Famous Failures

At some point we all face hard times or setbacks, but what makes us better, stronger people is how we learn from those challenges and use them as ways to improve ourselves. I know I've had my fair share of set-backs to overcome, and I'm sure I'll have more, but it's people like this who inspire me to keep pushing forward...



Thanks to Jill of Strut Photography for posting this on her blog.

Beth & Fred's Wedding

This was a very emotional wedding for me. Beth & Fred's love for each other is just so powerful that it's hard not to get swept away with them. They put so much thought and care into their wedding that every little thing had significance and meaning to who they are as individuals and as a couple.

I just LOVE her birdcage veil and finger waves!


Beth & Fred saw each other for the first time on the porch of the Inn at Monticello in Charlottesville, VA. Their smiles were absolutely radiant at their first glance of each other on their wedding day...



Fred then escorted Beth in a classic red convertible to their ceremony and reception site, Ash Lawn-Highland, home of James Monroe, where they spent some time alone together on the beautiful grounds for a few creative shots before the ceremony...




Their flowers were the perfect mix of elegance and whimsy...


The ceremony was based on Jewish traditions, but with personalized updates for the modern equitable couple...




How excited are they to be married?!? I love it!!!!




Immediately following the ceremony, the guests gathered around for a large group picture. What a perfect day it was!!



Check out some of the fabulous and unique details for their wedding, including Fred's love of comic books! I'll never forget when Beth told me about her friend's reaction to Fred's room of comic books in their home, "It was as if I were staring at shelves and shelves of eyeballs"... so, apparently he has quite the collection!


They also had a polaroid guest book with additional props to encourage guests to have fun and step into another character...



The Dixie Power Trio had guests on the dance floor all night long, and they even played some pretty sweet klezmer for the horah!



Their family and friends gave some amazing toasts, but the one that brought tears to my eyes and gave me chills was a short and sweet statement from Fred's brother about Fred, "You may not have special powers, but you're still a superhero, and the way I know is because a superhero is always there for you when you need them."



To add to the fun, the guests enjoyed games during dinner like couples trivia, matching famous couples, and putting together Star Wars puzzles...



Once the music started to play again, it was a grand party for the rest of the night!!




Beth & Fred, thank you for letting me capture the abundant joy that you have for each other, your family, and your friends. You are surrounded by good people and I'm so honored that I was able to capture the many blessings that you have in your life. May life continue to bless you with even more joy, peace, and love everyday.... I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I am a better person for the time that I was able to share with you.

Zoe & Zak Wedding

Zoe & Zak are the kind of couple that loves to have fun together and make others laugh, so prepare yourself for a bit of zaniness. ;-)

Starting with a little bit of cartoon fun...


This moment was just too sweet while Zoe was getting ready...


.. and what a great moment between Zak and his dad...


Zoe & Zak decided to do formal photos before the ceremony, but wanted to see each other alone before the friends and family joined in. They were just too sweet....




As guests arrived and signed in...


Zoe became more anxious and decided to check her heart-rate...


I love, love, love this one of the guys walking in together paired with the retro architecture of the Orchard Park Presbyterian Chruch in Indianapolis, IN...


Even though Zoe had already seen Zak, she was still very emotional as she walked down the aisle with her dad...


Through the windows of the sanctuary...


Not a small wedding party...


The set up was going to be something romantic, but Zak and Zoe had me busting up when they decided to do this..


Wedding details of black & white with red all over, with the reception held at the Oak Hill Mansion...


The toasts had everyone cracking up...




A little something extra for Da Bears..


Hilarious!!


This time they were checking out the groom's bling!


So sweet....



You go girl!


Bow-chicka-bow-wow..


What a fun day with so many sweet moments intertwined!! It was an awesome party and everyone had a great time!! Thank you so much for letting me capture all of the awesome moments of the day!!