I was so excited to photograph Priscilla and Ali’s wedding at Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos. Their traditional Persian ceremony was so beautiful and let me tell you, this group knew how to DANCE. Everything was perfect, and I’m so excited to share a few images from their day!!
Liz & Ryan | Forest Park Engagement Photography | St. Louis, MO
I want to write more, but I have to run Scout dog to the vet for an ear infection, and I really want to get this blog post up as soon as possible! So this is a quickie, but I will say that Liz and Ryan are obviously adorable together... Ryan comes from a very good looking family (he's my cousin on the Burns side ;-) and Liz looked stunning for their photos! I have always wanted to shoot in Forest Park, and since these two just moved to St. Louis, it was the perfect opportunity. I think we got some absolutely beautiful shots, and I can't wait for your wedding in December!! Here's your blog peek!!
A quick costume change, and oh my God that light.... AHHHHHHHGHHHHH!! My little photographer heart was so happy!
Congrats Ryan and Liz!! Can't wait for December and your wedding!!
XOXO
Erin
Alex & Zach | Loews Coronado Wedding Photography | San Diego, CA
Alex and Zach make me smile every time I see them, and so it was no surprise when on their wedding day that both of them were smiles the entire time we photographed them. These two have a fun, laughter filled love, and their joy was contagious!! Not to mention they chose the most beautiful place, the point lawn of the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, to marry each other. They had a very intimate wedding, and a heck of a party, and Phil and I were honored to be there to capture it. Melissa and her team at Sweet Blossom Weddings did an amazing job coordinating the day, and the team of vendors were all a joy to work with (check them out at the end of this post).
I always love to see what Phil is going to bring back from the guys getting ready. True to form, he captured the basketball that everyone was watching as Zach got ready. Hope you guys enjoyed the game!!
Zach's sister was his best man. I absolutely loved this. Just because your sibling is a different gender from you, it doesn't mean you can't include them in your wedding party. It's all about having the people who are nearest and dearest to you, and if that means that they stand on your side of the aisle, I think it's beautiful and wonderful!
As Zach's sister was fixing his boutineer, Alex's two sisters and mom were helping her into her BEAUTIFUL wedding gown. I mean, princess vibes for sure!
Such special, heart-filled moments happen on a wedding day, and I am so honored and amazed every time that I am trusted to capture them for families. Alex's older sister was so overwhelmed when she saw Alex in her dress, and this moment was so beautiful between them.
Okay, Alex, you are stunning... STUNNING!!! Those peonies, too... Snowberry Studio went beyond on these florals.
That first look.... AHHHHHHH!!! I love it so much!! Mine on top, Phil's on bottom ;-)
Alex lost her father a few years ago, so her big brother walked her down the aisle. I love this moment between the two of them before he gave her away to Zach.
Zach's dad married them, and as requested by Alex he opened with the famous "Mawage" line from Princess Bride. The reaction was priceless and it was perfect for these two to open with a great laugh.
I cannot even handle all of the joy in this photo. Let your eyes wonder for a second to the cheering bridesmaids, clapping groomspeople, smiling father of the groom, high-fiving mother of the groom, and beyond-happy-wedding couple. This is the stuff, guys, this is the stuff.
Gorgeous cake by Babycakes.
Just a beach princess and her prince dancing the night away...
After dinner and the formal dances, I got to steal the bride and groom away for a sunset session on the beach... it was EPIC!! If there is a location like this, and we get a good sunset, it can be so worth it to let your wedding photographer steal you away for an extra ten minutes during dancing. I am in LOVE with these sunset photos!
Vendor Love: Venue: Loews Coronado Bay Resort | Planner: Sweet Blossom Weddings Floral: Snowberry Studio | Cake: Babycakes | Hair & Makeup: Vow Studio 101 | Dress: Ivory Row Bridal
Leigh & Josh | Agave of Sedona | Arizona Wedding Photography
Leigh and Josh make each other laugh. That is the most obvious thing about them. When I shot their engagement session last year, they were laughing together the entire time, and it was such a joy. I was so excited for their wedding in Sedona, and it definitely did not disappoint. Leigh is a girl after my own heart, because it was super important to her that her dogs be involved in her wedding. If you know me, you know that my dog had a tux and was hanging out on the side of the dance floor for my entire wedding reception. This dog-loving couple was not about to leave their babies at home, and I'm so glad that we were able to capture their entire family during their wedding day! Agave of Sedona is BEAUTIFUL, and the warmth in the flowers and decor perfectly set off the classic desert vibe. This is a great one, guys! Enjoy!
As I was hanging out with the girls, Phil headed over to Sedona Rough Hotel to hang with the guys. They had a lot of time to hang out, and as you can see, the smile did not leave Josh's face the entire time. I love seeing such a happy man getting ready to go meet his love!
When Leigh and I talked about her wedding photos, the one photo she asked me to be sure I got was of her and Copper, her nine year old Boxer. How sweet and special that Copper was able to be there. When Leigh, Copper, and her dad walked down the aisle together, it was so special... in fact, when the officiant asked "Who gives this woman away?", Leigh's dad said "Her mother, I, and Copper"... it was such a sweet thing, and meant so much to this dog lover!!
