From my very first contact with Mackenzie, I could tell she was a real firecracker; her emails just oozed personality and I could tell right off the bat she’d be a blast to work with. When I finally met her in person, her beaming smile and gorgeous laugh just topped the charts, and anyone who would stand in a downpour through their entire 30-minute wedding ceremony… just laughing it off the whole while… is my kind of client! I feel so lucky to have found Mackenzie and Dave, and honored to have shot such a special wedding with an extremely loved and lovable couple.

I have to say, Mackenzie is an avid Wedding Tip Wednesday follower, and even though I was told some of my tips caused her “minor anxiety,” haha, the fact that she followed each and every one of them to the best of her ability really worked to her benefit on her day. Even with an extra-tight timeline, we still got some great shots, from getting ready to the reception; exceptional job planning, Mackenzie!

The wedding took place on August 6, 2011, with everything at the Loft in Sweetwater in Pennsburg. It was such a quaint little venue, and perfect for our couple!

The boys got ready at the Springhill Suites by Marriot in Quakertown. They certainly were a handsome trio, and you just have to love Dave’s bowtie!

As per one of my wedding tips, the couple opted for a “first look” in order to optimize their coverage time and allow for bride-and-groom and bridal party photos, which we took immediately after.

I was very grateful to be able to work with such an extremely cooperative bridal party. I know clients don’t always see my “vision” for a shot, or feel the most comfortable in the poses I put them in, but there were no comments or complaint from this peanut gallery and their open-minded attitude allowed for some really unique bridal party staging. Just as I always say, “The more awkward you feel, the better you look!” Thanks ladies and gents!

Now, onto my favorite part of the day… the ceremony. The bride had barely gotten down the aisle when down came the rain and washed the ceremony out! It started as a trickle and advanced to a downpour. As she stood there getting soaked, Mackenzie’s one concern wasn’t for herself, or her dress, or even Dave who was laughing too (God bless him!) but for her guests! She kept looking over to them and interrupting her own ceremony to ask them, “should we continue?” I heard a resounding “Yes!” from the crowd, and a few people saying, “No turning back!; We’re IN IT NOW!” It was certainly a ceremony none of them are soon to forget!

While the show went on regardless, one of my camera’s suddenly decided it couldn’t! The rain was just KILLING it, and it was right during the first kiss that it finally just checked out on me. I got ONE shot off of the kiss, and when I pushed the button for a second, there was no click… Mackenzie held her kiss for a few seconds, and I pressed twice more to no avail. Especially with the difficulty both the second shooters’ cameras and mine were having focusing through the rain, it was no small miracle that that first shot was a WINNER!

I quickly reached for my backup camera as the couple headed back down the aisle… someone handed them an umbrella on their way down the aisle, and another priceless shots was born!

The reception featured some great DIY details by Mackenzie, and started off with some hilarious speeches by our once-again-super-awesome-bridal party. The MOH had Mackenzie in tears, while the Best Man had everyone dying laughing as he talked about how much he admired Dave all through school, because Dave was one of the “popular people” and he couldn’t believe he got to be friends with him! … Cool by association!

After everyone had a chance to enjoy their meals… the party got kind of wild! I love weddings where the bride and groom really live it up on the dancefloor; I think it’s a shame when they feel obligated to spend the WHOLE night circling the tables greeting each individual guest. Personally, for my wedding, I intended to live my day to the fullest, and anyone who wanted to see me was more than welcome to come find me on the dancefloor!

To Mackenzie and Dave: All I can say is WOW! What a fabulous/fun day I had with you! You guys had me laughing out loud the whole day through. There were times I almost forgot I was at work. You and your bridal party are proof that good people stick together, and I have to give a big plus one to the best man’s speech pointing out how much you truly deserve each other. Thank you again for choosing me to shoot your wedding, and the next time I have a client worried about rain on their day, I’m going to show them your wedding — genuine proof that having a wonderful day isn’t about weather; it’s all about attitude!

Second Shooter: Jim Heine
Makeup: Lauren’s Makeup Designs
Venue: The Loft at Sweetwater