an event with character
October 31, 2007 | Filed Under Weddings | Leave a Comment
Dawn & Jeff really wanted their wedding to reflect their personalities, so they chose to plan a theme around their favorite holiday, Halloween. At first, they wanted to surprise their guests, issuing an invitation for a costume party and reveal the real reason for the celebration after everyone had arrived. This works better in Hollywood, though, where the logistics of pulling off such a ruse are more easily handled with the extensive support network that crazy fame affords. Practicality won out and actual wedding invitations were sent with the guests encouraged to attend in costume. Most obliged; I even painted my face, which freaked my son out, with him wailing at me as I was leaving, “Wash it off!” The bride was attired as a gothic princess as she wed her groom, Count Chocula (whose best man, unaware of his brother’s costume plans, came dressed exactly the same). Daughter Jordan (as Hannah Montana) stood by their side as the Sorcerer Officiant presided over the ceremony, followed by a fun and funky reception and dance.
Little known fact: Donald Duck has mad videography skillz.
I’ve decided that fishnets-as-wedding-party-attire ought not to be limited to Halloween-themed affairs.
Who needs the Village People when you have a jester, an angel, a flapper, a mobster, a witch and a donut to rock the YMCA, I ask you?
Methinks there is a killer dada band title in there somewhere, by the way. Something that kicks the shiznit out of Strawberry Alarm Clock and Neutral Milk Hotel.
an eco-conscious affair
October 31, 2007 | Filed Under Weddings | 1 Comment
As dedicated permaculturalists, Elizabeth and Jake were determined to plan their wedding with a careful regard for its environmental impact. They were also committed to celebrating the Kentucky heritage and culture that is dear to them. The wedding took place at Natural Bridge State Park in Slade, Kentucky, on a bright, sunny day (a thing of luck, as it turned out, following a night of fearsome thunderstorms) in a colorful wonderland of Appalachian autumn.
The groom was attired in an organic three-piece hemp suit
The bride’s designer (Lea-Ann Belter) gown was handcrafted in Canada of 100% silk and Alencon lace, and she wore a veil of Welch cotton tulle.
Father, daughter and bridesmaids ride the chair lift to the ceremony site atop the towering sandstone arch for which Natural Bridge State Park is named
The span of the Natural Bridge made for a majestic processional aisle
The couple exchanged vows in a gazebo at the edge of the bridge, with guests gathered in the round. The rug, a gift from the bride’s family, was hand-loomed by local artisan Susan Brutto.
The bridesmaids were attired in silk gowns from a vibrant palette complementing the natural hues of autumn, and the groomsmen wore organic hemp ties.
Jake and Elizabeth begin the half-mile descent from the bridge
A quick touch-up on the way to the reception
The newlyweds make their grand entrance at the reception hall
All the food, drinks and flowers were locally grown and produced, including the organic wedding cake and bourbon ball favors
A table was set up for guests to design personalized messages on individual squares of muslin, or prayer flags, a tradition rooted in Tibetan legend.
Hay & Ellis was one of two local bands to play at the reception, along with The Downtown County Band (pictured below)
a uniquely twofold engagement session
October 29, 2007 | Filed Under Relationships | Leave a Comment
We were almost rained out, but nature cooperated at the last minute and we were able to shoot Chris & Kara’s engagement session at Ault Park as scheduled. The park is already a gorgeous setting, but the dramatic skies following the stormy day really highlighted its natural grandeur, which complemented this dynamic couple exquisitely!
After wrapping things up at the park, we left Mt. Lookout and headed for Batavia for a more documentary-style “day in the life of us” shoot at the couple’s home.
