Ever have so much goodness one of something just won’t do? Well that tis the case for this Happily Hanlon Ever After so you’re getting not one, but TWO blog posts. One just wouldn’t be able to contain it all…or load on most phones or tablets 😉
The day I met Krista and her mother at my studio I had an immediate draw to her wedding. Perhaps it was her relaxed demeanor, laid back attitude, or that infectious smile as she talked about the details of her Wedding Day to Raymond.
There was just something about her, like all of my Brides really, that whispered there was something magical about these two.
I first met Raymond at their engagement session that started out on the Chickamauga Battlefield, and ended on the Market Street Bridge in Downtown Chattanooga. It was a stunning Fall day, and from the moment I saw the two of them together it all fit, they fit.
When you’ve been in the wedding industry for as long as I have you pick up on certain “tells”. These two couldn’t stop smiling, laughing, or just cutting up. I KNEW I liked them for a reason, and couldn’t wait for their wedding day, they were a breeze to photograph.
It’s so easy to see when a couple doesn’t feel comfortable during their session. Whether it’s with the actual person taking their portrait, or the whole situation itself, but from the moment we started until we were through they were completely comfortable in front of the camera.
Incandescently happy to do whatever was asked because on this day they were to marry their best friend!
The guys played cornhole out behind the barn while the ladies got dolled up in the upstairs of the majestic Southern Manor complete with Mimosa’s and music.
The bridal suites are simply to die for, and more tears were shed by her girls as Krista got into her gown than possibly all of my bridal getting ready moments combined…well…close 😉
The portraits started of course out on the balcony, where all good Southern portraits should start of course. We then moseyed down stairs where the light coming from the foyer, and the mirror hanging on the wall in front of Krista, just seemed to easily stop time like a moment from a movie.
Laughing and crying at the same time seemed to sum up the portraits as mother, sister and friends, couldn’t even look at each other without tears welling up. Truly precious friendships and family!
As we wrapped with the ladies the fellas were waiting, and eager to begin their hamming it up for the camera antics.
These two chose their Bridal Party wisely as they picked people who would do anything for them, right down to joking about blocking off exits, and a piggy back ride 😉
I don’t believe I’ve ever laughed harder or longer shooting men than I did with Raymond and his G-men. Almost like it was their mission to have everyone within ear, or eye, shot in hysterics. Another testament to the sweet sweet spirits they have, and of the people who love them most.
We wrapped with the men, and headed off to snap a No-peeking shot from the balcony of the manor just before Go-time. Like something out of Romeo and Juliet he waited below, threatened if he so much as dared to look up, as she peered down at him from above grinning ear to ear.
It was time.
The ceremony flowed perfectly, and as she ascended the aisle Raymond’s face couldn’t have been anymore in love. Those are the magic moments I live for. Whether private and hidden during a first look, or as she walks the aisle amid their guests, that reaction says everything. Everything you need to know about a couple, and for Krista and Raymond it was simply pure bliss.
True to form they smiled and laughed through the whole ceremony; even when the candles had blown out and were struggling to stay re-lit for their unity candle, they laughed and seemed to communicate secret thoughts through their beaming glances.
With their vows and rings exchanged, and the symbolism of two separate lives now being put out to now shine as one they were now husband and wife. Mr and Mrs. Hanlon.
And with their first portraits as Mr. and Mrs., and the reception to follow, this is where I’ll leave you…wanting more for part two tomorrow!
So stay tuned….I promise you they’ll all be worth the wait 😉
Special thank you’s go to all of the amazing vendors who helped make Krista + Raymond’s day a smashing success!
BraskaJennea Photography | Destination Wedding & Curvy Boudoir Photographer 