Marri & Aldo’s Minnesota Wedding

 

“We’re all a little weird, and life’s a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”

– Dr. Seuss

 

I love this quote from one of my all-time favorite writers! I’m not calling Marri & Aldo “wierd”. But they are most definitely, one hundred percent, head-over-heals IN LOVE!!! 🙂

Having worked with Marri for many years (she was one of the decision-makers who hired me to photograph my first corporate event with the US Grains Council), it was such an honor when she asked me to photograph her wedding! I’ve come to think of her as not just a colleague, but as a friend…which made being a part of their celebration extra special for me.

Having grown up internationally, I was even MORE thrilled when I found out the man Marri had fallen in love with was Panamanian!  Aldo runs his own business in the shipping industry in Panama City, where Marri is now based. I finally got to meet him in February when we photographed their Engagement Session in Casco Viejo, the beautiful old historic part of Panama City. We got to meet his wonderful family there as well. It was truly special to see how happy Marri is when she’s around Aldo!

Fast forward to last weekend when Marri & Aldo’s destination wedding took place at her father’s farm in Marshall, MN. Family and friends came from far and wide! Friends from grade-school, co-workers, and so many of Aldo’s family from Panama that they even hired professional translators, Chris Dimmick and Isabel Rodriguez, to translate the beautiful ceremony!

The family farm was decorated beautifully! In a natural setting surrounded by tall pines, under a rustic arbor on a carpet of lush grass, Marri & Aldo exchanged their vows. Emotions swayed the gamut…solemn words from the heart cascading into bursts of joy and laughter. I was glad I had my cameras to hide behind when tears welled up…and just as glad when they were wiped away by a spontaneous giggle.

I didn’t think anything would top that amazing ceremony! But I was warned that Panamanians KNOW HOW TO PARTY!!! The reception that followed is certainly one that will go down in my mind as the greatest one in my long career! From the amazing toasts (some of which couldn’t even be translated!!!), to the fresh-from-the-farm dinner, to the bottomless ice-cream cart, to the all-night-dance fest, to the bonfire after-party with s’mores…it truly was a night to remember. I finally hitched a ride to the hotel at 2:00am.  Easily the longest I’ve ever partied at a reception…THAT is how much fun it was! 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS, Marri & Aldo!
Ahora no sentirán ninguna lluvia, porque cada uno será el amparo del otro.
Ahora no tendrán frío, porque cada uno le dará calor al otro.
Ahora no habrá más soledad, porque existirán como compañeros.
Aunque sean son dos individuos, un solo destino los espera.
Vayan ahora a su hogar para continuar su vida juntos.
Y que sus días en esta tierra duren y quesean prósperos.
– Unknown Wedding Blessing

Here are a few of my favorite images below.  To view the rest of their wedding gallery, visit:  http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/marriandaldowedding.

 

 

Katie & Grayson at Magnolia Plantation

Last weekend, Katie & Grayson’s dream of a picture-perfect southern plantation wedding came true!!!

The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect, and excitement filled the air! Magnolia Plantation was the gorgeous backdrop for the day. And Katie was absolutely stunning in her gown. What more could a photographer ask for?!? 🙂

To see the rest of their photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/katieandgrayson.  And to see some of Katie’s beautiful bridal portraits, check out https://chrisandcami.com/katies-bridal-portraits-at-charlestowne-landing/.

Originally from Arkansas, Katie & Grayson are the most amazing couple you could ever hope to meet! Katie is a stunning lawyer and athlete, with an infectious laugh, and a fun mischievous streak. Grayson’s devilish good looks and strong-but-quiet demeanor could land him on the cover of GQ magazine someday. Together they are a match made in heaven!

Many thanks to my amazing second-shooter, Robbin, to Leanza at Magnolia Plantation, to Loraine at Invitation Only Charleston, to Angela at First Impressions, to John at Watering Hole, to Thomas at 326 Films, to Janice at Pretty Petals, to Steve at Coastal Hospitality, to Andrew at Classical Charleston, to Monica at Cake Sablee, to Ron at RCB Audio, and to the many other helping hands and smiling faces of friends and family who helped make this day so special!

CONGRATULATIONS Katie & Grayson!!!

“Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness,
for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons,
but there is only one life before you.
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead
and through all the years.
May happiness be your companion,
and your days together be good and long upon the earth.”
– Apache Wedding Blessing

Kathleen & Michael at the Francis Marion Hotel

I owe a HUGE thank you to the Lazicki family for recommending us to Kathleen’s Aunt and Uncle!
 
They put me in touch with Kathleen and Michael, and we began chatting, emailing, and Skyping over a year ago. We got together over coffee one weekend when they were in town, finalizing plans for their wedding day. I felt such an instant connection with this beautiful couple…I just KNEW their wedding was going to be a special one!
 
Last weekend the Big Day finally arrived…and I was BLOWN AWAY!!! My assistant, Laura, and I were accepted into the fold as if we were family. Nothing in the world could have dampened the spirit of this special day. The energy in the air was simply electric!
 