The sun, the moon, the red rocks formed over millions of years... Everyone showed up for this ceremony ;-).
There was not a dry eye in the house... Josh's mom kills me in this photo... every single person was so happy for these two!
Got to get that formal wedding party photo in. Just to impress you other photographers, there was no photoshop used in this photo... Leigh's brother was getting the dogs' attention by jumping all around me, and it worked out perfectly!
Shut up, these two are just so cute together! Phil and I had been location scouting for a few days before the wedding, and found this beautiful spot with trees, cactus, a little bit of snow still on the ground, and some red-rock views. We always arrive for a wedding a few days early so that we have lots of time to find places for portraits. Definitely was worth it, these shots of Mr. And Mrs. are gorgeous!!
Want to play a fun game? The next two photos were taken around the same time, one by Phil and one my me... want to guess whose is whose?
Phil's was on top, mine was on bottom... I kind of think he won this one, but I'm still saying I like my shot, too ;-).
It's party time!! Wow, I adore how much these two tore up that dance floor!!
I had the best time in Sedona, surrounded by such majestic beauty and the love of these two and their family and friends. Thank you for trusting me and Phil to capture your day. it was such an awesome wedding!!
Venue: Agave of Sedona | Floral: Bliss Floral | Cake: Sedona Cake Couture | DJ: Bobby Russell- Sedona Sounds | Hair: Patricia Vega Hair and Makeup Studio | Linens: Verve Events and Tents | Officiant: Reverend Andrew Murphy
Kristen & Ryan | Sedona Engagement Photos | Arizona Wedding Photographer
When I met Kristen at a bridal show early this year, I knew that she and I could be friends in real life. She was so relaxed and happy to be chatting about her wedding. I was so excited to photograph her engagement photos, and as Ryan, Kristen and I were talking about where to do them, we realized that I would be in Sedona on Kristen's birthday weekend. Since Ryan had proposed to Kristen in Sedona, it was almost too perfect and we had to schedule the engagement photos there. I was able to be in town a few days early, and as a wedding photographer who travels the country, location scouting is a speciality of mine. We found some AMAZING locations, and these two showed off their love of fun and each other surrounded my nature's majesty (and one artistic mural depicting nature's majesty :-). K & R, thank you for trusting me to capture this special time in your lives, I can't wait to be your Wedding Photographer in Phoenix later this year!!
When looking for green in Sedona in the middle of February, one has to look pretty hard, but we found this beautiful spot, and I love that in these photos you would have no idea that it had snowed only 24 hours before! It looks like Spring!!
Did you catch John Wayne making a guest appearence in their engagement photos? Oh Sedona, I love you and your Wild West history!!
Quick costume change and we were off to capture some of that golden hour on the beautiful red rocks. I love Sedona around sunset, the rocks glow all on their own. Just like these two!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the way these two are looking at each other in this next one... So much love, and a little bit of laughter, too. My favorite mix!!
Okay prepare to lose your ish compelteley... This sunset was EPIC, and look at these two, in their own (cold) little world. They handled the cold brilliantly, and after that sun went down we booked it back to our cars and the warmth of the heater.
Kristen and Ryan, thank you so much for braving the cold, and allowing me to see a little bit of what makes the two of you so great for each other. Phil and I had so much fun with you guys, and can't wait for your wedding!!
Wedding Photographer on the Road | In Love With the Simple Pleasures
There is something I have recently learned that I love. Admittedly it is a little strange... okay, it is a lot strange, and I'm pretty sure that the people who I have this in common with are generally under the age of two. Doesn't matter, though... I love it all the same, and I am not ashamed to say it.
I love watching a far away train as it moves along its track.
Weird, right?!? Who loves that? Who discovers in their 30's that they feel pure joy at watching a train. Who will stop whatever they are doing to stare at a train as it cuts through the landscape of desert, or valley, or mountainside. I just watch it, and I feel so happy. There is something so American about it, so western and frontiersman about it, and I have caught myself smiling on multiple occasions throughout this year of travel simply watching a train from far away out of my car window. Phil even points them out to me now because he knows how much it will bring me joy (What a guy, right?). I am giggling at myself right now, but also just the memory of watching a train is making me happy.
This is what I love about this time in the Airstream. I am discovering simple pleasures that I might never have taken the time to fall in love with if I hadn't agreed to this hair-brained adventure. You guys, a bath is amazing. If you have a bathtub, go take a flipping bath right now. It is SOOOO GOOD! I don't have a bathtub in the Airstream, but I do have a shower, and even a shower, just a lovely hot shower where you feel completely clean at the end...heaven. Good food, good wine, warmth coming off a wood-fire stove, strawberries, CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES... my list can go on and on.
It's almost a bit ironic the things I am realizing are so special to me in this season of life. I am on the road so that I can experience huge, amazing, special things, AND I AM!! I have had super-sized extraordinarily special experiences, and I am forever grateful to the universe for all of them. And even so...without fail my favorite time of day is when Phil and I come together in our tiny Airstream kitchen and cook dinner together then sit on our couch to watch an episode of one of our TV shows as we eat dinner. You guys, anybody can do this anywhere. The things I do during the day are amazing; capturing weddings, and hiking in National Parks, and seeing this extraordinarily beautiful country in a way that very few people ever get the chance. I live a heightened and special life right now, but in the end those moments chopping veggies and experiencing a story together each evening are still my favorite moments of the day.
