Friday Fractured Thought. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

1. Today we find out what Baby #2 is. I am GIDDY...I cannot WAIT to see what I'm carrying. I am totally not one of those "surprise" type moms. I am impatient as all get out. I HAVE TO KNOW. I have a good friend who found out (hi Kasey!) and his wife does NOT know...he's keeping it a secret until the birth. That is just willpower I do not possess. AT. ALL.

2. We're readying the house for our big ole' birthday party this weekend. Betty Claire turns 3 tomorrow. I can hardly believe it. THREE. It's nuts. Three years ago today I was ginormous, uncomfortable, and my husband took me to the Milwaukee Zoo to walk around and hopefully get things moving. It did.

3. On August 2nd I will be posting a link to the WISN A-List voting. Type A Images is up in the running for Best Photographer....not that I assume I will win at all (I have far too many uber talented pals in the industry that could wipe the photographic floor with me), but votes are appreciated : )

4. Also, Beloit area folks who get the Shopping News (which is...everyone...I think)...keep an eye out either this Sunday or next for a business profile of Type A Images. The guy came and took what I'm assuming is a super geeked-out photo of me in my office.

5. Project Runway started again last night, so now I can stop complaining about there being absolutely NADA to watch on TV during the summer. I already have my favorite to watch: Peach. How adorable is she! I want a 50 year old friend who says things like "hell-to-the-no".

6. Also, Hubby and I scored pre-sale tickets to Jimmy Eat World's return to Milwaukee. I am SOOOO excited, because it's been 3 years since we've seen them. Last time was 1 week before I gave birth to Betty and it was an amazing show (very small and intimate...I could have totally yelled out "MARRY ME!" to Jim Adkins and he would have heard me....and, of course, probably dumped his wife and accepted the proposal. Don't worry, Hubby understands.) The show is in October, so I will again be attending the show super-pregnant. Gotta introduce the kids to that good music early!

And with that in mind:

I give you: Betty rockin' out Old School style. (Although, I think she was listening to Spongebob Squarepants...so knowing that kind of kills the effect)

We also took Betty to the Rock County Fair this week. That was....interesting. You just gotta love Wisconsin: Tractor displays, cows, pigs, sheep, and midget wrestling. Ahhh....home.

Betty rode her 1st Ferris Wheel, and quite enjoyed it. Me? Not so much. The ferris wheel operator's name was GRAVEYARD. You think I'm kidding? No. His nametag said Graveyard.

Coming up this week: Angela and Kevin's wedding tomorrow (yes, I'm working on my kid's birthday....but we're making up for it with a super-huge party on Sunday), a 1 year session on Monday, a senior session on Friday....bring it on!

The Offbeat Brides Let Us Know What's What. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

I recently happened upon this article on the site Offbeat Bride (which I ADORE!) and it has some awesome, excellent points about Photographer's websites.....and I thought maybe I'd address some of their points that I found fabulous...or maybe needing some further explanation.

The article can be read in its entirety here: http://offbeatbride.com/2010/07/dear-wedding-photographers

FIRST POINT: TURN THE MUSIC OFF

I have to agree with this one. When I first started out I thought "Hey! I can put awesome indie music on my site...yay!" I used a song by a friend's band..a few others. Then I realized a few things: with the exception of the friends' song, I didn't have permission to use the others. Bad, bad Type A. So, I removed them. Then, I realized another thing. Most people have wildly different taste in music from me. I know a lot of folks would rather sit in a locked room with a three year old who has had 5 Red Bulls than listen to one minute of She & Him. Although my tastes may have attracted a target client base, it could have turned away many others.

Also, I know a lot of people who listen to music of their own while they surf...and having competing sounds on the 'puter is just not cool. Especially if it's that so-overplayed-it's-not-funny Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow" that photographers seem to want to use until it's completely destroyed.

So leave the music off the site. I have to agree with this one.

Your love of Josh Groban is not winning you any fans

SECOND POINT: SLOW LOADING AND DON'T USE FLASH

I have to disagree with this point. Although slow loading is indeed an issue, having a flash site isn't necessarily to blame all the time...and to suggest that photographers not utilize a very modern and up-to-date site design format is pretty.....well...not happening.

