A Wedding Celebration at Izenstone

We had just finished taking Anna’s bridal portraits when the news broke about colleges cancelling classes due to the coronavirus. I’d lightly followed the news about the virus, but honestly never imagined how things would change after that day. We’d had such a fun session and both Anna’s stepmom, Cindy, and her future mother-in-law, Anna, had come along to help with the dress. We’d talked about the upcoming wedding day the whole session. Anna was so excited to marry Michael!

Sadly, before I even delivered her bridal portrait gallery, we knew that they would not have the wedding day they envisioned in April 2020. Instead, on their wedding day, I went to Michael’s parents’ house, where they exchanged vows in a backyard ceremony. Only their immediate families were present. It was a beautiful ceremony and I was so happy to be able to be there to capture it, but I prayed these two would eventually get to have the bigger celebration with extended family and friends.

Anna and Michael were about to embark on a busy year, with both beginning a year of residency after completing medical school last May. There was no way they could fit in a wedding celebration prior to spring 2021. To say that I was thankful to be available on their April 2021 wedding date is an understatement! I get so invested in my couples and it would have been heartbreaking to not be able to capture this next set of memories for Anna and Michael.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

This past Saturday, Anna and Michael finally got the wedding celebration they dreamed of! And what a wonderful day it was! The morning of this wedding, a strong set of storms moved through our area. For a while, it looked like everything might have to be moved indoors at Izenstone. I wasn’t worried because this is a great venue with ample space inside, but I knew it wasn’t what Anna had envisioned for this day. After having to wait a whole extra year for this celebration, I was hopeful the sun would come out at least long enough for us to get a few outdoor portraits.

To my surprise, not only did the sun come out…we had the most gorgeous spring weather you could imagine! This day was full of so many beautiful moments that I cannot pick just one favorite. Anna and Michael’s families and friends are just as sweet as they are, so it was just a complete joy spending the day capturing all these memories. From Anna and Michael’s first look, to the sweetest-ever toasts at the reception, to the grand sparkler exit…this day was a DREAM. Congratulations Dr. & Dr. Ulmer!!!

I often save putting on the boutonniere for after the First Look because I don’t want it to get squashed by a hug. I love that Michael’s mom was able to come out and pin on his boutonniere after the First Look. It was such a sweet mother-son moment!

Portraits with these two are a dream!

I love candid ceremony shots! Michael was so excited to see his bride coming down the aisle!

VENDORS

Second Photographer | Alexis Williams

Photographer’s Assistant | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Videography | Summer Films

Venue | Izenstone

Coordinator | Melissa Sprinkle, Izenstone

Flowers | The Shade Tree

Cake | Couture Cakes

Catering | Tamara’s Downtown

Entertainment | Mike Jones

Makeup + Hair | Jillian Jensen Holt

Bride’s Gown | Bliss Bridal

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A. Bank