Anyway, I was just thinking about this thing, so I thought I'd share it with you, because I'm a photographer, I'm a traveler, and I'm a person with strange thoughts, too ;-). Hope you find your train, or some other simple pleasure today.
XOXO
EE
WE ARE WINNERS!!!
Guys, I opened my e-mail this morning to great news that we have been chosen for Wedding Wire's Couple's Choice Awards!! This means that we are ranked in the top 5% of vendors in the nation on Wedding Wire's Website. AHHHHHHH!!! How exciting!!!
Thanks so much to our couples for giving us 5 star reviews and to all the other vendors who gave us great reviews as well. I'm so excited that our brides and grooms have loved working with us, because we love working with all of you, too! It's too early for me to pop Champaign, but I am definitely going to enjoy a La Croix as I finish editing this afternoon!!
Rachelle & Steffen | Mountain Shadows Resort | Phoenix AZ Wedding Photography
You guys, there is so much I could say about Rachelle and Steffen and their stunning wedding day, but the thing that I will always remember from spending time with them is the fact that these two are the real deal; totally and obviously head over heels in love with each other, and their joy in each other's presence is electric. I was so happy that Phil and I were able to capture some of that love on their wedding day. Saddle up, because this is a long one, but I just loved so many photos that I couldn't cull it down to any less!
And best last name award goes to Mr. and Mrs. Vroom. Hands down, no contest at all ;-).
Obviously it takes the ladies a bit longer than the gentlemen to dress on a wedding day, so I love to see what Phil comes back with when he spends the morning with the guys... For this wedding, Rachelle was having some fun with her niece/flower girl, and Steffen was...
I love when wedding couples know what is most important to them and stand by it. Steffen absolutely did not want to see Rachelle before the ceremony, but they did want to take a moment to pray together. Cue the beautiful sunscreen blocks designed by Ralph Haver that were saved from the original Mountain Shadows resort. It was the perfect corner to make sure that Steffen couldn't see his bride, but could feel the assurance of holding her hand. This moment was so special.
Then it was Ceremony Time, and what a stunning spot for a ceremony. That view of Camelback & the early evening sun (okay, that early evening sun is still Phoenix sun, and it was hot, but that didn't diminish how beautiful it was ;-). Rachelle's brothers walked her to the aisle and as the only sister of multiple brothers, I can tell you that it was such a special moment. It reminded me of when two of my brothers opened the doors to the church for me when I was a bride.... a memory that I will keep from my wedding for the rest of my life.
That look is everything, isn't it?
How stunning is this black tie wedding party? We had to get these formal shots in! Love them.
The sunset was crazy intense... very yellow, then very red. I loved that everyone was ready to move quickly so that we could get as many angles as possible before we lost the light completely. Taking a golf cart onto the course so that we could use the beautiful views of the mountain and trees was brilliant, and I think we made some magic out there. And Steffen did not tip us over in the golf cart, even though he was Vrooming pretty fast ;-).
After all of that, can you believe that we haven't even gotten to the reception yet?!? I will say, there are MANY photos of this group of people dancing and they are all amazing, so here is just a very small sample...
Have I mentioned that I LOVE the mother/son dance. Gets me every time.
These two... they even look perfect just hanging out on the dance floor together!!
Thank you so much for trusting us to capure your day, Rachelle and Steffen. Happy one week anniversary!! I hope you are on a great date night and that these memories bring a smile to your faces!!
XOXO
Erin
Venue: Mountain Shadows | Wedding Planner: Wise Girl Weddings | Video: By the Hedges | Floral Design: Covet Florals | Cake: Lux on Central | DJ: Joe Martin | Bride's Hair: Harley Ann Artistry | Make-Up: Jamie Kouri | Rentals: Material Girls Weddings | Linens: Classic Event Rentals | Lighting: Encore | Groom's Tux: The Black Tux | Wedding Dress: Grace, Style & Bridal
Emily and Jeremy | Kiva Club Trilogy at Vistancia Wedding
You guys, I cannot tell you how excited I am to share these photos from Emily and Jeremy's wedding!! These two are so sweet and in love with each other, and we had so many perfectly beautiful moments during their day. I am so excited to share this one with all of you!!
Jeremy and Emily didn't want to do a first look, they really wanted the first moment they saw each other to be at the ceremony. I love when brides and grooms know what is most important to them on their wedding day and make that a priority. They did still want to hear from each other and to calm their nerves, so they exchanged notes around a corner and were able to chat for a few minutes. It was a perfect moment, and I'm so glad that they were able to share it.
Fun fact... right before I took this photo of the bridal party, Emily let everyone know that this is her favorite shot that I take at weddings. I'll let you in on a little secret, Emily, It's one of my favorite shots I take at weddings, too :-). And I think that yours turned out phenomenally!
The reception was wonderful, great speeches, and that dance floor was hoppin' all night!! The groomsmen even took a moment outside to enjoy some whisky and cigars, so you know I was right there with them setting up my external lights to capture it ;-).