In order to optimize site speed without foregoing the use of a flash format, you can do some of the following tweaks:

- Optimize your images for web use. Using full-size, uncropped images can slow things down.

- Consider your hosting service. If you're using "Bob's Hosting", it's probably not going to work quite as efficiently as some other, well-known hosting services.

- Offer both HTML AND Flash versions of your site for people with slower systems.

- Higher traffic volume = slower site. So, ya know, if your chosen photog is "DA BOMB"....you may just want to wait it out : )

Why is this site SO SLOWWWWWWWW??

THIRD POINT: DON'T HAVE BLOG HEADER TAKE UP THE WHOLE SCREEN

Eh, this one is personal preference, but it doesn't really bother me if the image they are using is beautiful and a good indication of their work. That's why you're there, right?

However, if your blog header is some gigantic monstrosity about how AWESOME you are...that's annoying. Especially if it has nothing to do with photography. I don't care if you like ice cream and stilettos. Not sure if brides do either.

FOURTH POINT: TELL ME HOW MUCH YOU COST

Now, this one is also personal preference, and very dependent on what kind of photographer you're looking at. A lot of very budget photogs will lay out their entire menu for you, right there. I've actually seen where they will have articles connected to the pricing menu talking about how cheap they are compared to other photographers. Hey! Great, if that business plan works for them. They are marketing to a specific segment of the populations: those for whom price and budget are of the utmost concern. This is not a bad thing, just not a one-size-fits-all marketing plan for all artists.

Many will put a starting or "average" package cost on their site. This is what I do. I find it kind of weeds out those that are not all that interested in the work, they just want someone with a camera for cheap. Posting a starting or average price attracts the brides whose budgets I fall into. I want them to like the work first, and then decide if the budget works for them.

If you love a photographer, but their prices are not posted, don't let that deter you. No one is SOOO busy that they can't take an extra moment to inquire about someone whose work they would love to have for their big day. Photographers are not alone in their lack of online price posting...this is not uncommon. If you go to your venue's site, it's not very often they will lay out all the prices for you.

Let your photographer MEET you and work with them to tailor a personal experience.

This guy probably doesn't post his prices, but 's cool like that. Yeah Baby!

FIFTH POINT: I'M PROBABLY GOING TO POST THE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

This is something to take up with each individual photographer, but I have to put this out there: Unless your photographer gave you permission to do this, it's not cool to crop out their watermark and post the pics without permission. Keep in mind, copyright still belongs to the person who took the picture.

Many photographers these days are supplying brides and grooms with low-res, watermarked Facebook files....or giving brides and grooms permission to post on Facebook with a credit. The best way to go about this ethically is to discuss your wishes with your chosen photographer and find out what they offer.

Recently it's been revealed that applications have been developed allowing budget printers like Walmart or Target to accept Facebook print requests. NOT. COOL. The image will look like garbage, trust me. You spent all this money on your photographer....make sure your images look good when you order and display them.

LAST POINT: TELL ME WHERE YOU LIVE

Ok, this could be frustrating.

Yes.

But, again, it all comes down to what is most important to you: budget or love of the artist. If I had a photographer that I just ADORED....couldn't get enough of...HAD TO HAVE...then it wouldn't matter where they were from (within reason). I'd get them here. And if I had to take 2 or 3 seconds out of my day to Google them to find out their general area, no biggie.

As a last word, yes...we should make it easy for brides and grooms to find us, fall in love with us, and book us. Of course! That's the name of the game in marketing. But, now that I've heard you out brides...and listened, can you do me a few favors?

1. When you email an inquiry...tell me what you're looking for. Wedding? Portrait? Don't just say "prices". I'll send you some...but really, a nice intro and at least saying "hello" is always cool.

2. I've mentioned this before, but don't inquire with a photographer who is grossly out of your budget it hopes of talking them down to a lower price. Not cool. Keep your budget in mind.

3. Treat your photographer like a person! (A fabulously cool person....with feelings!) We like that.

4. No, you cannot have my RAW files. Sorry.

5. Please stop Photoshopping the pictures I took for you.

6. Above all else, we want you to enjoy your day...and we want to enjoy your day too! I always love hearing thoughts from couples regarding our jobs and how we can make their experience better, so I have to thank Becca over @ Offbeat Bride. We're all ears, Becca!

