It’s the epic wedding date of 2011…… 9.10.11 Who better than to spend the day with, but this adorable couple!! There were so many personal touches to this wedding, like Matt actually picking out the fabric to have the boutineers/ bow ties / hair pieces made….to every sign + font. This wedding was branded and adorable! Sarah’s shoes even have green bow toys on them to match Matt. The suspenders worn by the boys mimicked the ribbon they used on the details. Suspenders were a great plan for a hot wedding day (no jackets!) Really fabulous work for not having a planner!! I was really impressed. Sarah was doing well that morning when I met her in her room at the JW Marriott downtown, even though her custom designed diamond ring had been accidentally shipped to a different state 2 days before her wedding and she received a golden bee pendant instead — ahhhh! But her ring did make it, and the bee went on to her bouquet…a funny -now- memory. I also love when my brides + grooms dance…so enjoy those as well!

Oh ~ what a HOT day!! 104 temps to be exact….HOT was not an expression in this case..it was blazing!! But it was absolutely gorgeous! Sarah is Abby’s sister and I shot Abby + Ben’s wedding a in 2008, and was so thrilled when I was able to shoot Sarah’s this summer!! These two amazing girls plan the MOST amazing weddings, down to every detail. They have guest arrival bags, homemade treats from the parents, special deliveries + gifts delivered to the bride and groom all day while their getting ready…it’s not just the beauty of the “things” involved, its the meaning and history they are creating for such a memorable day. It truly is amazing to watch the sincerity of the relationships in this extended group of family + friends….and it makes you want to be apart of it. That’s what a wedding should be like….an extension and celebration of those connections….and that is what a “Barnes” wedding is like….I’m so sad it’s the last one I’ll shoot. Abby and Sarah have seriously amazing parents, they are lucky girls Mike + Sarah’s wedding was at a the beautiful St. Joan of Arc Church downtown + their reception was at the Allison Mansion, all in Indianapolis, IN. You’ll see at the end, Ben + Abby hired a cupcake truck to come during their reception and hand out cupcakes…what a great gift and adorable idea!!

Enjoy a few favorites to help tell the day’s story…

What an adorable couple + wedding, completely holland…completely dutch…LOVED IT!! Even had a request for my infamous blue vintage couch for their family photos! Of course! Beth + I were extra dedicated by hauling the trailer + couch around Windmill Island It was my first time shooting at this location and I Ioved it! They had amazing family and friends, touching yet hilarious speeches and priceless moments….I hope you enjoy the moments I caught below !

They have been for a while actually , but are getting married today and after meeting them last night, I am in love with them already!! We shot these photos you see below in about 15 minutes, in the middle of their rehearsal dinner, and they were nervous about pictures…I didn’t believe them for a second!! Seriously….they are freakin’ adorable. I’m pretty sure you’re smitten by them, and you’ve never met them! Congrats you two

What a gorgeous couple + an amazing day! Sarah manages the Vera Wang store in Chicago…so it was no surprise that she had an amazing dress! I adored the button details on the back of her dress, as well as all of her Vera Wang letterpress. It was an amazing reception at Cascade Hills Country Club. The chandeliers are so fabulous all on their own This is the last wedding I will post from last season…and on with 2011! Enjoy a few (if 40 is a few) …..also, thanks to Leda for shooting with me!