Emily and Jeremy, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your day... from the first time we met, I was so excited for the two of you, and have only grown to adore you guys more and more every time I see you! I hope you are having an AMAZING honeymoon in Maui!! Aloha!!!
Holly & Mark | Married | Chicago, IL |
There are some people who you meet and because they are so fun, you know that their friends must be so fun, and their family must be so fun, and every single person involved in their wedding must be so fun. And then you go and photograph their wedding and every single thing you thought is 100% CORRECT. Holly and Mark are these kind of people!! Hold on to your hats, this one is gonna blow your socks off...Is that mixing metaphors, and do I sound like an old-timey radio announcer? Don't care, it's all true!!
Holly's hotel room was beautiful and had this lovely light coming in through the huge windows! Want my advice? Always think about getting ready in a room with lots of beautiful natural light. Then your bridesmaids can be beautifully backlit as you show them your beautiful eyelashes ;-).
Oh Alison, how I love you! Holly's mom had been contacting me from North Carolina where she was planning the wedding with Holly long distance. She was always so sweet in her e-mails and when I got there I felt like one more of her daughters, she was just so welcoming. Also, how amazing does Holly look in this one?!?!
Especially if you aren't going to see each other before your ceremony, I think a note to each other is the very best idea... you will treasure it forever and get to connect for a moment before everything else starts up.
When Phil comes to shoot with me, he stays in the back of the church or ceremony location with the bride while I head in and get aisle shots. I am always jealous of him, especially when he walks up to me later says... "I don't want to brag or any thing, but..." and then shows me THIS MOMENT between Holly and her father on the back of his camera. I love it, I love it, I love it so much!! How special is it to have that moment right before they head down the aisle captured for all time. I hope that you both love it as much as I do :-). Also, Holly, you are gorgeous.
When we were planning out the timeline of their day, Holly told me that there were a few requests she and Mark had for how they would like to spend their time. One was that they get a photo at Wrigley Field, one was that we have a fun relaxing time with their wedding party and families on the trolly, and one was that we stop by their favorite bar for a drink before the reception. As you know, here at Erin Evangeline Photography we always aim to please, so... It was game day at Wrigley (which the Cubs won 4-1 six innings later!), they had the most awesome atmosphere on a wedding trolly I have ever seen, and their favorite bar had decorated the back room specifically for them when we stopped by. It was a successful wedding day all around!! WISHES GRANTED!!
Next stop, the Four Moon Tavern for a drink with their favorite bartenders, in their favorite haunt! SO FUN!!
As I said, everyone in Holly and Mark's wedding party was super fun. We enjoyed spending the day with all of them, and I know that a few of you are getting married in the next year or two, so call me!! Also, shut up, how gorgeous is this shot of the most beautiful bridesmaids ever?
Those bouquets are some of my favorite of the year... how gorgeous is all that color with the navy blue and gray of the outfits?!? You guys, I love a good pop of color on a wedding day!
And now excuse me as I drool over how stunning these two are in every single photo we took of them... every single one :-).
Holly and Mark, thank you so much for trusting us to capture your wedding day. It was a wonderful time, and we are so glad we were able to share it with you. Since my Royals and Phil's Tigers aren't looking like they are going to be making it into the playoffs, I guess we both can say... GO CUBS!!
XOXO
E
Molly & Joe | Married | Boone Hall Plantation | Charleston, SC | Sneak Peek
One of my earliest memories of my cousin Molly was when she, her sister Meaghan, and I were choreographing a dance to the song "Big Girls Don't Cry" in their family room... I don't remember anything in particular about it except that Molly ended it on the floor whipping her hair around fake crying. I think she was about four at the time and Meaghan and I thought it was the most hilarious thing we had ever seen. Molly has always had a zest for life, and I was so happy last year when I met her Joe, who is her perfect match. They love good food, fun times, and good travel, so it made total sense when they decided to have a destination wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. Their wedding at Boone Hall Plantation was one of the most beautiful I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing, and they and their friends knew how to throw an awesome party. Obviously Molly has not grown out of her dancing days, because she actually blew out her knee on the dance floor at her wedding. I guess some things never change ;-). Enjoy this sneak peek, it is one for the books!!
What happens when your bride spots an absolutely adorable puppy?!? You throw him into a few portraits, of course!!
Boone Hall Plantation was absolutely stunning... absolutely in every way. It is no wonder why Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively chose to be married at this location as well, everything was beautiful and absolutely perfect. That spanish moss... unreal. (Did you catch that name drop in there?!? Oh yeah, so fancy!!)
Britt & Ben | MARRIED | Wichita, Kansas
As I said in the blog post for Britt and Ben's engagement shoot, Britt and I met in college when we lived in the same hall. I moved off campus quickly, but I always remembered her for her calm and joyful presence that an 18 year old spaz like me needed in her life ;-). Fast forward 15 years, and I was so honored and excited to be able to be by her side documenting her wedding day to Ben. These two are such a team, and have had such a longtime love for each other that witnessing their wedding was a complete treat. I am so in love with these classic, beautiful photos for my classic and beautiful friend.