Evelyn @ 1. | Milwaukee Family Photographer.

One of the best parts of what I do is seeing clients from maternity sessions all the way through other milestones. Little Evelyn was just a fetus when we "first met"...and I photographed her mom and dad in all their anticipatory glow.

Now, she's 1. Time flew and she is all wobbly legs learning to walk and full of chatter. We hit up Lake Park today for Miss Evelyn's 1 year session (Mom and Dad came along, too!). The light was killer, absolute perfection.

Enjoy the sneak peek Evelyn and family!

She was SO proud of herself here for standing and posing that she did a little dance.

Location: Lake Park Milwaukee, WI

The First Time We Danced. | Janesville Wedding Photographer.

I'll always remember the song they were playin',
The first time we danced and I knew
- Anne Murray

Kelli and Mike have one of the best engagement stories I have ever heard. Mike arranged for a local radio station to play the first song they ever danced to (Could I Have This Dance? by Anne Murray) and send it out as a dedication to Kelli and Mike. While listening to the radio broadcast of "their song" Kelli slowly realized the dedication was in regard to them....and then Mike was on one knee....ring in hand. How cool is that??

Kelli and Mike's wedding was one of creative touches, popping color (in the sky, in the dresses, in the flowers....) and relaxed fun. After a stop at Janesville's Studio 107 for hair (with a quick shopping excursion downstairs!), the girls met at Central Lutheran Church in Edgerton for a bite to eat, makeup, and a near viewing of What Dreams May Come (a decision that was thankfully bypassed after I shared how insanely depressing that movie is!)

Central Lutheran is beautiful, resembling a castle inside and out. We hit up downtown Edgerton for some quick pictures and after the ceremony made a quick stop to a sports bar in Janesville before heading over to the reception @ The Janesville Country Club.

I got to experience my first wild golf cart ride while pregnant (I have to thank the bridesmaid that took great care not to make it my LAST wild golf cart ride). That evening we all saw a fabulous sunset display that capped off the evening beautifully.

It was a great time and I hope the first dance for Mike and Kelli was just the beginning of many more yet to come. Congrats and enjoy the sneak peek!

Look at that SKY! I am so glad we caught it....

Can I just take a quick moment to talk about how much I ADORE, LOVE, and want to MARRY my new 85mm 1.4?? **sigh** It's true love.

Hair/Beauty: Studio 107 Janesville, WI
Ceremony: Central Lutheran Church Edgerton, WI
Videographer: Nelson Video Productions
Reception: Janesville Country Club
DJ: Red Hot Ken Scott JVL Mobile Jocks

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

1. I hope everyone in the Milwaukee area is dry, safe, and without too much damage after last night's horrific pounding with storm after storm...not to mention flooding, toronados and massive sink-holes. During the storms I was on my way to Madison for a Collages CLASS meeting and got to drive right along side a gigantic funnel cloud. Good times.

2. Speaking of water-related incidents, we got the kid baptised last weekend. She handled it pretty well. She asked if there was shampoo involved (which is I guess what you get when you tell a three year old that baptism is like a bath) and when we were done she said "All clean!"

3. A week from today we find out what the sex of Second Shooter is (the new baby). Can. Not. WAIT. I have no real feelings one way or the other as to what it may be.

4. I have to say, there seems to be a rash of "price fishing" emails going around to local photogs. I know this is a pretty standard practice with new folks who just don't know any better, but seriously...if you want to find out what other photographers in your area may be charging, there has to be a better way of going about it than pretending you are a bride. Especially if you're not quick enough to change your information and leave me (or anyone else) with your "business email" as contact information.

5. Just as a heads up, pricing structures for weddings AND portraits are changing effective in August. I just spent the last few nights ripping apart my old structures, crunching numbers, buiding new packages to include the new album offerings and I'm pretty happy with what I've come up with. If any regular portrait customers are curious about the new pricing structure, feel free to shoot me an email @ typeaimages@gmail.com and I'll send you a copy of the new menu.
If you booked me or received pricing information from me prior to August 1, those prices will stand.

