Ivania & Nelson :: Married

Remember Ivania and Nelson?

Well, they got married. And they brought me along with them.

(So be warned. This is a long post. You might want to grab a snack and settle in. I'm just saying ... that's what I'd do.)

I had a blast documenting their big day. They were so relaxed yet excited. I was going to say they were like kids at Christmas time, but there was more. They were so thinking of others and wanting everyone to be comfortable and enjoy themselves.

Getting Ready
Then, when I walked into the backyard, I immediately thought, I cannot wait for it to get dark with all of those gorgeous lights.


And then I stopped looking around googly-eyed and got to work. Aren't their rings beautiful?


And the bride's shoes. Oh, her shoes. They are orange and went perfectly with the autumn colors theme. I love, l-o-v-e those colors.


Ivania's flowers!


While I was happily snapping away, Ivania was getting her makeup and hair done by her friend Amy. So beautiful!






Isn't she stunning? And she's not even all-the-way ready.


Laleh -- her best friend and matron of honor -- got her buttoned into her dress.






And then ... Nelson arrived!


Check out his boutonniere.


I was SO happy that they wanted to do a first look during the daylight. So Nelson had the tough job of waiting outside. I think he was so excited that he didn't mind waiting a little bit.


After all, his bride was definitely worth using a little of his patience.


This is the third of a series I shot.  In the first two, he starts smiling and then his eyes grow wider before getting this absolutely perfect expression of joy at seeing his bride.




The Wedding
For mid-September, they could not have asked for more beautiful weather (especially considering that their reception was to be outdoors!).


Here they go down the aisle.


This was the priest who married them. I wish I could remember the story ... but I think he married two of their family members. It's pretty cool to have the same officiant for such a big milestone.


Rings!


And they did it! I loved Ivania's fist/bouquet pump.


They got into the limo ...


as man and wife!


The Reception

I could have easily done a post of just the reception photos. It was a small reception of about 25 people (the same amount of people at the church). While small, it had the most warm and friendly feeling of any reception I've ever been to. I guess you can get that when everyone knows almost everyone because they're related or close friends of the family!

The reception tables sat beneath three white tents outlined beautifully with lights.






I loved all of the little moments.

The first dance.


The tables filled with family and friends, laughter and conversations.


The dance floor.


With dancers.


Oh, could they dance!







The cake.




And this was cool. First of all, it's always fun to see my own photograph (not of me, but that I snapped) printed and/or enlarged. Secondly, I've never seen the picture used as the place for signatures and well-wishes, only on mattes that surrounded the pictures.


Ivania and Nelson, thank you so much for inviting me into your world and helping you to celebrate this huge milestone in your lives. I wish you all the best!


(Psssst. Want to see more? Good. I've included a slideshow just for you!)