Every once and awhile I really like to pull out some harsh light and my macro lense and see what happens, I think these turned out really fun!
While I was with Britt, Phil was over at the church with the guys capturing Ben and his groomsmen.
Oh mothers of brides, don't worry, that look you have, beaming at the beautiful woman you somehow raised getting ready for her wedding day is one of my favorite things to capture. Pure joy, pride, love, and maybe even a little tear here and there. I DIG IT!!
Story time: Sometimes while you are waiting for the ceremony to start, you go downstairs to the bathroom in a 100 year old church, and there is BEAUTIFUL light pouring through a window and you HAVE to take some bridal portraits, because Britt looks like a classic literary heroine from a Jane Austen novel, and it just ends up being the BEST THING EVER. And then Phil shows you the back of his camera and you are all mad at him, because his is even better than yours (and yours is one of your favorite bridal portraits EVER)...but not really mad at him, because he works for you, so it's win-win ;-). Also, Britt...you. are. stunning.
This moment, this moment of holding hands as they were blessed by the officiant who is very dear to them. I wanted everything else to fall away so that you saw that little thing that means so much. Their love for each other is breathtaking.
Directly after the ceremony, we headed into a side chapel so that the rest of the church could empty out. It was so wonderful for Britt and Ben to have that time alone together for their first few minutes as husband and wife. I highly suggest getting a few alone moments after the hubbub of the ceremony if you can. It's lovely! And also I LOVE ALL THE STAINED GLASS ALL THE TIME!!!
Then it was time for some PHOTOS!! How beautiful was riverside park at sunset?
The girls.
The guys
The entire super fun crew!
Britt and Ben road from their ceremony to their reception in a bright blue vintage VW Bug. It was adorable, and even more special because it was Britt's car in high-school! Her dad and brother had restored it when she was younger, so she got to drive it in her teen years. I LOVED this, and we got some great shots in the car.
This one is my fave. Definitely my fave.
Britt and Ben, thank you so much for alowing Phil and I to be part of your day, it was such a wonderful wedding and party, and I hope that you are enjoying your honeymoon in the Pacific Northwest right now! I'm sure it is GORGEOUS there!!
Danielle & Mike | MARRIED | Red Mountain Ranch Country Club | Phoenix, AZ
Danielle and Mike found me through one of his groomsmen who happens to be the very talented Carl of Carl S Miller Wedding Films. I was so excited for their day, because we had a great time together at their engagement session a few months ago. I knew beforehand that with Danielle's amazing green eyes, and their easy way of being with each other (that's what nine years of dating will get you, right?) this was going to be SUCH a great wedding. I didn't know that both of their families would be so much fun, that we were going to be in for an epic sunset during and after their ceremony, and that the night would end with Sparky, ASU's mascot even making an appearance! You guys, this was such a wonderful night, and Phil and I were so honored and lucky to be there!!
That bling... Danielle's ring is so beautiful!
We met up at the hotel where the wedding party was staying and were able to catch a few fun shots of both the girls getting ready and the guys getting ready. I always love it when brides and grooms are in the same hotel, because Phil can be with me while I shoot details, and I can do epic things like hang a wedding dress from the ceiling. (see next photo) ;-).
Their ceremony was right on hole 18 of the golf course, and it was stunningly beautiful. The sun was already giving off some beautiful colors across the sky, and Phil Korth got this beautiful silloette shot as I was focused more in on the bride and groom's faces.
Nope, we didn't bring our drone... Phil is just a magician-ninja. Definitely my favorite shot of the evening!! Husband and Wife!!!
SOOOOO SWEET these two. Loving and soft, and just plain yummy!!
Okay, I change my mind... this might be my favorite shot ;-).
Danielle's parents had set up a huge surprise and I think Phil and I were number 4 and 5 of people on the planet to know about it. Sparky, the mascot for ASU, where Danielle and Mike both graduated and met surprised them after the toasts and danced the night away with them. Danielle's face when he walked in the door says it all... she was STOKED! What an amazingly fun wedding surprise!
Danielle and Mike, we had such a great time on your weddin day. Thank you so much for trusting me to capture the memories for you, and I can't wait to see where life takes you in the future!
XOXO
Erin
Susanna & Graham | MARRIED | Neon Boneyard | Downtown Grand Hotel | Las Vegas, NV
The first time I met Susanna, I heard her before I saw her. It was my senior year of high school, and this tiny little freshman got up to audition for the musical...her voice was already SO AMAZING, and her belt carried throughout the theatre. Luckily we were in the musical and choir together, and I grew to adore the girl as much as I adored her singing voice! She moved to New York to pursue her acting career, and I ended up in LA and Phoenix, building my photography business. Through the magic of facebook I got to watch her meet Graham, and build their lives together. I was BEYOND THRILLED when she called me to see if I could photograph their destination wedding in Las Vegas.
Graham & Susanna are opposites on the surface, he is reserved, she is more outgoing, but inside they are goofs who love a good drink, love some good food (Graham is a chef at a nationally known restaurant), and had one of the most fun weddings I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of. Buckle Up, people, this is going to knock the wind out of you!!
I was hanging out with the girls at their suite at The Cosmopolitan on the strip. We had a perfect view of the fountains at the Bellagio and the view was simply awesome!!