6. I am currently ob-SESSED with the show 4 Weddings. You'd think with all the weddings I attend that the last thing I would want to do is watch a show about weddings, but this show is super-great. Cattiness and competition with weddings as the cherry on top.
Annnddd...speaking of TV (which has been a bit of a neglected loved one lately) Project Runway comes back next week! SUPER excited!!!

7. Coming up this week: Janesville are wedding that hopefully stays dry, an family sitting in Milwaukee and a Kindred Spirits Hospice sitting. Then...the start of a few senior sessions I've booked for the end of summer.And of course, my BIG ULTRASOUND! (Just had to mention that one more time!)

Betty, getting some use out of the baptism gown that didn't fit

Avoiding the Trap of Looking Ridiculous.| Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

As the wedding photographer, its my job to make recommendations if a location, pose, look, whatever is just NOT working. However, nervous brides (or bridesmaids...or even sometimes grooms) can sometimes make fashion, location, or timing decisions in the heat of the moment that can send things a bit out-o-wack. Here's a few tips for making sure your day runs smoothly...and your pictures turn out how you envisioned.

1. Orange is for Carrots. And Oompa Loompas. And Muppets.

Picture courtesy of Ron Schwartzman

We all want to glow on our wedding days. But "glow" is not the same as "day-glo". Put the fake tan spray down and step away slowly. Tell your bridesmaids to do the same. If you're ALL orange, then I guess you have a bit of "Willy Wonka" uniformity. However, if everyone abstains from the spray tan except for one gal, you run the risk of playing "One of these things is not like the other" in every picture. And fixing the "one chick sprayed while the others did not" problem is not a quick click in Photoshop.

2. If the Dress Fits.....

picture:http://steelturman.typepad.com

Part of growing up and coming into our own is realizing who we are...inside and out. And embracing that. So, find a dress that fits your body type and you're bound to look STUNNING. Whether you're a size 1 or 21.
Its hard to get you to relax and feel comfortable if you're yanking up a strapless dress all day that just doesn't fit. Or, if you have straps but they keep falling down.
Remember, classy...elegant...and timeless should always trump...well...hoochie. Someone should have probably had a little chat with the poor soul in the picture above. I can probably guess her photographer didn't attempt the super-popular "everybody jump!" shot.

3. And While We're on the Subject of Posing.....
The same poses get recycled over and over and over because brides read bridal magazines...and blogs...and see other people's pictures and want to emulate them. How else can you explain the popularity of a Charlie's Angel's pose with bouquets? I'm guilty of embracing the cheese (or the go-to poses) sometimes as well. I'll admit it. But at the same time, you want your pictures to reflect YOU...your group...not some person you saw in a magazine. If you're a complete introvert, a picture of you being all crazy and jumping up and down says nothing about you, or your relationship. Plus, if you're just faking it...the camera can tell. It knows all : )

4. Be Kind to Your Girls.

Photo: Something Blue Designs

These are REALLY REALLY good friends. Really good. If you got your gal-pals to wear something like this and be PHOTOGRAPHED?! Hang on to those girls!

Keep in mind the words "tasteful" and "not fug" when shopping for your wedding party. Also keep in mind they may not all be the same size or body type. These pictures are going to be around for a long long time.

5. Above All? CHILL OUT.

Photo: http://etiquette-blog.com/2009/01/bridezillas-and-etiquette/

If you freak and try to micro-manage every move, style, look, whatever...of your day something will, inevitably, go wrong. Soak it in. RELAX. Let the professionals help and guide you. It's our job to make sure you don't look stupid. And if you go all Bridezilla on us, well....it doesn't bode well for you to do so with the person charged with making you look like a calm, collected, beautiful blushing bride. There's only so much I can fix in post-processing....crazy is not one of them. If you're overwhelmed...mad...annoyed...whatever, its GOING to come through. Not only in pictures but with your guests. Once the wheels of the day are set in motion there really isn't much left to manage but your attitude. Just chill...and take it for what it is, even if there are snafus. It happens. Remain your lovely, glowing, wonderful self and it'll all be okay!

Shiny, Happy People. | Delavan Wedding Photographer.