Getting ready at the Francis Marion Hotel, Kathleen was absolutely stunning, in a very unique dress that I absolutely LOVED!!! Michael was quite dashing and debonair, himself. My favorite part of the day was when the two of them shared a special moment together (on opposite sides of her door) to exchange gifts and tell each other how much they looked forward to marrying one another!
 
Following the beautiful ceremony in the Gold Ballroom at the old historic hotel, the families headed over to Marion Square for portraits. A chance encounter with a street performer prompted a vicious “Dance Off” with Michael, to which we’re all still bewildered as to who the victor was…it was THAT good!!! The wedding party then headed into the scenic College of Charleston campus, where we had a blast laughing and capturing tons of great photos while the students are away for the summer.
 
Returning to the Francis Marion Hotel, Gillian and the amazing staff had transformed the ceremony site into a romantic reception hall. Michael had planned a raucous sports-arena-style Grand Entrance that did not disappoint. And Kathleen’s eloquent Welcome Speech raised a huge round of applause. The food, the fellowship, and the fun went on and on, non-stop all night long!
 
To see the rest of Kathleen & Michael’s photos, visit:  http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/kathleenandmichael.
CONGRATULATIONS Kathleen & Michael!!! May your love for each other grow ever stronger as you walk together along this new journey together!

Jennifer & Matt’s James Island Wedding

When Jennifer called to ask if I was available for her wedding date, I was so excited to say YES!!!

I had photographed her sister Ashley’s wedding several years ago and remembered how much I loved working with their family then. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Jennifer over the last few months as we ironed out all the details. Last weekend, the big day finally arrived!!!

Jennifer & Matt were married on her cousin’s lawn, on a gorgeous day, overlooking a beautiful creek on James Island Jennifer was absolutely stunning in her elegant wedding gown. It was an honor to finally meet Matt, who is an INCREDIBLE guy, and madly in love with Jennifer!

From the very first touches of makeup, to the grand finale when everyone jumped in the pool…it was clear that this was a match made in heaven! To see the rest of their photos, check out their gallery at http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/jennandmatt.

CONGRATULATIONS Jennifer & Matt!!! May your lives continue to be blessed without measure…

Bekah & Casey’s Beautiful Wedding

When I lay hiding in the itchy bushes, heart pounding with excitement, photographing Casey’s secret proposal to Bekah several months ago…I had no idea that one day I’d also be photographing him placing the wedding band on her finger in marriage!

Casey & Bekah’s Secret Proposal at Magnolia Plantation

What an honor it was to be there for Bekah & Casey at their beautiful wedding in the lush countryside outside Mullins, SC. It was such an elegant affair, with the old rustic barn decorated with tasteful floral arrangements and antique lighting displays. Friends and family came from far and wide to witness the joy of this special day!

To see the rest of their photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/bekahandcasey

Bekah was absolutely stunning in her whispy flowing gown and fairy-tale wreath. Casey was decked out in a handsome suit. Both of them wore their favorite shoes, which were also present on the day Casey asked for Bekah’s hand in marriage! It was so cool to know that those special shoes and I were the ONLY witnesses for both of these magical celebrations of their love for each other!!!

“My beloved is mine and I am his.” Song of Songs 2:16

CONGRATULATIONS Bekah & Casey!  We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together!!!

Sarah & Todd’s Shenandoah Wedding

Last week Sarah & Todd finally tied the knot on a beautiful hillside, overlooking a gorgeous lake, in picturesque Shenandoah Crossing Resort!

Sarah & Todd were a personal referral through Cami’s Aunt Marian, who is good friends with Sarah’s mom and Sarah’s aunt. Once we started talking to Sarah, everything just “clicked”, and we knew it was meant to be! Meeting with Sarah months ago during the planning stages of the wedding confirmed our feelings…THIS was going to be an amazing wedding!!!

The week before the wedding, Cami and I drove up with her Aunt Marian and Uncle Joe, to enjoy the history and beauty of Virginia. We had a wonderful few days, getting to know the area the wedding was in…lush vineyards, green hillsides, and curvy country roads.

The morning of the wedding dawned with beautiful sunshine and happy faces!!! Sarah was absolutely gorgeous in her fitted gown. And Todd was looking pretty dapper himself. 🙂

The ceremony was down right perfect…right down to the geese serenading guests as they whistled overhead! The reception was filled with excitement and energy all night long. Everyone had a BLAST…and we were know exception!!!  To see ALL the crazy fun photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/sarahandtodd.

“When in love, a cliff becomes a meadow.” – Ethiopian Wedding Blessing

CONGRATULATIONS, Sarah & Todd!  May your lives be filled with nothing but meadows as you begin this new journey together…

Darcy & David at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Photographing Darcy & David’s AMAZING destination wedding in Augusta has been the highlight of our year!

Darcy & Cami are long-time “tennis gals”. And it’s always an EXTRA honor when good friends like Darcy & David ask us to be a part of their special day. We can’t thank them enough for allowing us to be there for them, and to capture all the fun and excitement of this beautiful time in their lives!!!