Susanna made all the proper preparations for her wedding day, shaved legs and champagne ;-).
Before Susanna got into ther dress, it was of course time for a DANCE PARTY!! Each of the girls took their turn shakin' it. It was one of the most fun getting ready moments I have ever witnessed.
As I was on the main strip with the girls, Phil was with Graham and his groomsmen hanging out at the Downtown Grand in their very RED suite. I think they had a few good laughs together, and a few good whiskies ;-).
It's never too late to complete those vows!
Then it was time for their first look on the balcony of their hotel room. Susanna had given Graham a secret message to read before he turned around, but she was super ready for him!!
I think hte look on his face when he saw her says it all... soooooo much love there. It's really beautiful.
Time for the entire wedding party to get in on the action! We had a few fun spots in Vegas scoped out for portraits, and I am going to go ahead and say this wedding party NAILED IT. Susanna's bridesmaid Shana styled all the bridesmaids in dresses from her brand, In God We Trust, NYC. They looked AMAZING together, and I especially loved when they tied it all together with the blue suede shoes! We were in Vegas, after all!!
Susanna had found a photo from another wedding of a bride and groom at this pink motel. She sent it to me saying "We HAVE to find this place". Well, here at Erin Evangeline Photography we love nothing more than to make dreams come true, so I found the motel, and we made a few amazing, sun-drenched photos. Thank god for sunglasses in the desert, and adorable brides and grooms who are willing to play along with crazy ideas!
We headed back to the Downtown Grand Hotel, for some fun, quirky photos on the pool deck. Susanna and Graham love Wes Anderson, and we were going for a colorful, 70's vibe. We decided to be very immersive in the environment, shoot with people in the background, and just enjoy the fun of being all dressed up on a pool deck in Las Vegas. I LOVE these photos. I love when a couple has so much vision and are so willing to play on their wedding day. TOTALLY worth it!
It was WEDDING TIME!! Graham and Susanna were legally married last year in a ceremony that her mother was able to witness before she passed away. Susanna's dad, who is a preacher, married them at that small ceremony. Susanna had always dreamed for her dad to walk her down the aisle at her wedding, so when they were planning this ceremony for family and friends in Vegas, her brother stepped in as officiant and her dad was able to walk his only girl down the aisle to her love. She wore a veil that her sister in law made in the fashion of her mother's veil. I'm not sure there was a dry eye in the house at that moment. Both Graham's parents were able to attend the ceremony in Vegas, and you could feel all the love in the space coming from all the family and friends finally celebrating these two together. It was beautiful.
Wide shot by Phil Korth...
So happy!
Mr and Mrs!!! That sun was intense, but I think Susanna's smile just might be outshining it!
With that, it was time to play in the Neon Boneyard for a bit. The first request of our bride and groom was for a photo with the sign to remind them to their home! NY NY!!
DREAM... I think this is my favorite of the day... WHAT A DREAM!! Can we please also talk about Graham's amazing velvet suit. ON POINT FRIEND!
Fun fact, the Downtown Grand Hotel used to be the Lady Luck. Since Graham and Susanna's wedding reception was there, I made sure we got a Wes Anderson inspired photo of them with the Lady Luck sign.
Congratulations, Graham and Susanna. I am so honored and lucky to have been a part of your wedding day. Your love for each other is so evident in everything that you do, and I can't wait to see where the future takes you! Have a great time in Zion on your mini-honeymoon and let's meet up next time Phil and I are in New York!!
XOXO
Erin
Britt & Ben | ENGAGED | Wichita, KS
Oh what can I say about Britt? I met her in college (Rock Chalk, KU!) when we both lived in the same honor's dorm, Douthart. I remember that even then, she had a strong sense of who she was and was always so positive. Need to clean the kitchen as your assigned job for the week? Britt would definitely keep you company!! Laughing with friends in the TV room? Britt was in to smile right along with you! I left the hall after my sophomore year, but luckily through the world of facebook, we were able to follow each other's goings-on and we both actually ended up going to the same photography workshop! We reconnected when I asked her to second shoot one of my very first weddings with Erin Evangeline Photography many years ago, and she supported me through a very hot Kansas day and captured images that the bride and groom LOVED.
I was SO EXCITED when she contacted me after getting engaged last year. When she couldn't find a photographer that she loved in Wichita for her engagement session, I had to head out to Kansas on my only open weekend this spring to meet Ben, her fiance, and capture their connection. On a very cloudy day, we headed to downtown Wichita to finally put Britt in front of the camera instead of behind it.
Ben and Britt have been together for nine years, and their ease together and the love between them was evident in every second of the session. Ben is full of jokes, and I think the only times that the laughter stopped were when they were talking about how much they love each other and how excited they are to be married. I cannot wait for May, you guys!! Enjoy these sneak peeks!
When you have two Wichita Natives, you HAVE to get a photo with the flag!!
Can you believe that this park is right in the center of Wichita?!?! I was worried we wouldn't have any color because spring hadn't exactly sprung in Kansas, but there were so many beautiful locations and we found some spring anyway. I can't wait to go back in May for wedding photos, it's going to be gorgeous!!
