classic beauty — austin & morgan’s wedding

Hey blogosphere… I’m posting early!

By now, the most vigilant of you will have seen the two other posts dedicated to Morgan and Austin’s wedding weekend. Having gotten those things out of the way, we are ready to debut our very favorite images from their wedding.

I first met Morgan over the phone in June, when she called me and announced that she was 100% certain she wanted me to photograph her wedding, and asked what she needed to do to make that happen. From that first conversation, I knew we were going to get along just great. I like a woman who knows what she wants!

Over the next few months, I grew more and more excited about Morgan’s wedding. When she talked about her husband-to-be, her whole face lit up. When she said, “oh, you’ll love him!”, I knew she was probably right. Everything about this wedding, start to finish, placed the focus where it SHOULD be placed… on love.

And Morgan was right about us digging Austin, too. They’re two peas in a pod. I’ve never in my life met a more genuinely joyful couple, and Mack and I both feel honored to have shared in such a special time in their lives.

Morgan & Austin got married in Decatur, at the First United Methodist Church. The ceremony presented a few challenges for us, because we were confined to the balcony and the back of the sanctuary. No worries… I think the images we captured PERFECTLY reflect the sacred feeling that was present throughout their entire event.

You’ll see a bit more Black and White, and antique treatment throughout this collection than you usually do from me. The color images are beautiful, but Morgan really loves that classic, timeless look, and you know me… Keep the Bride Happy! After seeing Morgan’s reaction to the antique treatment I did on one of her bridal portraits (and it’s gorgeous 11×16 presentation at the wedding), I’m pretty sure this is gonna make for a happy Morgan!

Enjoy!

We started off our day with some detail shots around the First United Methodist Church building. Anytime we get the opportunity to play in a historic landmark, we take advantage of it! These shots may not scream “wedding”, but I love them just the same.

Then we took Morgan’s wedding gown out for some playtime. As you’ll see throughout this post, I have an unashamed fixation on Morgan’s gown… some of you may even remember it from her bridal portraits. This dress is really just stunning.

Shoes? Piano? Yes please!

Morgan was so joyful the whole time she was getting ready. No matter what emergency errands needed to be run, or what got misplaced, she had a smile on her face. “I’m getting married today,” she said. “I’m here, he’s here… the rest is just extra.” What a great attitude!

While the girls expended all their energy getting gorgeous, the guys played a little game of cards, complete with trash talk.

Black jack!

Funny story… Austin wanted to give his bride a card before the ceremony, but couldn’t find a wedding card with a sentiment he wanted. So he picked an anniversary card instead. This is Morgan’s priceless reaction:

Once the clock hands start inching closer to showtime, there’s nothing left to do but get dressed!

Sweet little flower girl, Everett.

Ties seem really complicated, don’t they?

A quick prayer with the minister…

Then the organ fires up, and it’s time to go!!

This overhead shot Mack grabbed reminds me of Maria walking down the aisle in “Sound of Music”!

Here’s a good shot of the pipe organ I mentioned… LOUD and wonderful! I love old church music.

Man and wife!

During their “moment” together after the ceremony… it was dark, but I think it turned out pretty romantic!

I’m going to focus on a few sweet portraits I got of the bride and groom, but I couldn’t resist throwing a bridesmaid picture up. After all, at least one of them will see this blog before Morgan does, and deserves a shout out!

I love these two portraits so much, especially considering they’re a departure from our usual style. I think they could be Morgan’s grandmother’s wedding portraits… ya know? There’s a timeless feeling… a sense of history. Very pleased am I.

Totally blinged out bouquet holder!

Party time!

The first thing we saw when we walked into the Decatur Civic Center was the 20×30 gallery wrap of Morgan’s favorite bridal portrait, up on a gold easel. I can’t even begin to explain how it feels to have our work displayed in such a gorgeous format, and to see the reactions people had when they saw it. Very proud moment for me.

I didn’t stay distracted for long, though. Because as soon as you turned to your left, you saw The Cake. Yes, capital letters necessary. Gold filigreed, lit from beneath… I don’t know how anyone could cut this cake to eat it. Work of art.

I suppose I should give the groom’s cake a bit of love, too. After all, it was Cowboys-themed, and included a digital picture frame!

Gorgeous flowers, too. This reception really was stellar… one of the more exceptional designs we’ve ever seen!

See what I mean? Flowers floating in water in this tall vase… INSPIRED.

After making their entrance, Austin & Morgan slid smoothly into their first dance as Husband & Wife.

This week, you get two ring shots… because I couldn’t pick my favorite. I have to tell you, I could have spent HOURS on Morgan’s ring. 2.8 carats of round-cut, solitare amazingness. This is a jaw-dropping stone, but it’s so classily done. Keep in mind when you see these, Morgan’s ring is about a size 4. That should help you wrap your brain around scale! Both of these were taken on that cake table, so they’re lit from beneath.

The Best Man gives a touching toast:

The Maid of Honor snuggles with her honey:

Dance dance!

Different songs always attract different dancers. Sometimes, the floor was hoppin’…

…while other times, it was a private playground for the flower girl and her Daddy.

It was really important to Morgan to have some cute pictures of she and her husband cutting their cake, as she plans to frame one next to a similar picture from her parents’ wedding. I think these oughta do the trick!

Note to brides: aim carefully when tossing the bouquet. Morgan overshot her throw by at least a dozen feet, rendering useless all the blocking action by the girls in the front row!

Some of the sweetest garter retrieval shots EVER.

Time to go!

Austin & Morgan, I can’t wait to hear about what I’m sure has been an amazing trip to Puerto Rico. You’re such special people, and we feel blessed to know you!