The Final "I Do"

I am so happy for Beth and Aaron as they say "I Do" tomorrow, but it is also bittersweet for me. My last wedding. The final "I Do," at least for a while. I love weddings because, well, girls always love the mushy gushy love stories, right? I enjoy seeing the excitement and anticipation of the bride and groom and the support of all the people in their lives. They're just starting out their life together, which holds so many beautiful memories in store for them. It often reminds me of my own wedding day 7 1/2 years ago. 

But weddings are also tough on the photographer. They take time....a lot of time. And preparation. And strong calves that squat up and down for 8 hours. And photographers need to find their niche....I found out the hard way that they shouldn't try to market every genre of photographer.  Some photographers love weddings....for me, it's just not the right time, especially with Munchkin on the way. 

So tomorrow is my final "I Do" moment, at least for a while. It reminds me of the first wedding I photographed, how I charged a very little sum for 12 hours of shooting, but now I know why, considering I had a very antiquated flash and too few memory cards. How I've learned since then! Here are some of the weddings I've photographed between March 2011 and September 2012.

Wedding #1 : Evan and Janelle
(Now they have a baby and one on the way!)

Wedding #2 : Elice & Brian

Burned onto a disc somewhere (it was well before I wised up and bought an external hard drive!). Let's just say, I still hadn't gotten a better flash.

Wedding #3 : Jodee & Bryan
Super awesome couple, and a fun wedding party.

{One of my all time favorites): 

Wedding #4 : Tarryn & John
Loved the vintage feel....and kilts!

{gorgeous}

Wedding #5 : Shannon & Jason
Loved the colors, and these are seriously two of the happiest people ever. 

♥ {They didn't want to see each other before the wedding, but they wanted to be there for each other} ♥

Wedding #6 : Erin & Miles
These are two crazy kids (in a good way!)....they have so much fun together!

{Stunning} : 

{Their wedding party was pretty fantastic, too!}

{sniff sniff}

Wedding #7 : Robbie & Josh
Okay, this is one GORGEOUS couple! I worked with Robbie at the time at my full-time job and had already decided to get out of the wedding gigs, when she BEGGED me to photograph their wedding. I just couldn't say no. Especially after their engagement session. You'll see why after seeing these photos...

Wedding #8 : Jake & Brittany
Last but not least...talk about a wedding reception you don't want to leave! 
{Does this win the prize for most improved?}

{swoon} :