That RING!!! Seriously might be my favorite engagement ring (except for mine of course) EVER! Emerald cut three diamond BRILLIANCE!!
Oh I just love your love. Britt, thanks so much for working out timelines so that we could make this session work, and Ben, thanks so much for showing up for your love and playing along with my silly games. It was 100% worth it.
XOXO
Erin
Janine & Jared | Phoenix South Mountain Engagement Photos
You know when you meet someone, and she is wearing beautiful Kendra Scott jewelry, and she has a huge beautiful smile and you ask her why she is excited to meet her fiance and she quotes the TV show Friends to you 'He's my lobster!' and you are like 'I adore this girl, and want to be her friend forever!!'??? Yes, this happens, and yes, it happened to me when I met Janine at the Phoenix Bridal show at the Phoenician Resort last month! Her energy and excitement rubbed off on me, and I was so excited to meet her "lobster" and photograph them together.
They met in Oklahoma, fell in love in Texas, and are now getting married and making their home in Arizona. When we were talking about locations we knew we wanted some dessert, to show off their new home, and also a bit of ranch as a nod to their history together. Scorpion Gulch at South Mountain was the perfect spot, and I am in love with the warm, sunset glow that we were able to find before the end of the evening.
It was obvious throughout the entire session how much these two adore each other. They were super sweet, and I enjoyed every minute!! Enjoy your photos, guys!!
I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love these outfits!! I LOVE when my brides and grooms get dressed up in nature, I think that the formal with the natural is such a great combo, and I am IN LOVE with this navy blue/gray combo! Well done, guys!
Sometimes the little in-between moments are the best!! And can you beat this old building?!?! Let me answer that for you... no you can not!
Janine is obviously gorgeous no matter what, but she did have a professional hair and makeup artist get her ready for our shoot. I want to put in a quick plug for working with a professional for your engagement photos. It was WINDY this day, you will see in a few photos coming up that her hair was whipping all over everywhere when we were out in the desert. Because she had a professional style it, I was always able to comb it back into place with my fingers, and her curls held throughout the entire session. If her stylist hadn't done such a great job then we might not have been able to get these beautiful formal shots where her hair is perfectly placed!! I cannot tell you how valuable it is to have a good style when that wind picks up in the desert.
The warm, sunset light was so strong this evening, and I loved every second of it. Jared and Janine changed into a bit of a more casual look, and the desert gave us some magic light to finish out the evening! This next one is one of my favorites, I can just feel their love for each other!! How much will they treasure this photo in 30 years?!?
Janine's ring is one of my favorite engagement rings I have ever seen! So intricate and detailed, and beautiful! Seriously, good job, Jared!!
Thanks so much for spending the afternoon with me, guys! I love your engagement photos!!
Leigh & Josh | Phoenix Desert Engagement Photos
If you follow my work at all on this blog, you probably know that Phil and I started off this year doing a few bridal shows in Phoenix. We met all sorts of awesome future brides and grooms, and had a great time at each show! We met Leigh and Josh when they came together to the Phoenix Bridal Show at the Phoenician Resort in February. I knew immediately when I met both of them that I wanted to photograph them, and I'm so glad that I got the chance to spend the afternoon hanging out in the desert, sharing restaurant suggestions (you KNOW I'm full of them), and capturing some of their easy laughter and devotion to each other.
Josh is in dental school right now, which brought him and Leigh out here to Arizona all the way from Virginia!! Moving almost completely across the country is such a huge step, but when you do it with the right partner, it can be an amazing adventure!! I had so much fun falling right back into my southern Missouri accent because Josh and Leigh's southern charms were workin' on me :-).
Josh and Leigh, you guys had the most easy laughter between you of any two people I know. I ADORED spending the afternoon laughing with the two of you!! I hope these photos always remind you guys of this exciting time in your lives, and the beautiful desert that you get to share it in!! Get ready, people, these are GORGEOUS!!
Okay, how lucky am I getting with all my brides having ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS EYES... Leigh, seriously, I did nothing to enhance the color on these... they are that fierce in real life! I can't wait to see how they look on your wedding day!! WOW!!
I love canoodling and dancing in the desert... You really can't beat it!
Now Arizona is just trying to show off to all your Virginia friends ;-). DANG it was a beautiful evening!!
I made a note to ask Leigh about this nail color beacuse it is perfection!! That ring is pretty nice too, Josh ;-).
This laughter!! If the food of love is laughter, than these two are going to have a LOT LOT LOT of it ;-).
Seriously, how much do you guys love these photos? Me... 100 percent!! I hope you love them just as much as I do, Leigh and Josh!! Can't wait to hang out with you two again soon!
Emily & Jeremy | Scottsdale Arizona Engagement Photos
I met Emily at the Arizona Bridal Show in Phoenix last January and immediately knew that I adored her! We were able to meet up for coffee, and I was so excited when she and Jeremy asked me to photograph their wedding! Both these two are athletes (Jeremy does the high jump) who were up for anything during our desert engagement photo shoot. It's so fun to watch two people who are in love connect and fall into that familiar comfort together as the session goes on. There is such a strong connection between these two, and it was so fun to witness it for an evening. I hope you guys found some great sushi after your session, and that you love these blog photos as much as I loved taking them!!
