Miranda and Noah

I don’t even know how to begin this blog. The day was epic, the weather was beautiful, and a herd of donkeys roamed the plains of Vanderwende Acres. A couple of years ago, Noah reached out about photographing the proposal. I was tasked with tricking Miranda into coming to the venue so that I could “practice” a few shot ideas I had. A surprise rain shower delayed the events, and a sweaty Miranda was up in the barn loft with me as I stalled through the showers. Then here we are with a chance of rain post-ceremony, but the few sprinkles we received painted the sky with a rainbow. I could go on and on about this wedding, but this story is best told alongside pictures.

The bridal suite was filled top to bottom with ladies of all ages. How we managed to fit 20 or so people into it, I have no idea.

Jane and Tay Salon & Boutique need no introduction because you see them in the blog all the time! Probably because they are amazing!

If you know Miranda and Noah, then you already know about Flourished. The flowers were so beautiful, and Pop Pop is the cherry on top.

Candids like these are the best because it’s these little moments that are gone in the blink of an eye.

Finding out Pop Pop will be with her down the aisle.

Was trying something new by isolating Miranda’s lips for this photo. The vibrant lipstick needed to be highlighted on their own. Makeup was done by Bethany Seymore.

Pre-ceremony Miranda is so elegant. Post-ceremony Miranda does not quite fit that adjective.

Noah arrived fully dressed with a whiskey bottle in hand.

A rustic groom portrait that give any cowboy a run for his money.

The letters these two wrote one another successfully brought out the tears. Also, I’d like to point out how just changing your position as a photographer can change the mood of the photo.

This photo, swoon! So good!!! I give all the ladies props for tidying up this room for Miranda before doing her getting in the dress photos. Literally, wall to wall with stuff 5 minutes prior.

First look with the girls, first look with Dad, and first look with Noah.

Cinco De Mayo means donkeys walking around passing out booze. Love it. Donkeys came from The Little Farm. They were all so friendly!

All the delicious ladies…

And all the tasty gentlemen.

Flowers girls are tasked with the job of creating a beautiful path for the bride to traverse through. Donkeys had other ideas.

Donkey sized poop bag. That hunk of man in the background is Dukes Films recording video of the day.

I love when people don’t hold back their tears, and I was lucky enough for Mama Bear to turn aside so I can see just how much love she was filled with.

My second wedding with Corey as the officiant. He is the bomb.

jazz hands, and a surprise attack.

Favorite kind of wedding party photo.

Next few photos are beautiful photos of the couple.

Lexie with the clothes swapped, belly out entrance. This is everything <3

This groomsman eating it while trying to ride an inflatable horse is just as amazing.

Just a little rainbow action during the first dance.

The speeches were incredible.

One of the first on the dance floor, and one of the last to leave it. Love these two.

Morgan was probably whispering something nasty to get a smile like that.

Party music made possible by LauraLea & Tripp Fabulous!

I had two weddings this weekend, and someone at both of them asked me to dance as well. Jess, thank you for taking my camera so I could be a part of the wedding album!

There is always someone who is hyper-aware of where I am at all times. This guy was that person. If his hand wasn’t occupied with beer and dancing, it would have had a glow stick pointing directly at me just like every other photo.

Four ladies collectively grinding on one another at the same time. This is how wildfires are started.

I witnessed several creative ways that alcohol was consumed during this wedding. Here was technique number one.

Wouldn’t be complete without a beautiful sunset. I thought for sure we would miss it because the dancing was full throttle at this moment.

Sarah had the day off so that she could party at work :P P.S. This wedding took place at Vanderwende Acres. One of my all-time favorite venues.

Some old friends.

I really like this photo, but I can’t remember what she was about to do. Either she was passionately singing, or she was about to lay the smackdown.

And creative way to drink alcohol number 2.

During sunset, Miranda kept telling me that she missed the cake-cutting. It was announced, but the music was just too good to get away from. I kept telling her we could do it anytime. She kept telling me they would do it tomorrow. Ultimately I am glad I got them to do it because this is my first cake tonguing. The cake was by A+ Cupcakes, the desserts by Sweet Disposition Dessert, and the caterer was Taste Events (Katie, I need you to come to every taste event wedding girl!).

If I had asked, Noah would have probably let me have a bite as well.

Recreating the Love sign photo from the proposal.

Text book Jonathan Allen Photography photo.

It wasn't easy deciding how I was going to end this blog. Around this time was when I completed my photography duties in order to commence my enjoyment of the festivities. I did pick it up again for the final sparkler dance, but on the way down I had jokingly told Miranda that it would be pretty awesome if she crowd-surfed as the band played. She screamed yes, and rushed down the steps. Brides like her are the reason I love my job.