Such is the case with Richard and Lindsay.
I first met them over a year ago, when Lindsay contacted me about doing their engagement photos in San Antonio. That session was one of the best I'd ever done and the reason was crystal clear-they allowed me free reign to do what I wished. They set aside plenty of time to go from location to location, brought several clothing changes, allowed me to choose their outfits, and followed direction like nobody's business.
By the end of the day I was dying to shoot their wedding, but didn't think it likely since it would take place in Omaha, NE. Little did I know, Lindsay wanted me to shoot it just as much. So we planned, emailed, lunched and schemed. I think it took some time to convince her dad of the necessity of flying someone in, but eventually he agreed and things were set.
So last weekend I, along with my friend and second-shooter Gina, flew to Nebraska to capture the moments, details and emotions of Lindsay and Richard's beautiful day. As is their modus operandi, I was given complete freedom to shoot exactly what I wanted. I arrived on Friday night to photograph their intimate rehearsal dinner with family and friends, then woke the next morning to capture the bride and her attendants getting their hair and make-up done, then continued shooting as Richard saw his bride for the first time during an emotional and beautiful First Look. Next, I carried my camera through the rain as we ran through the streets of downtown Omaha doing portraits (yes, this was ON their wedding day, BEFORE the wedding), then photographed the family pictures, the ceremony and finally the beautiful and detailed reception.
But we still weren't finished.
The next morning, just after dawn, Lindsay donned her gown once more, woke Richard and the three of us set out together, along with her father at the wheel, toward the rolling hills and picturesque barns of Iowa, to capture still more amazing images in a slammin' Rock the Frock session.
I am completly aware that by now you simply want to see the images of their day, so without any further delay, here they are:
The weekend began with the rehearsal and dinner, which Jerry, the father of the bride, hosted on the backyard patio of his fabulous home in Council Bluffs, IA. He incorporated the best of Iowa into the soiree, with a catered BBQ'd pork dinner, pumpkins and gourds in baskets, a warm fire pit and plenty of friends and family:
The highlight of the evening was when Jerry presented Lindsay and Richard with custom made cowboy boots for each of them, along with a story detailing the signifigance of each carefully chosen symbol; the date of their wedding in Roman Numerals, a pin-up girl to represent Lindsays days as a USO girl, a Harley Davidson mortorcycle because that is Richard's passion, plus countless others.
The ceremony and reception were held at the majestic Magnolia Hotel, near the historic district of Omaha.
The details and colors were exquisite:
Lindsay, you are beautiful.
Richard and Lindsay chose to do a First Look session, something I always recommend. It was a sweet moment, one that I believe they will cherish for the rest of their lives:
Because they chose to see each other before the ceremony, we had plenty of time to roam the streets of Omaha, with Lindsay and Richard looking fabulous every step of the way:
Almost as soon as we started shooting, it began to rain.
Lindsay, however, was undeterred. Directly across the street was Blue, her #1 sushi spot. Dashing across the cobblestone street, we ducked inside and took advantage of the colorful, contemporary decor:
Exploring every corner of the restaurant, we ventured upstairs, where we were delighted to find a Buda set against an amazing brick wall and next to a light-filled window.
As the hour for the ceremony approached, family and guests waited inside the hotel as the rain continued to fall:
With only a few minutes to go the rain stopped, allowing the hotel staff to quickly dry the seats.
Then, in a moment that only happens in movies, the sun began to shine moments before Lindsay made her appearance on the arm of her father:
The reception was stunning, every detail a testament to Lindsays exquisite taste:
And now my favorite part of the entire weekend--Lindsay's Rock the Frock session. Richard is an absolute doll for agreeing to this. I think they both rocked the hell out of these images:
Richard adores Lindsay, you can see it and feel it each time he looks at her:
Rawr:
I am so happy to know both of you, and honored to have been there to capture your day. Keep me posted on your new lives in Georgia!
To see a slideshow of images, click here.
