Thursday, July 9, 2009

Amanda and Nick: the wedding

Amanda and Nick: the wedding

I had been looking forward to Amanda and Nick's wedding ever since our first meeting. Amanda is the wittiest person I have ever met and Nick is just 'cool' - 'nuf said. Their wedding fell on my birthday. Those of you who think that working on your birthday doesn't sound like fun, have obviously never met these two! Or their fabulous families and friends. I couldn't have been happier about spending my day with them :)

I can't even tell you how many images I loved from this wedding, so I tried to post the ones that captured real moments or had great emotion in them. For a lot more, please watch the slideshow at the bottom of the post.

I started out at Amanda's parents house and this is how I was greeted! A cake!?!? If I didn't love them before, I definitely did then!

Amanda getting her makeup on ...
Amanda's mom showing me her wedding album ...

the ultra hip red wedding shoes ...
the dress was amazing ... I loved the horizontal lines - it was so chic!

showing the shoes with the penny taped under them ...
One of the bridesmaids getting a little choked up reading the maid-of-honor's speech ....

I love this shot of Amanda leaving her room that she grew up in with her new name on the back of her hoodie ....


the girls all drank their beer through straws ... so as not to mess up their lipstick, duh!
Lauren making it 'rain' on her sister's wedding day ...


Amanda's dad gets a little help with his shirt ...
this series of Amanda getting the dress on is probably my favorite ... she has the most amazing and contagious laugh ...


Amanda sees herself in the dress for the first time ...

her gift from Nick was a beautiful bracelet ...


then she just said 'Ok ... I have to go see my fiancee!' .... and we headed out!

Meanwhile, Karen was with the guys ... love this shot

Nick got a new 'toy' for his wedding gift ... in the words of Napoleon Dynamite "wanna play me?"

an overall of the guys hanging out ... even Reginald made it in the shot. Reginald Rooster is Amanda and Nick's 'garden gnome'. I told them they should take him on the honeymoon and get pictures taken with him everywhere.




keeping us all on time ...


So, as I mentioned previously, I didn't get to post all of the shots leading up to the first look - because there were just too many ... but I did have to post my favorite of the series ... I LOVE the look on Nick's face as he checks out Amanda's, ahem ... dress?

I told them this was a 'headless' shot ... and then I saw this :) Clearly, I can't be trusted.

they even played a little basketball ...

After a little one-on-one, we headed to the Pavilion.
Did I mention how suave Nick is? Well, if there was any doubt, here is the photo to prove it.
And how to do you say ... HOT HOT HOT? - oh, I think I just did. Amanda rocked it OUT!



the guys hanging out at the bar ...

heading to the church ...

at the church, I saw the two dads hanging out in this gorgeous light ... couldn't pass it up.
the rings being held for the ceremony ...
Nick waiting in the back room for the ceremony to start ...
the girls heading up to the ceremony ...

I love the hug between the two moms after lighting the candles ...



I love the look Amanda gives her mom as she walks down the aisle past her




a quick capture after the ceremony ...
the only photo that Amanda asked for ... and I love it!
the guys all changed into their new kicks for the reception. Nick had his custom made for this day!
the guys sporting their groomsmen gifts ...
Ah ... the blow pop. I think I had about 6 of them that day - love them! They were everywhere too .. we had a huge box of them with us all day :)
Amanda and Nick also got the wedding party these super cool shades to wear to the reception - complete with bling!







there were 4 toasts I think ... I just love the light on this one (the rest are in the slideshow)
Amanda's reaction to one of the toasts was great!

and a little dancing to finish off the night ...



and for those of us who may have partied a little too hard?? a door hanger to remind everyone NOT to bother us!
Amanda and Nick, I don't even know where to begin ... but I'll start with a simple thank you for inviting me into your lives and letting me be such an important part of your big day. Love you guys! Thanks for making my b-day superfun!
Let's do it again!
Again again!!!
I wish you both (and Reggie) a lifetime of happiness!!


Vendor love:
Reception: The Grand
Transportation: Cincinnati Trolley
Florist: Blossoms
Videographer: Iconography
DJ: DJ K-Smuv
a big thank you to Karen for being my right-hand!!

4 comments:

Samantha Warren Weddings said...

Wow- I cannot believe your clients made you a birthday cake. How sweet is that? A testament to the kind impression you have on people. Hope you had the happiest of birthdays. You totally nailed this wedding- I especially love the preparations images- so much energy and excitement in them, but also a lot of real emotion. And the one detail shot of her veil over her hands, with him sitting next to her. Made me breathless!

Anonymous said...

Neysa... our family has gotten nothing but AMAZING comments from everyone we have shown the pictures to. Not only is your work unreal but you were so much fun to have around on Manda & Nick special day. I can't wait to get married just so you can take my pictures too!!! Thanks for making Manda & Nick sooo happy!!

Lauren... Manda's little sis :-)

Melissa said...

Neysa, I think it is certain this was a fun wedding! Loved the humor in all of these.

neysaruhl said...

Sam, I couldn't believe they got me a cake AND A birthday present which I didn't mention on the blog. Thanks so much for the compliments!

Lauren, I can't wait for your wedding - bring on the party train!

Melissa, this was such a fun group - and thier families were amaazing as well!