Everyone around love them, love them
Put it in your hands
Take it take it
There's no time to cry
Happy happy
Put it in your heart
Where tomorrow shines
Gold and silver shine
-REM

Karen and John have such a neat love story. Childhood sweethearts, they were parted by a move and came back together years later....call it fate, call it kismet...I call it a lovely love story.
Their wedding was a unique and brightly colored celebration filled with a lot of happiness, friendship, and strong bonds of family.

They decided on a Hawaiian "theme" for the ceremony, donning Hawaiian print and bestowing leis on their parents. The ceremony was held on the banks of the lake at the Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan at 7pm, which made for some absolutely fanTASTIC light.

The reception featured fun 80's music selections and fabulous food (including one of the best dessert spreads this gal has seen in a long time...those mini-cream puffs were to DIE for).

It was a great, warm summer night for a wedding and watching the coming together of a family and of two people destined to be together....even if it took a few years to come back around again...was a nice way to spend a Saturday night!

Enjoy the sneak peek!



One of the neat touches Karen and John added was a word search on the back of the programs.

A sand ceremony symbolized not only the joining of John and Karen, but the coming together of a family.

I love love love this shot.

Are these rings not GORGEOUS?!?

Ceremony and Reception: Lake Lawn Resort Delavan, WI
DJ: Frequency Sounds

Shooting on the Fly (s) | Milwaukee Family Photographer.

Klode Park has been one of my most popular destinations for family/kid shoots this season. In fact, I think the past three family shoots I've done in Milwaukee have taken place there. I fully understand why: it's beautiful, serene, in a great area of Whitefish Bay, and has beach PLUS grass.

The also have man-eating sand flies.

I visited the area tonight to shoot Jarrott, Stephanie, and their daughters Regan and Kennedy. We took the normal route down to the beach and it's like someone sent a message to all these nasty little sand flies that "Hey! There's a pregnant lady coming! And she's wearing a SKIRT! Let's GET HER!"

They were on me like I was sand-fly buffett. Jarrott said she got a few bites, but I was being downright MAULED.

So, despite the sand-fly epidemic that seems to be taking over the Klode Park area, we got in some great shots for the family. Kennedy seemed much more open to having her picture taken this time, and Regan is as easy-going as they come. They seemed to come away from the shoot unscathed, which is a plus. Apparently the flies were only really interested in me!

Had a great time, can't wait to see you guys in November! Enjoy the sneak peek!

Well...it was a good attempt at getting everyone to look at the camera. Unfortunately, I am not nearly as interesting as Mom's hair to Regan.

Locations: Klode Park (Land of Flies) Whitefish Bay, WI

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

1. Well, for all our worry and hand-wringing over the violence and crime possible in our old Milwaukee neighborhood.....we've been in our new Beloit neighborhood for about a month and a 1/2 and woke up to a busted car window last Saturday morning. Awesome-sauce.

I was on my way to a wedding and really couldn't stick around for the police visit, but apparently 6-7 other houses in our subdivision were hit as well. Milwaukee has it's issues, but we never had to contend with a busted window (I'm thinking the criminals were far too busy doing grown-up criminal things.....petty crime seems to be the bad behavior du jour in Beloit).

It's weird, because my car has been broken into no less than 5 times in Beloit since I've owned a car. My husbands? Probably more. What is it with these Beloit criminals? Seriously?

The worst part is, they didn't TAKE ANYTHING. If you're gonna bust my window, at least make it worthwhile!

2. Ok, rant over.
I want to speak a bit on how beneficial and great it is to be friendly and network with other local photographers. I hear often about unfriendly competition and undercutting and just plain ticking other professionals off by being not-so-ethical, and I can't stress enough how important it is to keep the lines of communication open with other photographers. Not only can you build some great friendships, but many can come through for you when you least expect it!

Case in point, I was trying in vain to get my hands on an 85mm 1.4 this week. After having my orders cancelled twice due to lack of stock, a local photographer emailed me and offered to let me buy his. See....keeping the cut-throat competitive nature on the back burner in favor of friendly networking is a GOOD thing!

