Essential Sunshine Photography

A couple weeks ago we traveled to New York City!! for Kemer and Erica’s wedding. They lucked out on the weather that day – it rained and was gloomy and cold the two days before and the day after their wedding day. The day of however, was perfect – beautiful, sunny and warm.

Their wedding was in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and the reception was in The Palm House. Not only was it a gorgeous and unique setting for their day, but it was a photographer’s dream! Beautiful light everywhere!

Erica’s hair and make-up schedule ran really long, but she took it all in a stride and was laughing and smiling the whole time she was getting ready. Doesn’t she look positively radiant? There really isn’t a better word to describe her.

Apparently men waiting on women starts at a very young age…

Love this shot of Kemer and his best man’s reaction as Erica came into view. And the ring bearer’s expressions is priceless.

The ceremony was an emotional one. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. When Kemer was asked to accept Erica as his wife he exclaimed, “Absolutely, I do!”

MARRIED!

Hello bridal party! Seriously radiant, Erica.

Kemer was looking pretty cool himself.

After the ceremony and formal pictures we headed out to explore all the amazing places the Botanical Gardens had to offer. We found this amazing field of flowers. We could have shot here for hours.

My favorite.

Ben’s favorite. Love the emotion in this one.

We always make sure we get a “wedding announcement/for the grandparents” classic pose of the bride and groom. I got them to hold it for about 3.5 seconds before I said something that was apparently quite funny and they burst into laughter.

Wow. Just wow, Erica. Amazing.

We attracted quite a crowd while we were setting up for the next shot. It was worth it though!

Preparing for The Entrance. The ring bearer was oh so cool.

First dance. Erica and Kemer danced by themselves for a minute and then invited all the guests up to join them; a very cool gesture. Nothing like a naughty cake topper to get people talkingPerfect for them.

LOOOOOVE the way he is looking at his new wife. A look really can say it all.

The toasts did not disappoint. The maid of honor and the best man had the crowd going.

Then the dancing started. Kemer TORE UP  the dance floor. I’m jealous of his moves. Really, the worm?! = Awesome!

…and Erica didn’t do so bad herself. Love this moment between her and her honorary dad for the day.

So many amazing details.

Bartending rule #1 – never serve patrons who are clearly intoxicated.  Nope, no rules broken here

Kemer and Erica – thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your day.  You guys are awesome. Much love.

 

We traveled up to the beautiful and quaint town of Chesapeake City, MD for Lynn & Chip’s Wedding. What a gorgeous town. It is one of those towns that you could just retire to. A kind of town where everyone is sure to know your name and your business.Plus it is situated on the tranquil Chesapeake Bay. Don’t worry Ben & I grabbed lunch prior to the ceremony and feasted on Maryland Crab. How can you not when you are there?

It was a beautiful day in Maryland for their wedding. Rain threaten for most of the day but stayed away. The love that these two have is infectious. They are so easy to be around and so comfortable with each other. Love that! So do a lot of other people which was apparent from the crowd that descended upon Chesapeake City for their nuptials.

We posted the photo on the left in a little facebook tease but loved it too much to not include it here. This is Vanessa, Chip’s sister and his niece, Angelia. She is the cutest! I looooove her curls! The photo on the right is when Lynn’s mom and sister/MOH, Robin, were latching Lynn’s buttons. They were using crochet hooks which seemed to work like a charm for Andy but Robin was having a bit of trouble as you can see from her expression.

A little detail before we met the guys at the pier for Lynn & Chip’s first look.

Hello Groom!!! Chip has the greenest eyes I have ever seen. I know, this photo doesn’t show them so you will just have to trust me.

 

Ah, adorable.  While I was getting this one…

…Ben was getting this one.

Our favorite. There is so much I love about this image. The way he is looking at her. Her slight smile. The way his hand is lightly touching hers. ADORE!

 

This is their cake topper. Isn’t it just awesome?! I love that they included their little pug.

The ballroom at Chesapeake Inn has this magnificent ceiling of lights that looks like stars.

They made Lynn a special drink. I am not sure what was in it but it looked good and they were popular.

Who do you think is going to get it?

You know what makes a great wedding even better? A good cake smashing. I think we may be biased because we did it at our wedding (photo to come at another time). Lynn got Chip good. Awesome.

Chip’s grandparents won the anniversary dance. They have been married for 60 years and still in love. Perseverance is the key they said. After the anniversary dance the party really got started. A Time for Music did an amazing job. The music was great and Dave is such a charismatic MC.

Let’s just say glow sticks were involved.

 

Lots and lots of glow sticks.

Congratulations Lynn & Chip!

Here is a little something to hold you over until tomorrow when I post the rest of the St. Michel’s wedding.

This moment got me. I was snapping away when they turned and Erica looked up at Graham (who was standing behind me watching his wife dance with her Dad) with tears in her eyes! Such emotion. I just lost it! Ah, gotta love it.