Abe and Julie were my first wedding couple of this year and they kicked it off in style!  Theirs was a wedding different from any other that I have been a part of as their religious beliefs do not permit any photography inside their church.  Being that it was early April and FREEZING, Julie had the wonderful plan to do all of the portraits the day before the ceremony.  I was all…GREAT!  I cannot tell you what a thrill it was to just shoot for a few hours with no care as to what time it was ;)  Most definitely a great intro into wedding season this year!

The Hilton in downtown Fort Wayne was chosen as the place to prepare and being our shoot for the day.  It was beyond gloomy and raining through the windows but you wouldn’t have known it from the excitement happening inside….

I love me some great heels on wedding day :)  Julie’s were sky high and beyond fabulous!

One of my favorite moments of the day….Abe arrived at the hotel while Julie and her maids were in the middle of their preparations.  I found him in the hallway and he asked me if he could see Julie.  I thought he was kidding!  We had planned a first look before pictures to give them a special moment together…I doubt Julie wanted to do that in her tshirt and no makeup ;)  I told Abe he had to wait to which he replied that he just had to at least talk to her!  So, here is Abe talking to his bride-to-be through the door of her suite.

Julie’s black sash and brooch were not decided upon until the last minute…mom pins it into place.

Both ready for the moment…Abe waited downstairs in the lobby for his Julie to arrive.  He was not disappointed ;)  One of the best groom reactions I’ve seen yet!

Ah, my favorite below…the heels make me happy!

I have to say, this was one kind, gracious and non-complaining group! I still can’t believe they were so willing to be outside, especially the girls in their short J.Crew dresses (which I also adored).

Isn’t she absolutely adorable?!  You should hear her giggle ;)

Julie had told me that her gift to her bridesmaids/flower girl were these cute rain boots…I said Bring Them!!!  We were lucky that the rain held off until we were in our final location and we at least had cover to shoot under!  Julie told me from the very beginning of our consults how much she wanted texture in her photographs….Check!

At the end of the session, Abe and Julie left to attend their wedding rehearsal and dinner while I headed home.  The wedding took place the next morning at in Milford, Indiana and I arrived just before the ceremony began to capture a few images of them heading to the church along with the reception details…

…and captured their reactions as they exited the church as husband and wife :)

It’s a great send off when all you an see of the bride and groom are their smiles and hands holding onto each other ;)

Abe and Julie, I truly want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding festivities.  It was a pleasure and honor to meet your wonderful friends and families and witness the love you have for one another.  I know God will bless your marriage for years to come!