Earlier this month, I was honored to second shoot for the wonderfully talented Dani Stephenson. I was so excited to learn from her. Second shooting is an interesting experience. You have no real knowledge of the bride & groom dynamic which obviously sets the tone for the entire wedding so coming into the situation completely fresh, without expectation or bias, adds to the excitement of shooting a wedding. I only knew what time I needed to meet Dani at the church and where the reception was.
Here are the 25 things I learned during Eric & Ashley's big day:
1. Ashley was the most gorgeous bride ever.
2. Her flowers were absolute perfection.
3. I'm really, really jealous of people with beautiful auburn hair.
4. Eric is an adorable doctor.
5. He has great hair.
6. His dad is the nicest guy ever...although this was before I learned that he's actually tied for the nicest guy ever with Ashley's dad....who gave a sweet, and very heartfelt speech before dinner.
7. Faith is extremely important to Ashley & Eric.
8. Our Lady Queen of Peace is a beautiful church.
9. Holding hands in a receiving line is nearly impossible, but Ashley reached for Eric's hand every time she finished hugging one of the guests. So sweet.
10. Pictures of wildly happy brides are probably my favorite.
11. Ashely & Eric were the most photogenic couple I've ever seen. Dani gave them direction from time to time, but man they made these intimate moments look easy...while standing in front of protestors and police officers at the State Capital no less.
12. They will more than likely have insanely good looking children.
13. Love looks great in black & white or color.
14. Aqua dresses with bouquets of yellow & green look amazing.
15. Gray suits are my new favorite.
16. Eric's hair is actually not great...it's totally killer.
17. Eric & Ashley met at the Cardinal Bar in Madison. They currently live and work in Michigan, but came back to the Badger State for the big day. Very cool.
18. Using table cards to tell guests about the bride & groom's favorite things is such a cute wedding decor idea.
19. Ashley's niece Kendell could not be one bit cuter!
20. The Overture Center for the Arts has many things going on in it at one time. If you take the wrong elevator you may end up backstage at the Madison Area Music Awards...for real.
Which is kind of ironic because there is so much security - I'm pretty sure the Overture Center is just a front for the Secret Service's training center.
21. Having the head table set up in the center of the other tables gives a cozy and casual feel to the dinner.
22. Eric & Ashley are a super sweet couple.
23. They had a thoughtful and beautiful wedding day - full of sentiment with just the right amount of spunk.
24. Dani Stephenson is a genius.
I took this last photo over her head, while she was getting some really fantastic shots. Clearly, because I didn't change my manual settings before I snapped, I blew it out completely. I still love the image. For whatever reason I love their hands, but it's a good reminder of my final lesson...
25. I have a lot more to learn.
Be sure to check out Dani Stephenson Photography for more from Eric & Ashley's wedding day.
Julie - don't cut yourself short - your shots are equally as gorgeous! Well done.
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