dk photographic

Suzanne and Derek

I'll admit that it took me a few extra days to write this blog post.  So much went on that day, I wasn't really sure where to begin but the cobwebs are clearing and the post is actually happening---finally.

When I first met Suzanne, she sat on my brown couch and I would've sworn that I'd known her for years.  I think she has this effect on a lot of people or maybe...  it's because the majority of her friends she has had for years.  When I spoke with the bridesmaids, nearly all of them had known her since they were small.   Doesn't that say a lot about Suzanne?  I think so.  Clearly, she really values relationships she's built over the years.  So, it's not surprising that her relationship with her husband, Derek, is one that has been building for many years.

I love the story.  Derek and Suzanne both grew up around Indian Lake.  According to maid of honor, Ashley Sloan, "during the summer of 2002...Derek began to pay a little more attention to this ravishing curly haired blonde who lived across the lake."  Their first date was July 6th, 2002 for fireworks.  I guess those sparks are still flying because here is 2011 they went from being adorable dating teens riding on a yellow boat to Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie gliding on the Darby House pontoon.  :)

We started their wedding day at the hotel.  I was impressed at how relaxed everyone was.  Suzanne and Ashley had a hotel slumber party while the boys woke up to go wake boarding.  

T

he forecast, no surprise this season, called for rain---a lot of rain.  But I hoped.  I prayed.  I put a prayer on facebook.  I crossed my fingers.  I rubbed a rabbit's foot.  Anything...  No luck.  It rained anyway.  

Honestly, it didn't really dampen anyone's spirits.  How could your day be doused when you look this amazing?

 Our first choice for a first look was occupied so my wonderful hubby saved the day with an idea.  He found us a great place to work with!  Here's an idea of how happy they were to be together.  This photo just makes me let out a big old "Sigh...."  I love it.

 My friend, Chris from Blue Skies Video was with us today and as you can see, he's very entertaining.  The camera he's holding is a vintage 1950's 8mm and Blue Skies is the only company in town using it.  And, the results are INCREDIBLE!  

 There was certainly more photo fun to be had.  Heck.  We were just getting warmed up!

 We had a very fun bridal party to work with.  One of these lovely ladies told me the story of how she was there, sitting at the computer with Suzanne, when the dk decision was made.   It seems a certain pair of blue shoes caught their eyes and I got the job for the day.  LOVED hearing that!  Thanks so much for sharing that story with me.

 Rain?!  So what!  These people rocked it and those little drops didn't stand a chance!

 I did mention that those drops didn't stand a chance, didn't I?  Um.  Yeah.  Not only did it stop raining but those clouds floated on out of town as well, leaving us with a wonderful wedding day and all kinds of pretty light to work with.

 We strolled all over the Darby House grounds finding spot after spot.  I loved that we were able to capture a little personality in these portraits but believe me, these two have a lot of personality.

 When you meet Derek, ask him what my name is...  Go ahead.  I can promise that the name you'll hear will not be DK or even Donna.  This name stems from our engagement session when I forced the poor boy to get soaking wet.  His form of payback was my new name

My name is Riverbottom and I'm proud of it.  LOL!  Riverbottom photography coming to a creek near you.  

Okay...  Back to the wedding....   

 All I'm saying here is that this flat little riverbottom would kill for a tush like this!  I LOVE this photo! Her Sarah Danielle dress is stunning as well.  I'd swear it was made just for her.

 Details!  Miss Suzanne worked very hard on the details for her day and I think she did a fantastic job.  Don't you?

 Speaking of details...  when your husband works for an excavating company, a pillow is probably a little too soft.  What's the solution?  An excavater, of course and it has the added bonus of keeping the ring bearer occupied during the ceremony.

 After the I do's, we all went on the pontoon...  Job perk = I get to the ride on the boat, too.

 Then it is finally time to celebrate with a first dance....

 some yummy cake from The Cake Studio

 And a cupcake for the birthday boy. Peyton turned 6 on their wedding day and he was so excited to see this cupcake!

 A little toasting...  I heard about how Derek picked on his little brother...  in a good way.

 And I heard how Ashley & Suzanne are really sisters.

 I watched as Suzanne and her dad were anything but ordinary by shakin' it to The Dancing Queen by Abba.  They definitely had fun!

 Derek and his mom started out slow dancin' but finished with flair.

 I can honestly say this was a whirlwind of a day.  Rain, clouds, sun, sprinkles and more fun than should be allowed!  I'm so excited for these two and thrilled to have spent the day documenting all the fun.  Thanks for choosing me!