The other evening there was a bit less bite in the air. The hurricane in the Atlantic was pulling cooler and dryer air over us and I was practically high with happiness. I told Nate that we might be forced to move somewhere with mid-70′s weather all year round because my mood was so dramatically influenced by the bit of coolness in the air. I think I have seasonal affective disorder but instead of for winter, it’s for this oppressive summer heat. OPPRESSIVE I tell you!

This morning I took my phone on my walk with Eisley. We live just southeast of downtown Orlando in a residential area with lots of old oak trees and lakes. It’s very pretty for walks. Eisley likes the ducks. I like the views.

Happy Holiday Weekend!

Chelsea and Jacob’s spring wedding was all about BIG fun! Big guest list, big wedding party, big time dancing, big  Aggie celebration.

To keep the guys occupied and relaxed before the wedding, they broke out a game of Washers. Now, I don’t necessarily think this is a great option for every wedding venue. The Driskill would probably frown on it. However, for a beautiful Hill Country venue like Vista West Ranch, it was perfect. They guys had a blast, as did some of the earlier arriving guests.

Fun=Good.

For other Detail of the Week Posts, click HERE or sort by the Detail of the Week category.

 Shannon Cunningham is an Austin, Texas Wedding and Portrait photographer.

Often when I meet with potential clients, they ask me what a typical wedding day is like photographically.  I thought I’d use Lindsay and Alex’s wedding to illustrate how the day usually goes, and to showcase their super adorable wedding (there were pinwheels!!!).  Special thanks to Linda and Courtney for all of their hard work and photographic awesomeness!

We started the day off at Lindsay’s parents’ house in Malden.  When we arrived, the bridesmaids were all ready and Lindsay was getting ready to put on her dress!

From there we headed to the Martha Mary Chapel, which is part of The Wayside Inn.  We met up with Alex and the groomsmen, who were waiting to get into the chapel to decorate it.  Lindsay and Alex added many personal touches to the chapel, including books and stones and pinwheels.  They also handed out super cute crossword puzzle programs to their guests and flags that said “Yay!”

Then it was time for the ceremony!  Lindsay and Alex wrote their own vows, and are so very in love.  The ceremony was very sweet, and everyone was so happy!

Lindsay and Alex disappeared for a few minutes after the ceremony, while we headed to the grist mill across the street to prepare to take their photos.  Our grist mill plans were foiled by mushy terrain and ants, so I took advantage of the beautiful light that was coming through the trees to the right of the mill.  It was the best light ever, and Lindsay and Alex were pros at posing after their engagement session!

After taking a few photos of Lindsay and Alex, we met up with the wedding party at the reception site and had fun taking photos!  More pinwheels!  Yay!

The reception started with Lindsay and Alex’s first dance, which was very sweet.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the reception.  Love the cake topper!  And reappearance of “Yay!” flags!   And pinwheels!

One really wonderful thing that happened during the reception, which is something I’ve never seen before, were special dances for family members.  Lindsay’s parents danced, Alex’s parents danced, Lindsay’s sister danced with her husband (to Something Good from The Sound of Music!!!!) and then Lindsay’s mother played a special song for her daughters.  Alex then surprised Lindsay with a special second dance for the two of them!

And then… my favorite part… the dancing!  The music selection was awesome, the crowd was energetic and ready to go crazy, and I really wanted to drop my camera and join in on the fun! 

Congrats Lindsay and Alex!  Your wedding was amazing, and I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon!!!

Cheryl and James are no strangers to weddings…these two run the Shutterbooth in Chicago and when it came to planning their wedding together, they knew just what they wanted which meant for one fabulous wedding!  I loved the bright pink and navy theme and the fact that their dog Cody was a big part of their day.  I’m a sucker for dogs and weddings!

Both the ceremony and reception were at the beautiful Gull Lake Country Club and although the day started out with some serious rainfall, by the time the afternoon ceremony time came around the skies were sunny and blue.  The reception was filled with pretty pink flowers, Garrett’s popcorn and of course the Shutterbooth.  Outdoors, guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour and yard games.  Aletha and her team at Pearls Events were there to set up and coordinate the day and I loved meeting and working with Chicago-based Ben Mahoney of Ben Mahoney Productions.  All of the pretty personal flowers were by the talented Natalie of Stems and the ceremony and reception flowers by Cheryl’s friend Kristin of Green Garden Productions.

I always adore photographing a Vera Wang gown and Kate Spade jewels!

blink and the summer is over and he’s going into the first grade.. goodness but I love him so much.  and you wouldn’t guess he really doesn’t like having me photograph him :)  here are a few frames from the last month or so… this is why I’m so very thankful for a camera.  If I do my job right he’ll be off in a few years and not need us so much but we have these to stop time.

Meet Ms. Rayna!

What are your favorite activities?
Singing, fashion designing and reading magazines/blogs.

What activities are you involved with at school or outside of school?
Theater and community service.

What do you do on a typical night out with friends?
Hang out, maybe go to a movie or shop.

What type of music makes you get up and dance?
Usually hip hop

Who is your favorite band/music artist?
Maroon 5, Drake, Lady Gaga

What movie makes you happy?
Chances Are

What movie makes you cry?
My Sister's Keeper

What TV show are you addicted to?
Bad Girls Club!

Do you have a book you could read over and over?
Pretty Little Liars

What food does your family cook that you will miss when you go to college?
Chicken Pita Pockets

What are your hopes/plans for the future?
I really want to become a fashion journalist for Teen Vogue or maybe being the head chair of the committee for New York Fashion Week.

What do you want people to remember about you when they look back on your senior year?
That I was fashion forward, innovative and made people laugh!

Venue:  The Lily Barn, Townsend, Tennessee
Floral & Decor:  Whimsical Gatherings
Day of Coordinator:  Sarah Greenway
Ceremony Music: Allen McBride on the Hammered Dulcimer
Invitations: designed by Chris, letterpress printing by Hello! Lucky
Catering: Luxe Catering
Desserts:  Craft & Spoon
Wine: Downtown Wine & Spirits
Beer: Downtown Grill & Brewery
Groom’s Attire: Ermenegildo Zegna from Barney’s NYC, tie from Sak’s NYC
Bride’s Attire: gown by Lazaro, from Mon Amie Bridal Salon in Costa Mesa, CA
Veil:  White Orchid Bridal
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Hair:  Brett at Salon Azure
Jewelery:  Family Heirlooms
Bridesmaids Dresses:  Jim Hjelm

We started in Port Jefferson for getting ready images and family portraits, then moved on to a beach near the Old Field Club where they were married and partied. With cottage-like flowers and the lodge decor, their whole day seemed more intimate.

Venue: Old Field Club
Photography: Turn Loose the Art
Florist: Flower Michele
Video: Couped Up Productions
Photo Booth: Party Booths

I know there’s a lot of people waiting to see this images, so let’s get to it!

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