunch on a blind date. The rest is history. A few years later they were gathered with their closest family and friends to become husband and wife.

While she loves her hot pink heels, he's more comfortable driving his pick up truck in cowboy boots. Nevertheless, after the ceremony when she gave him a peek of her garter (bedecked in camo with a deer charm), he exclaimed something to the effect of, "This woman really loves me!"

There is no question of their love though -- you can see it in the way they treat each other, in the happiness shining on their faces when they're together. When a bridesmaid delivered a card to Katie from Ben she said, "Awww, he dotted the 'i' with a heart!" explaining he's not a very gushy kind of guy. When Ben opened Katie's card, out slipped a letter. Ben was immediately wiping his eyes. Yes, it was a special day to celebrate a special love. And it's such a privilege to get to document moments like these for such kind people.

I want to give a special thanks to my wonderful college friend, talented photographer, Jan Graves, who traveled to Kentucky from Arlington, VA to visit and help me document the day. Many of the great detail shots in the inspiration board above are hers. FYI - the pendant on Katie's bouquet is actually a piece of her grandmother's costume jewelry (one half of a pair of ear rings) that young Katie would dress up in and declared she would one day wear at her wedding! I just had to share that.

Here are some of the others who contributed to a beautiful day:

Florals: Nancy Frederick

Hair/Make-up: Tabitha Crabtree

Cake: Leigh Sipe

Ceremony: Southern Hills United Methodist Church, Lexington

Reception: The Red Mile

Catering: Bluegrass Bayou

Wilmore Kentucky Wedding: Rachel + Michael

It was a warm and sunny Sunday at the end of May when Rachel and Michael wed after a long courtship. Family and friends drove from the eastern and western parts of Kentucky, converging on my lovely "home" town of Wilmore for their nuptials.

Rachel was tickled by her handbag from Etsy.com that included her wedding date on the personalized tag. I loved it too!

I love how goofy these two are together (they had moments like this during their engagement session too). Hope they don't mind that I am posting these! (I may have told them I was just testing my camera settings...)

Special, special thanks to Jennifer (far left) who referred me to Rachel! It's always special to have a friend in the bridal party!

Beautiful florals provided by Curtis A. Grace, hair and make-up by Ziyan Salon and Spa (can I say I was pleasantly surprised to learn the girls were done with hair and make 45 minutes EARLY thanks to the efficient and proficient hands at Ziyan? That hardly ever happens!).

Rachel and Michael's parents brought some momentos from their weddings to the reception, including a toss bouquet and cake topper! Rachel also made the fun backdrop for a personalized photo booth for her guests! In addition to traditional wedding cake, dessert included Michael's favorite (and mine!) rhubarb pie!

Other vendors who contributed to a great day:
Sally Foster of Urbaniste (ceremony coordination)

Jeff Gibson/Sound Travels (DJ -- see you in December!)

Florals: Curtis Grace

Venues: (Ceremony) Asbury Theological Seminary

(Reception) Embassy Suites, Lexington

Congratulations, Rachel and Michael! Thank you for the honor of photographing your wedding! I had a wonderful time celebrating your special day with you!

Here's another post about Michael and Rachel's wedding

Congratulations, Rachel & Michael!

More photos to come...

Congratulations, AJ and Bethany!

(above) that's mint in Bethany's bouquet!

AJ and Bethany -- thanks so much for inviting me to photograph your wedding. It was such a lovely day from beginning to end. I felt truly honored to be with you, hanging out with your family and friends, witnessing your first glimpses of each other that bright morning. You made my job easy and enjoyable with your cooperation and good humor (Bethany -- it was so tempting not to post the photo of you devouring your subway lunch -- Becky thought I should). I hope you remember the love of your family and friends surrounding you that day, the tears of happiness, and the joy of togetherness. Blessings on your future together. Love, Cydil.

Lexington Wedding Photographer: Cydil Waggoner Photography, copyright 2009.