I love Emily's feet up on her tippy toes for this kiss! As the wife of a much taller man, I can completely relate ;-). CUTE!!
I LOVE real smiles! These two laugh together so easily!!
I'm just warning you... these sunset golden light photos that you are about to see are BEAUTIFUL and you are going to be so wowed... just a warning ;-).
I think this one is my favorite. Jeremy's little smile and Emily's ease with him are so apparent and I think tell volumes about these two and their easy love.
Was I right??? So great, right?? I loved photographing you guys so much, and I can't wait for your wedding later this year!! Thanks for spending the evening with me and my camera!!
Catherine & Tim | ENGAGED | Phoenix, AZ
Oh I love Catherine and Tim so much! From the moment I met Catherine, I adored her and we had so much fun talking about our mutual love of music and Columbia fleece jackets ;-). I met Tim a bit later, and obviously he was awesome as well. I was so excited when they asked me to be their wedding photographer!
When we were talking about where to take engagement photos, we had tons of ideas. Once Tim and Catherine get married they are moving to Hawaii for his job, so we wanted to capture their life in Arizona in some images that would help them remember their time in the Valley of the Sun. We landed on the idea to take some lifestyle casual photos at home and then a few beautiful sunset photos in the park where they walk every weekend and got engaged. Can I just say how I LOVED THIS IDEA SO MUCH!! I mean, just see for yourself and imagine having photos of you with your love in the home that you share. It's pretty great, not gonna lie. Also we started off making chocolate chip cookies, which is the single best activity that people can do together ever.
Can you even believe how beautiful the light was in their house? Light, and airy, and pure perfection!
They had set up a few activities that they like to do together at home so that they could really capture the feeling of their everyday love, and it was sheer perfection in every way. Here they are actually putting together wedding invitations... how fun is it that Tim and Catherine will have this memory forever?!?! I can't even take credit for the idea, it was thiers, and it was a GREAT one!
And of course most importantly... snuggling on the couch solving a crossword puzzle together... Does anyone know Stephen King's first novel? That was the one that actually stumped all of us (even Phil, but don't tell him I told you ;-). Uuugh... I hope your grand kids see this photo in fifty years and love it as much as I do!!
Time to snazz-up and head out to the park for some golden yummy sunsetting light. AHHH!!!!
They busted a few dance moves at the spot where Tim had proposed. You guys will have to share this one with your dance instructor!!
sunset turned to dusk, and we were still making such beautiful art that Phil busted out some off camera lighting and I was able to capture a few more as darkenss descended... It was simply magical. Tim and Catherine, I loved every second of this shoot, and cannot wait for your wedding in May!!
Rachelle & Steffen | Sneak Peek | McDowell Mountains Engagement Photos
Rachelle and Steffen were a dream to photograph. Whenever I photograph couples, I always say that their connection to each other is the most important piece, and these two were so sweet with each other, you could feel their connection and I loved it. I also got to have so much FUN with them. Rachelle read through my style guide and rented her dresses from my favorite place, Rent the Runway. She looked stunning, and the two of them together were pure dynamite! Like Explosions of happy photographer everywhere ;-). I usually keep my blog posts to ten or even fifteen photos, but get ready for overload, because I couldn't hold it back on this one!!
We met at one of my favorite desert spaces for engagement photos, the Gateway Loop Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve. I had never seen it as green as that afternoon. I would like to thank all the unseasonable rain we have been getting here in The Valley... Because wowza, it was gorgeous out there!!
This is definitely one of my favorites... so sweet and intimate.
After our first set of images in the more casual outfits, we turned it up to ELEVEN (Spinal Tap Style). Rachelle changed into this extraordinarily beautiful red Halston Heritage gown and Steffen threw on a snazzy blue suit. I can't even describe how amazing they looked, but luckily I have photographic evidence for you ;-).
Rachelle's ring is perfect... a simple oval solitaire. I am in love with it...classic and sheer perfection. Well done, Steffen! Plus, how sweet is an almost kiss in the background? I looooove!
When Rachelle sent me examples of dresses she was considering I wanted to call her up and scream " THE RED ONE, THE RED ONE!!! IT WILL LOOK AMAZING IN THE DESERT!!" But I totally kept my cool and let her know that she should choose whatever she liked best. So I was ecstatic when she picked this bold color... I really think it paid off and contrasted the natural landscape perfectly. Don't you agree?!?!
I kept making the joke to "just dance together in the desert in your evening wear, like you do every Tuesday!" There are extraordinary things that I ask my couples to do, wayyyyy out of the everyday ordinary, but it is totally worth it for timeless images like these!
Calling Vanity Fair... I have some new models for you! I love joy and laughter, but I also love some editorial edge thrown in for good measure. I totally dig these!
And we end on my very favorite. Rachelle's red dress, the desert, and the wind... SOOOO GOOD!!
Rachelle and Steffen, thank you so much for sharing such a great evening with me. Your love is beautiful and I'm so glad that I got to capture some of it for you guys! Hopefully these photos will always remind you of the Scottsdale desert and this special time in your life!!
XOXO
Erin