When I first met Taylor and Jake for coffee, it was within the first 15 seconds that I knew we would be friends (zero exaggeration). Like most of my couples, they said they hadn’t taken many photos together and I would be the first one to take “professional photos” of them – of which they wanted to be a little funky, not your usual engagement photos. If you didn’t know, that’s music to my ears. So when it came to their wedding day, I knew it would be fun and that they would be down for anything. Before we get to the crazy, funky aspect of the day, I’ll start with the morning and how blissfully peaceful the energy was. Taylor got ready with her best friends and mom before heading to the rooftop for her first look with Jake.
I love shooting at Oven Eden because the city makes for such a perfect backdrop in photos. It was insanely bright but we still made magic. In years past, I would have been terrified of a cloudyless day but, I’ve really been leaning into shoot in harsh sunlight recently. I think it adds such a perfect contrast if done right. My go to move is to utilize my flash alongside the harsh light to fill in the shadow areas.
There are so many favorite moments from this day that stand out but one of them was when Taylor iced all the groomsmen. If you’re a millennial like me, you’ll remember the icing craze from college: surprise your friends with a Smirnoff Ice, and they have to drop to one knee and chug it. It’s chaotic, nostalgic, and the perfect way to get the energy going.
Something else that really stood out to me throughout this whole day was how in the moment everyone was. It made for some of the best candid images I’ve taken all season. This is a topic I’d love to do a whole blog post about – being candid – and that’ll happen one day I promise.
Once the ceremony was over it was time for the real star moment of the day – the old velvet chair I found on the side of the road. If you know me, you know I love to get funky with old furniture. So image my surprise as I got out of the car to see this insane old velvet chair on the sidewalk. I took a video of it and ran up to Taylor and said “I have an idea but you have to trust me..” Taylor literally cut me off to say “whatever it is I trust you and I’m into it” aka – my love language. I’m going to let these photos speak for themselves.
After this it was full on party time. What a magical evening with some of my favorite humans that I can now consider wonderful friends. I’m seeing them this week for drinks and I cannot wait to hear about their honeymoon!!!
- Venue – Over Eden
- Bridal dress – House Of Couture
- Make up – Lex Frat
- Hair – B. Parlor Salon
- DJ – 2nd ii None Productions
