Cool, Calm, and Casual

Those are the three words I would use to describe Maddy and Thomas's wedding day. I had met these two previously at their engagement session - see here - and knew that they were just that. Effortlessly cool and refreshingly calm together with an overall casual vibe. I could tell immediately that they were perfect together and knew that their wedding day would be the same.

It all started when I walked into the venue looking for the bridal suite, when I saw Maddy and Thomas on the upstairs balcony - together! Now usually that is not a sight that I see on the morning of a wedding day. The bride and groom together? Never. But it doesn't end there. After hugging and exchanging excited "hi's and hello's", they led me into the massive grooms suite where the entire wedding party was getting ready! I was so impressed and excited because I knew that this group was going to be fabulous to work with. The grooms room was decorated with vintage posters, signs of nearby state parks, and shelf full of records. Everyone was piled on the couch watching basketball while the bride causally floated up the stairs (yes, there was an upstairs to this room) and started getting her makeup done. There was not an ounce of nervous energy in sight. Just fun!

Once Maddy was ready, we got ready for her first look with Thomas. Usually this is a huge deal because the bride and groom haven't gotten to see each other all morning, they both are nervous and overflowing with nerves, but since Maddy and Thomas had gotten to spend the morning together, it was all excitement. Maddy looked beautiful and you could tell she felt that way in front of Thomas when she was spinning around showing him the back of her dress. And he was grinning ear to ear from seeing his future wife in front of him. They read their vows privately - talked about their journey to this day and how excited their were to finally be husband and wife.

After couple photos, their wedding party joined us, and it truly was a party. A great group of friends who were so happy to see these two getting married. Then we moved into the ceremony. Short, sweet, and to the point. No drawn out speeches about the meaning of love, no tears, these two just wanted to hear those words: "I now pronounce you husband and wife". And they did! And the crowd cheered while they walked back down the aisle where their friends eventually met them and celebrated.

The reception was truly so comforting. Although the DJ was playing great tunes, everyone just wanted to talk with each other. As I was walking around, taking photos of everyone chatting and the wedding fashion (which is one of my favorite things at weddings), people would pull me into their conversations and I would feel like we were all best friends in no time! And the speeches that the best man and maid of honor made truly reflected that. Maddy and Thomas are so intentional with who they surround themselves with, that their day couldn't have felt any other way.

People played long games, kicked around a soccer ball (Maddy and Thomas's favorite past time) and drank Mojitos as the sun set. I found the bride and groom to say my goodbyes and it's always so odd saying goodbye to two people who you have grown to know and love throughout this process. I always hope to see my couples again when their anniversaries roll around or they choose to grow their families. That's what I was thinking about as I was walking away from the venue and the wedding party had finally decided it was time to hit the dance floor.

It was a beautiful day and I'm excited to show it to you!

Venue: Carson Creek Estate

DJ: DJ Clint Westwood

Desserts: Pure Bliss

Dress: Lulus

Food + Drinks: Crave Catering