A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of being invited out, with my second shooter Emily, to Sydney and Jake's classily styled wedding at The Ritz Charles in September. You might even recognize these two love birds, as it wasn't too long ago we shot their summer engagement session in Noblesville.
Spending time together during an engagement session is something I love to do with all our couples which is why they are included in all our wedding packages.
It's kind of like my pre-wedding homework to serve you. We all do homework from time to time, right? Prep to make sure that we perform our best the day the heat is on. See, the working and playing together during those session allows me to get a vibe for the couple... like how they interact together. To learn what games and poses will work the best to bring them out of their shells. And of course, it also gives our #HappilyEverHashtag couples some beautiful images to use as save-the-dates, home décor and more.
But I digress... so let's talk WEDDING DAY.
Sydney and Jake had an amazing turn out of guests who came ready to celebrate and fill up the dance floor! The day started with their ushers welcoming guests into the Ritz Charles Chapel. It's giant vaulted ceilings and simplistic design really allowed Sydney's lacey wedding gown and cathedral length veil, time to shine during the ceremony itself.
But one of the best part of a any wedding day (at least in my opinion) is after the vows have been said and the rings exchanged, but before we all head into the reception. This little moment in time we always steal away for portraits. Yes some of are family and some are of/or with the bridal party - but MOSTLY, it's the time our couples have together. Basking in the high of their recent "I Do's." During this time it's so easy for the couple to let everything else fall away and just live in the moment of being newly weds. Together. Finally.
Quick side note...
I can't blog about this wedding without also mentioning how amazing their bridal party was - and how awesome their wedding toasts were after dinner. So much so that I thought this would be fun...
Sydney and Jake 101: What I learned about this bride and groom during the reception...
Through out the day I (obviously) got to spend A LOT of time with not only Sydney and Jake but also their wedding party -- who had no shortage of "dirt" to share on the happy couple - especially when it came to toast time. So in light of all the good humor and laughs shared after the big "I Do's," here were some of our Sydney & Jake "lessons learned":
Both Sydney and Jake are SUPER competitive in most things they choose to pursue in life, BUT if push comes to shove - Jake takes the cake! (or at least according to the Best Man, lol) So be ware - if you're playing a sport, board game or anything else, Jake is probably going to show off his BEST soccer flop at some point -- because passion is just in his blood.
Never underestimate what your LITTLE BROTHER may or may not share during their speech at your wedding. Sydney's little brother (also named) Jake was a HOOT when it came to his toast to the happy couple. We learned about everything from childhood woes to the things husband Jake should expect when trying to get to the shoe closet. This was probably my all time favorite speech to date this year and the crowed was rolling. Well done little bro - well done.
When it comes to "The Chicken Dance Poka" nobody can get down as well as Grandpa and his girl. Are you hearing the music yet? I sure am... but Grandpa - making the most of the moment, actually got dressed down into jean overalls during the reception for this specials dance with Sydney. It was a hoot and man did they pull it off well.
Carmel, Indiana Bride & Groom's Wedding Vendors
Videographer: Stylight Studios
Wedding Dress: Calla Blanche
Wedding Boutique: Marie Gabriel Couture
Ceremony Venue: Ritz Charles Chapel
Reception Venue: Ritz Charles Ballroom
Catering & Cake: Ritz Charles
Hotels: Hyatt Place Carmel
Hey You... Let's Be Friends, K?!
Hey there - I'm Chelsea! A coffee worshipping Hoosier native, just trying to raise a kiddo and capture vivid memories in central IN for my families & brides. To see more of our work, make sure to FOLLOW us on Facebook and Instagram & sign up for our VIP club to get first dibs on open session date! Curious about me? Dive into my story of how I flushed my comfortable Fortune 500 Marketing Career to take on the life of a SMB owner at HashTag Memories Photography!
Or maybe the idea of photos stresses you out? Check out this blog post where I get REAL about how shooting a session of my own kiddo taught me how to help YOU mitigate Mommy Session Stress - or this one where we share basic planning tips & FAQs to help set you up for success on your next shoot.
x.o.x.o. -chels