This past September, I was blessed enough to follow Alyssa and Cody around all day and capture their BEAUTIFUL wedding day. I have known Alyssa since 5th grade, and it was so sentimental to spend the day with her sweet family and watch as she committed to spending her life with Cody. I couldn't imagine anyone more perfect for her, and I am SO excited to recap their day.
When I arrived at Alyssa's family home, the girls were busy getting ready. There was so much laughing as they switched between getting hair and makeup done and reminiscing on old times.
One of the things I like to do once I arrive at a wedding is take a moment to capture the details that seem to fade out of memory so soon. Jewelry, shoes, the dress... OH my gosh, Alyssa's DRESS!
After I took a few shots of her dress on the hanger, Alyssa had finished up with her hair and makeup and started getting ready for a first look with her bridesmaids.
After approval from her bridesmaids, we called her dad out for a first look with him as well. This was absolutely PRECIOUS. Get your tissues ready....
Even though the wedding was planned for early September, it was SO hot outside. You may not be able to tell, but we were sweating our butts off! After first looks were completed at the Borgemenke household, Alyssa changed out of her dress so we could head to the venue. Once we arrived 1913 The Heartland Barn, Alyssa got back into her dress and made final preparations before heading outside for her first look with Cody.
I've been to a few weddings at The Heartland Barn, but this was the first wedding I have ever photographed there. The whole venue is so cute and full of character. Each couple who gets married there also has their names engraved into the wall along with their wedding date. What's extra sentimental? Alyssa's parents actually got married there in 1992!
We've made it this far into the day and I still haven't introduced you to the groom! Cody is so sweet and is absolutely perfect for Alyssa. He spent the morning spending time with his groomsmen and once he arrived at The Heartland, he prepared to see his bride for the first time. This first look is absolutely precious and capturing it was one of my favorite parts of the day! Special thanks to my AWESOME second shooter Elizabeth Zalla for being there to capture a second angle!
Aren't those the BEST??? Ugh my heart!! After we wrapped up their first look, the three of us took off to capture a few portraits of just the two of them. I am in LOVE. Carving out time on your wedding day for portraits of just the bride and groom is a MUST!
Just look at them. So in love and making my job easy! I am so blessed! They just compliment each other so well and looking back through these photos again and again really just melts me! After we finished up with the portraits of the soon to be Mr. & Mrs. we invited the bridal party and family out for a few formal portraits. This bunch was full of fun and Elizabeth and I absolutely loved working with them! Here are just a few of my favorite shots :)
As we finished up with photos, the anticipation started growing. It was almost time for the ceremony! Before I was a wedding photographer, I worked with a day-of wedding coordinator. This means that I have been to SO many weddings. I'm not typically a very emotional person, but I'll be honest with you and say that I really couldn't help it during Alyssa and Cody's ceremony. I've known Alyssa and her family for YEARS and grew up spending time at her house. Watching as she stood and said "I do" to the love of her life had me SO emotional. Cody's grandpa was actually the officiant, and he had us all in tears. It was absolutely beautiful and I was able to capture some of my FAVORITE ceremony images that I've ever taken. Grab your tissue!
Awww! Meet the new Mr. and Mrs. Cody Ward! Now to celebrate and head into the reception!
The Ward wedding reception started very traditional with dances and speeches. While Cody's Best Man had us rolling in laughter, Alyssa's Matron of Honor had tears rolling down our faces. It's so obvious that this couple is so incredibly loved.
The remainder of the night was danced away! These two threw an absolute party and everyone had a blast! Check out some of these dance moves!
I am beyond blessed to have such a meaningful job and to be able to work with the most wonderful people. I am so excited to continue to work weddings this year AND to jump into full time photography over the course of the next year! My couples mean so much to me and I'm so thankful that they trust me with capturing such a big day for them. Truly unreal. Congratulations, Alyssa and Cody!