Darcy & David’s ceremony was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, while the reception was held at the Augusta Country Club. Both were absolutely gorgeous venues!  It seemed like all of Augusta turned out to witness this incredible day. And with so many fabulous friends and family in attendance…this classy affair turned into the party of the century! It was like having the best of both worlds!!!  🙂

To see the rest of their wedding photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/darcyanddavidwedding.  To see all their rehearsal dinner photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/darcyanddavidrehearsal.

CONGRATULATIONS Darcy & David! We wish you both all the joy and happiness your hearts deserve!!!

Christina & Matt’s Wedding at Indian Hills Golf Club

As most folks know, I had a very unique childhood…spending my formative years overseas in Africa. Christina’s mom did as well! We share the unique bond of having attended The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK), we speak the same dialect of Kituba, and we fought the same strains of malaria! 🙂 So when Linda asked if I would fly to California and photograph her daughter’s wedding, I jumped at the chance!!!

The story I heard was that Christina’s grandmother, Mary, was responsible for this special occasion taking place. 😉 Christina & Matt have been together for 10 years, but never made things official. When asked if she would be coming to visit them in California for Christmas, Mary said something to the effect of, “I might…if I get to finally see my granddaughter get married!” That was all it took for Christina & Matt to say “You know what…we SHOULD!” Before anyone knew it, the planning of the party-of-the-decade was in full swing!!! 🙂

Although predictions of rain were in the air, the day of the wedding dawned absolutely spectacular! We couldn’t have asked for a prettier day. And I certainly couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful bride to photograph! Christina was absolutely radiant in her gorgous gown!!! Matt was looking pretty snappy with his red tie. Their son, Grant, was stylin’ in his matching black outfit. But the best part was the wedding party’s awesome shoes!!!

With such beautiful scenery to work with, and such a fun-loving group, we all had a BLAST creating tons of photographs, ranging from silly and fun to dramatic and timeless! Afterwards, their ceremony was held at the scenic Wedgewood club house at the Indian Hills Golf Club. Like the photo shoot, the ceremony had an up-beat joie-de-vivre persona, which I loved! A gentle pitter-patter on the roof began during the “I-Do’s”. So after the ceremony Christina & Matt agreed to sneak outside for a few epic shots among the gentle raindrops. After all, rain on your wedding day is good luck, right?!? (And trust me, it doesn’t rain very often in L.A.)

It was so great to be there for this AMAZING couple, and to spend time with my extended Congolese family! CONGRATULATIONS Christina & Matt!!! Remember…

“Where there is love there is no darkness.”
– Burundi Wedding Blessing

Caroline & Matt & Turf Valley Resort

When I photographed Matt’s Secret Proposal to Caroline 6 months ago (https://chrisandcami.com/caroline-matts-secret-wedding-proposal/), it was one of the most humble moments of my 20+ year career! I could tell there was something truly special about these two…a connection on another dimension…spiritual, pure, perfect. It was even more humbling a few weeks later when they asked if Cami & I would be willing to photograph their Destination Wedding at an amazing resort near Washington D.C.!!!

Last week the big day finally arrived!  The wedding and reception were held at the gorgeous Turf Valley Resort. The location was beautiful, the weather was beautiful, and Caroline was ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!! One of my favorite shots of the day was Matt’s beaming smile when he saw her for the first time, walking down the aisle beside her father, ready to become his wife.

Photographing Caroline & Matt’s portraits after the wedding was like working with a pair of professional models. 🙂 Everywhere we went, they struck these amazing poses, with his dress blues setting off her elegant gown, and their contagious “we just got married” smiles warming our hearts. We had so much fun during our mini-shoot, complete with golf cart ride!

Entering the reception hall, I could tell we were in for the party of the century! There was a palpable electricity in the air. From the second Caroline & Matt stepped into the room to thunderous applause, to the very last dance, the room was filled with emotion, energy, and excitement!  They were showered with love from friends and family all night long.

CONGRATULATIONS Matt & Caroline! The blessing of meeting couples like you, and the joy of sharing in your lives, is the true reason why we LOVE what we do. We wish for you a life together full of the greatest joy imaginable!!!

Mihaela & Vicintiu’s Romania Wedding

Yesterday I had the pleasant surprise of a wonderful phone call from Mihaela, who’s wedding to Vicintiu I photographed in Romania back in July.  She was in the US visiting friends and family.  I was so honored that she would take the time to reach out and thank me again for being a part of their wedding!  What a sweetheart!!!

So I thought I’d post a few photos from their gorgeous day.  I have to say, this was by far the most surreal wedding I have ever had the privilege of photographing!  It was on a beautiful, pristine, mountainside near Campulung.  A light afternoon shower had cleansed the landscape and brought a crisp freshness to the air.  A dreamy mist was rising from the valley below.  And we weren’t alone…wild horses had also discovered the picturesque meadow we were in.  They pranced and played in the background throughout the service.  Then just as magically as they appeared…wandered off to an adjoining hill side just before we left.  It was one of those serendipitous experiences I’ll never forget for as long as I live.

Congratulations again to “Miha & Vic”.  Always remember the magic moments of your life!!!