We could not have asked for a more perfect fall day!! I honestly cannot believe how long the leaves have lasted this fall! It’s been so beautiful, and the perfect reminder why I live in a place where there are four seasons!
I walked in to the bridal suite, Natalie’s smile filled the room and her bright blue eyes beamed with excitement! Her and the girls all looked adorable in their flannels! Natalie’s dress was a show stopper! with cut out sides, and a beautiful lace train, not to mention fit her like a glove! I couldn’t get over how beautiful she looked! The girls wore a ruby, light burgundy dresses that popped against the bright yellow leaves surrounding the always beautiful Crimson Lane!
Mike & the Groomsmen wore navy suits, with matching socks- each, covered with Mike’s face on them! The guys had me laughing almost the whole time, you can tell that it’s a good time anywhere they go!
Gina Lynne did a beautiful job on the centerpieces & bouquets, The combination of tall and short centerpieces filled the space, the linen color added warmth and tied in the rustic elements of the day. Natalie, and her mom who helped her plan since her and Mike live in Toledo didn’t miss a detail and with Taylor of Crimson Lane Coordinating- it ran so smooth!
Before heading to the church Natalie & her dad shared in a special first look. You know instantly that Natalie is the light of his life! That he has dreamed and dreaded of her wedding day since the day she was born. And I never quite understood the emotion of it until I obviously had children of my own. It’s not “losing” them, it’s almost the triumph, the revelation that you did it. You raised them up, guided them to become the best version of themselves, to seek for someone that pushes them to continue to be the best version everyday. And you did it!
People began shuffling into the sanctuary, the buzzing of hello’s and friends playing catch ups. As Mike made his way to the front and waited for her to make her way to the back of the aisle. I love seeing how grooms fight off the emotion, biting on his lips as if he was trying to prevent from full on blubbering and it was as she got closer he let out that smile, the one filled with a little relief he was no longer standing alone, yet it’s filled with excitement knowing that soon he will be her husband and her his wife.
As Natalie made her way down the Aisle, she reached the alter and her sweet grandmother let out this sob, completely and utterly overcome with emotion, she raised her hand to her mouth. It was one of the sweetest, most genuine expression of emotion i’ve ever seen on a wedding day and it will undoubtedly be one I never forget!
Natalie had timed out her day so that a chunk of her portraits were during golden hour and let me tell you, it was exactly that. The prettiest golden light we could have imagined!
Their reception was a celebration filled with their favorite people, and celebrate was exactly what they did! Dancing, laughing, and so much fun! Natalie & Randy shared in a very emotional father daughter dance, tears were flowing all over! The bond they share is so evident! From toasts that embarrassed both Natalie & Mike in front of all their families & friends to watching Natalie rap on the party bus it was fun from beginning to end!
I’m so thankful I got to celebrate with these two, wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter & happiness!
