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October was sort of like a revolving door for me. Actually, October was sort of like a revolving door that I got stuck in. Round and round and round - dizzying myself with moving into a new house, shoots, editing, being a wife, daughter, friend; never really sure when to make my move and jump out of the spinning cycle. But I did it. I jumped. And though I made a rather clumsy exit - stumbling and hitting myself with the edge of the door - I'm out of the proverbial rotation of craziness. November should be calmer. But just in case, I'm keeping my distance from merry-go-rounds and those teacup rides at Disney World.
***
One exciting part of the blur of October was Matt and Jamie's wedding. Let me back track for 2.5; I've known Matt for a long time. Like, "we go way back" definitely applies here. We've been great friends for years, and I've always known him to be a truly fantastic, down-to-earth guy. He is easygoing, charming, and considerate. A couple of months ago, I met Jamie. Jamie is laid-back, charismatic, and thoughtful. She is his perfect balance. It's absolutely apparent (even to someone like me who has only spent little time with the two of them together) that there is no better match for either of them than the other. Their love is filled to the brim with emotion and affection; a relationship that is grounded on a firm foundation of adoration and respect.
Before the day of the wedding, I spoke to Matt on the phone and he told me, "I'm not stressed. I'm just ready." Before the ceremony began, Jamie echoed his words - "I'm not stressing at all." After seeing them together, I can understand their calm. When something feels that right, apprehension and tension just sort of fade away, and anticipation takes the spotlight. :)
Matt and Jamie were married on the rooftop of the Star Tower in downtown Orlando. This venue is amazing (in every sense of the word). It has quickly found a place on my "favorite venues" list - near the very top. The weather was gorgeous, the details were phenomenal (photos of the decor will be in my next post! :)), and of course, the bride and groom were adorable. Matt and Jamie are extremely close to their families and friends, so the atmosphere on their wedding day was a mixture of excitement, admiration, and support. Laughter and hugs were in abundance, and there was a happy energy flowing through the air that cannot be explained - only experienced. And we're so glad that we were able to! :)
Matt and Jamie - You're day was nothing short of perfect. I hope you have an incredible time in London and Rome; we could not be more jealous of your trip! ;) Thank you for being so fabulous in every way. See you guys when you get back!
Onto the photos:
Jamie's awesome Ralph Lauren heels...
...stunning Priscilla of Boston dress...
...and the bling. ;)
Matt specifically requested shots of Jamie getting ready since that would be the one thing he wouldn't get to experience with her. Super cute, right? I happily obliged. :) (Just FYI: Jamie is freaking gorgeous.)
Reading the card that Matt gave her before opening his gift. (P.s. it was a key necklace from Tiffany's. ;))
Putting on the dress, with a little sisterly assistance.
The gorgeous bouquet. Flowers and arrangements were created by Lee Forrest Design. (Ben and I used him for our wedding as well! He's insanely talented.)
Beautiful bride.
While I was with the girls, Ben was hanging out near Lake Eola with the guys. Good looking group, right? :)
LOVE this.
Jamie and her bridesmaids got ready in a suite at the Star Tower. The place was pretty much empty, and it provided some killer lighting. Check out the super chic bridesmaids' dresses and their individualized accessories and shoes. :)
I think quoting Tyra is appropriate here - "Fierce."
:)
Most photogenic couple of the year.
Matt got a little choked up when he saw Jamie walking down the aisle. The moment was so emotional that I had to force myself to get it together from behind my camera. I'm such a sucker for the sentimental.
I love being able to feel something through an image. It makes the shot so much more tangible.
MARRIED! :)
Matt and Jamie exited to Dirty Dancing's "The Time of My Life," and their bridal party busted out a few moves as they made their way down the aisle. :)
These next few portraits are some of my favorites to date. Matt and Jamie are so ridiculously easy to photograph - I barely had to give any direction. They're naturals. :)
This one is in the running for my favorite of the day. The beauty of shooting on a rooftop? Raw, golden sunshine. :)
LOVE.
Um, Vogue called and they want their models back.
First dance.
This next one happened by accident; my flash hadn't recycled before I clicked again, and this was the result. I love how it's a little grainy and dark.
A glimpse into the awesomeness of the reception. :)
More to come soon!
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Comments
This wedding was SICK!!! I loved getting to shoot on the rooftop as well!
(10.27.09)Aaaaaaaamazing pictures guys! Looks like this wedding was absolutely beautiful and you captured it wonderfully!
(10.27.09)Heck yeah! THey are awesome!!! I loved looking at ALL of them!!
(10.27.09)Amy & Ben: I think this is your best wedding to date!! They are a gorgeous couple and you did an absolutely amazing job :) Maybe they'd be willing to model for all of us sometime?? They are fabulous!
(10.27.09)beautiful pictures! beautiful couple. :)
(10.27.09)Beautiful, gorgeous, amazing, the list goes on and on. You guys captured this wedding ins such a beautiful manner, the bride and groom were fantastic and you guys did such a great job (as usual)!
(10.27.09)Thank you all so much for your encouraging words! :)
(10.27.09)Thank you both for such wonderful memories captured...Looking forward to seeing the rest...another great session...love to you
(10.30.09)Ben & Amy - You guys did a wonderful job. Lori and I are looking at the pics for the first time this morning. Lori was crying and she had to go call her friends to get them to the website. Awesome job - every picture. What a great couple of days and thanks for capturing it in a way that we can relive it over and over and over.
(11.01.09)