The last wedding of the Summer season was on October 7th. Christina and Allan found me last year through Christina's daughter, Kendall. Soon after first talking about wedding photography, I met the couple to take their engagement photos. The shoot was full of laughter and kisses and genuine smiles. I often have to bribe grooms to smile for their engagement photos, but not this time. Allan seemed just as excited to be celebrating their engagement as Christina was. It was beyond refreshing.

I asked Jimmy to assist me again. We arrived at the Aloft hotel a little before 10 a.m. We both spent some time with the ladies until Jimmy went down the hall to photograph Allan and his groomsmen getting ready. I, of course, bounced between both rooms. Each was filled with laughter and nerves as hair and make-up was done, shirts ironed, and ties tied.

Once Christina had her hair and make-up finished, she and Allan exchanged gifts via her Maid of Honor and his Best Man. The care that each of them put into choosing the gifts made it clear that they know each other so well and that they are meant for each other.

Once everyone was ready, we packed up the cars and headed to Duncan Memorial. The guys arrived at the chapel first, which allowed me a moment to prepare Allan for their first look. As soon as Christina's car pulled up, I blindfolded Allan, brought him outside, and turned him around so that I could photograph his anticipation as Christina walked up behind him. The look on his face when she finally took off the blindfold was priceless. It was a "I get to marry this beautiful woman?!" look. She really was such a beautiful bride. They were and are a beautiful couple, and such a blessing to photograph. 

Christina planned enough time between getting ready and the ceremony for us to take most of the formal shots after the first look, which is a dream from a photography stand point. We started the formals with just Christina and Allan, doing some individual and couples shots down by the pond on the Duncan Memorial property. We then did all of the traditional bridal party photos ( as well as some fun ones).

When formals were finished, it was time for the bridal party to hide and await the arrival of guests, which was my quench's to get things set up in the chapel. Jimmy and I took photos of guest arriving and being seated. As more and more people arrived, it became clear that there would not be enough seats. As we set up more chairs, down the aisle and in from of the alter, I remember thinking how special it was that so many people wanted to watch this sweet couple be married that seats had to be added.

Once the ceremony was over, we took a few more formal shots before heading to City Place in LaGrange for the reception. As soon as everyone was rounded up, the bridal party was announced. Before being presented as Mr. and Mrs. Borzotra for the first time, Christina and Allan had the DJ play a slideshow of photos they had taken throughout their relationship. A few of their engagement photos made it into the mix, which was a really awesome feeling as a photographer. When the slide show was over, they opened the doors to the venue and were announced. 

The reception was an incredible party with great food and dancing. It was a real treat to get to photograph this wedding!