Natalie and Zach

Seeing two high school sweethearts looking at each other as if their love was still new is such a beautiful thing. These two grew from wedding guests to wedding clients, and somehow became good friends of mine. Getting that text asking if I am down to get together for some beer is almost as beautiful as their love.

All week, the forecast predicted rain on their wedding day, but once Saturday rolled around they were blessed with an unusual 80-degree November. This is where Natalie and Zach’s wedding story will begin.

Shenanigans immediately started with this little one.

And the shenanigans continued with her.

I don’t know why I decided to take this photo from outside the glass door, but the glare made it super difficult. Had to use my body to block it, but I do love the little bit peeking through just camera right of Natalie.

Does the Jane and Tay Salon & Boutique even need an introduction? These girls are just oozing talent behind the hair and makeup.

An in depth discussion about the different sauces available from Chick Fil A.

Mama Bear sat in the chair next to Natalie, and I asked her to look longingly at her daughter Natalie. This lasted a split second before she burst into laughter.

I knew a couple of these ladies from previous weddings, but once I met them all I knew it was going to be a fun day.

Natalie’s letter to her parent’s brought Mama Bear to tears.

A bit of laughter and a bit of some choking up during her reading of Zach’s letter.

Keeping his brother close to heart.

Zach full on crying while reading his letter from Natalie.

There is a lot of pressure when it comes to dip kissing down the aisle. You have to get the angle correct so the camera can see you, and you have to not drop the bride. They asked me how they did later on, and here is the result.

When those fake laughs turn into real ones.

First official Givans’ family portrait.

I am kind of surprised that the guys out booty popped the girls in this one.

I really love this style of photo, but I always forget to do them. Not today though!

Looking fierce with her no smile gaze.

Zach killing it as well!

We took a gamble walking all the way to the road in hopes that the sunset would be peeking through. I was hoping it would be in line with the road, but we were able to get this little snippet of it at the end of the driveway.

Same spot as the previous photo. I just crouched down super low, and zoomed in as much as I could to isolate them amongst that small gape within the trees.

When you can laugh with each other during your first dance, that’s love.

Still the first dance, with a little experiment that worked out well.

Every speech brought out a few tears, but this one from Dad brought out the most.

So I usually pick one person as my favorite dancer of the night. It was super tough with this wedding. There were just to many to pick from. I’ll say that Peyton’s boyfriend is third place though.

So many of my old hospital colleagues attended this day, and it was the best thing ever.

Favorite dancers of the night are these two. They were just so well choreographed together, and they always brought a smile to my face.

So you got to see third place, and first place. These two were second place. Grinding up on Grandpa.

“I’ve never smoked anything, but I want to try a cigar!”

Showing her how it’s done.

As soon as Gaby walked out onto the dance floor, her drink was catapulted to the ground.

Cotton Eyed Joe, but with one shoe on.

Bo said Courtney was never a dancer, but he changed that in her. Looking forward to their wedding.

Natalie’s laugh is a full body laugh, and I love that.

The bouquet had a clean path to Gaby. She jumped up into the air only to have to pass through her hands.

Zach doing his best magic mike to the song Pony. Also, if you are wondering how the party can go so strong for so long. Just look beyond Natalie’s arm. DJ Hector, a man you constantly see in my blogs because epic weddings need epic vendors, haha. Also, his wife Ashley was behind the bar making sure no one went thirsty. My Turn To Cook once again at Toadvine Acres with us. That completes the awesomeness that is this backyard wedding location.

The scandal that we’ll just refer to as the Garter Gate. Who originally caught the garter? Why are all the guys trying to pass it around to one another? Also, why did it take the groomsman forever to put it on?

Fly Eagles Fly!

Marceline’s son finally ripping that shirt open. I don’t know how, but I spy wing sauce on his sleeve.

And Marceline herself!

Underestimating her own strength.

Refused to come out and dance when Turn Down For What came on. Two years later, and the wounds are still healing.

Every time I turned around, there was a new shot to take or a new drink to down. I think this is the most I have had while working, and I believe that number is around 8 or 9.

This wedding is one for the books. I was technically done at 8PM, and Natalie as well as several others asked me to stay to continue partying. When I say stay, I mean stay with my camera down and party as a guest. This is the type of wedding that sets the bar high for all my future ones. Also, once you two come back from your honeymoon, we need a post-wedding beer date.