It’s time to do a little blog catch-up!  About a month ago (tomorrow to be exact) Kristin and Zach tied the knot!

July is a tricky time to plan a wedding as it can be rather warm.  Kristin and Zach got a true summer day for their wedding!  We struggled a little with the heat and humidity, but we still got through the day and had a blast!  Plenty of water and fans around to help keep everyone comfortable!

I love when brides have a little extra fun mixed into their day!  Kristin’s maid of honor decorated her shoes and the bride found this awesome garter to surprise her groom with!

Some of the best shots I get are when you least expect it.  This was actually while everyone was lacing up her dress.  I love it!

We begged and begged to convince Kristin to go outside for a few shots before hand.  She finally gave in and allowed us a few precious minutes in the heat!  Does this look like a group that is melting under the noon sun?  Nah!

I think Zach was the best sport out of the whole day!  The poor guys, in their full get-up…  they were beyond hot!  Zach still managed to tolerate me making him stand for “just one more photo”…  which really wasn’t just one more!

Quick stop after the ceremony and before the reception at the bridge at Rock Hill!  I’m so glad they suggested this!  I love this shot!

As we were walking back to our car to head to the reception I realized Kristin and Zach were not going towards the limo, but towards the bar…  WAIT UP!  There’s no way they’re going without me!  Cheers!

Have the throw in a group shot from the day!

Mr. & Mrs. Farmer share their first dance

Let the party begin!

This was a fun day, even though it was so stinking hot!  Everyone still had a great time, especially the new Mr. & Mrs.  A huge congrats to both of you!  I hope you share many years of happy times and remember the fun you had as you started your new life together!  Thanks for allowing me to share in your day!

This post is long overdue and I apologize for the delay.  If you’re a Facebook Fan you’ve already seen some photos from the wedding.  I’m usually pretty quick with the Facebook postings, but a little slower on the blog when I get busy.

Enough of the shameless plugs, let’s get to some images.  This was a great day!  If you haven’t been following you might have missed the personal connection I had to this wedding.  Marina is actually Jared’s (my better half) cousin.  I was honored when they asked me to be their official wedding photographer.  I started bright and early with the girls at Luxe where the entire bridal party met for hair and make-up.  The staff at Luxe was GREAT!  Especially putting up with me and my camera!

There was some prep time, looking for possible hairstyle ideas and just some time to relax.  Here’s mom taking a few moments to relax.

Some were relaxing, some were being pampered!

Even Marina had some time to relax.  Checking in with her flower girl who was very interested in her ring!  All kiddos love bling!

Those who were a part of the day know the significance of this shot.  Marina had what many brides fear, a rough morning.   I arrived at Luxe to find out Marina was still home, struggling to make it to the car.  We were all very happy when she finally arrived, feeling better!  She was doing her best to stay hydrated and  happened to capture the famous drink bottle in her hand as she was having her hair done.  Every bride has her own special memories from the day… but there’s always a silver lining the any storm clouds that might threaten!

Hair almost complete and looking great!

Time for make-up and for Justine to admire the amazing hairstyle Marina is sporting!

Although the mirror is missing, this is Marina’s “first look” at her almost complete wedding appearance.  She loved it!

We’re going to jump ahead a little bit.  After Luxe they headed to Riverdale Manor where the girls spent time getting dressed and doing some final touch-ups to hair and make-up.  I was shocked at how relaxed and calm Marina seemed.  Most brides, once dressed, hardly want to move for fear of getting dirty, etc.  Marina was on the floor, touching up make-up and just having a grand ol’ time!  That is right – she is in her dress, with face powder, and NOTHING covering her dress!  Brave girl!  I loved it!

I think someone said something about how crazy she was and she decided to lean front a little — made for a fun shot!

This is the buddy shot to the earlier “drink” shot…  keeping the tummy happy with some saltines.  Whatever it takes!  We were just glad she was feeling better!

I took the girls outside for some pre-wedding fun.  My second shoot Jamie Emig was off working with the guys so I started working with the girls.  Below are a few of my favorites from the bunch we took.

There’s also some great shots of just the bride during this time!

We’re going to jump ahead a little more.  Imagine guests arriving… the bridal party walking down the aisle… the exchanging of rings…  “I now present you man and wife…”

The happy couple!

This is my favorite shot from the day.  Marina and Matt had trees worked into the theme of their wedding, so they were very excited to have a few shots taken with this amazing tree.

Of course we had fun with the whole bridal party too!

Toasts, dances and cake, oh my!

What can I say?  This was an amazing day and it meant the world to me that Marina and Matt included me in such a special way.  You two are adorable and I wish you a lifetime of happiness!