dk photographic

Ericka and Chris

Last Saturday's wedding was  INCREDIBLE!!! As we stood around the room, the girls kept asking Ericka if she was nervous and every time her answer was a very calm one...  "I'm good.  I'm excited.  I just want to get  my dress on and get started."  She was the picture of calm.

Her flowers actually remind me of Ericka herself.  They're soft and sweet with a little pop of excitement.

 See!  Doesn't she look calm?

 Of course, not long after her dress was on, it started to hit her....  "Now, I'm feeling it!", she said.

 One word.  WOW!!!

 Grandma's rosary.

 She just looks so beautiful.

 And, our handsome groom.

 This is one of those moments I don't think I'll ever forget.  As they turned to go down the aisle, I heard someone on her side say "She's crying."  then a little buzz went through the pews.  Apparently, Ericka's family is a lot like me...  Quick to tears.  I LOVE it!!!  This moment is probably the most emotional of the day.  It's hard for a dad and it's bittersweet for a bride.   I think such an honest show of emotion is a blessing.

 A couple more ceremony highlights!

 After church we headed to this fab little spot.  I was excited to have a fun bridal party to work with.  I think they look soooooo goood here!!!

 I think our couple is looking pretty awesome, too!

 We were heading to the bus.  I just snapped this photo...  Real quick.  No planning.  No posing.  It's an honest to goodness moment.  And if you can't see all the love Chris is sending her way, I think you might be blind.  :) From what I hear, he chased her for 12 years and clearly it was worth it.

 At the reception, there were some great toasts.  Her dad started us off with tears and giggles.

The best man's toast began with "For an occasion"  said very fast...  Go ahead.  Say it.  You'll laugh, too.  

 Then...  our sweet, sweet maid of honor who loves her sister so much gave a very touching toast. 

 Cake AND Cupcakes!!!!

 These looked beyond delicious!!!

 Oh...  Yes...  He did...   Thank heavens for good senses of humor.

 She and her dad practiced their dance.  Twirling.  Dipping.  I think here he was saying "We did it!"  but...  I'm just guessing.  :)

 During his dance with his mom, they sang to each other the whole time.

 A proud uncle.

 FUN!!!!  Now...  Once the official events were over, the true fun began.  My assistant noted that she felt like were in an episode of Glee and you know what?!  She was dead on!!!  Everyone was singing along to all the songs.  There was a lot of Journey playing!  It was fantastic!!

 Then Chris' uncle serenaded the crowd with his version of Lady Gaga...  His was "Love, love, love.  They're in love!!!"  Dance moves and all!!!  Impressive!

 I love this photo!!!  Three friends who go way back, who are REALLY there for each other.  Afghanistan.  England.  United States.  Distance means nothing.  They take care of each other and everyone could take a lesson in friendship from these guys.

 I wish I could bring this guy to every wedding!!  He sang along and danced and had himself one heckuva good time.

 At the end of the night, I got the feeling that people weren't ready for the party to end.  The guests circled around the bride and groom while Billy Joel serenaded everyone with "The Piano Man".  Everybody sang along and swayed.

 Before Ericka and Chris met up with their friends at the Varsity Club, they allowed me to chauffeur them around for a couple of night photos.  Ericka found this wall a while back and knew she wanted a wedding photo here.  Pretty cool.  I believe this is Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, a great Hollywood love story.  Hmmm...  Life imitating art?

 It took a little coaxing.... but....  OH YEAH!!!!

 

Ericka and Chris....  Thank you so very much for choosing me.  I fell in love with your families, your energy, your music, your day.  I feel very blessed to have been able to take these photos for you.  Enjoy Punta Cana!!!  Bring some photos for me to see and I'll see you very soon!!!  Best wishes!!!