3. I have a lot of business-related changes in the works for August, including pricing shifts, new additions to available products, and changes in packages for portraits. These are all positive, great changes that will allow the best level of service for clients and I'm really excited about them. I've gotten some sample albums in recently that are just STUNNING (if I do say so myself). So, if you're getting married or know someone who is, in 2011 or ever 2012, NOW is the time to contact me and get in under the old pricing structure!

4. My kid is getting baptised this weekend. Now, I am not one to really talk religion on my page. . To me, its private...and I'm an equal opportunity shooter/blogger, anyway! I don't care if you're Catholic, Lutheran, Hindu, or worship your car! Or nothing at all.

When my grandmother was dying, I had a last long talk with her, and one of the last things she said to me was "You get that baby baptised".
Oh boy.
Gee Grams...nothing like laying it on thick at the bitter end there! That was her way, and you can bet she waited until that very moment on PURPOSE. She knew I wouldn't be able to say no. She was crafty like that!
So, we're finally getting it done. For Grams.
I am getting my revenge for Grams' sneaky little death-bed move, however. My kid is in the midst of a mid-toddler crisis, and I'm sure once that water touches her head she'll scream like a banshee. Hear that Grams? Here's your baptism! : ) She would have loved every minute of it.....screams and all.

5. Lots of fun coming up this week, including a sitting with adorable sisters tonight in Milwaukee, a wedding with a bit of Hawaiian flair tomorrow, and a great Collages CLASS meeting in Madison next week.

Mawage. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam...
- The Impressive Clergyman

Today I celebrate 4 years of "mawage" with the hubby. So I thought it would be fun to revisit some of my own professional wedding pictures. A few notes first:
- We were dumb and didn't get an album. Therefore, our pictures STILL, to this day, sit collecting dust as digital files. GET. AN. ALBUM. Ok....moving on....
- It was INSANELY hot the day of my wedding. Like...100 degrees hot. So, if we all look like melty messes, that's why.
- We did an "Asian" theme to the wedding. Food was awesome, but not sure I would choose the same color scheme if I had a chance to do it all again.
- All the pictures were from Expressive Photography out of Mequon. Our day was shot by the owners Patrick and Tracy. They were relatively new to the wedding photography scene at the time and we sought them out because we wanted a very "documentary" and "fly on the wall" approach to our coverage. We didn't want the photographers to set up moments, really...and that's what we got! We spent the largest amount of our budget (outside of the food) on the photography, and I don't regret it.

Here's some other details of the day (if I can remember!):

Ceremony: The roof of the ABC Supply building in Beloit. There is a green grid garden on the rooftop of the main building, and that's where we got married. We remain the only couple ever to do so.

Reception: Country Club of Beloit. They have THEE BEST wedding food I've ever had since. Instead of having a regular wedding cake I had them make me their strawberry shortcake trifle. Oh. My. Lord. It's to die for. Truly.

Clothing: I wore a $250 David's Bridal dress, off the rack. The dress wasn't really all that important to me, as long as it fit. Looking back, a ball gown probably wasn't the best choice for a 100 degree day, but live and learn. The guys wore black suits and red ties. My lone bridesmaid wore a Cheongsam. We both carried parasols. With the exception of the bouts, there were no flowers.

Wedding Party: I had a "Man of Honor" (my friend Kasey) and a bridesmaid, my good friend Carolyn. Jon had his brother Jason as best man and his friend Mike as groomsman.

The Music: Probably the 2nd most important aspect of the day next to the photography, honestly. I walked down the "aisle" to "Across the Universe". We did a "sand ceremony" (in place of a unity candle) to "Blackbird" and the recessional was "Mexico" from James Taylor (where we got engaged). Our musician was Jon's bandmate Scott, who is just a phenomenal guitarist.

Our first dance song has...sadly...become quite cliche in the past few years, but it was "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds. We also used Ben Folds for the mother/son dance ("Still Fighting It") and I danced with my dad to "In My Life". Jon and I also made sure that the dinner music wasn't sucky....we had everything from The Cure, The Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, and Nirvana.

It was a great day, and mostly went off without a hitch....

It's been a fun four years...here's to many more! Love you hubby!


Jon and I opted for a "first look". This was GREAT, because we got in some pre-ceremony shots, plus he got to see me before the heat completely destroyed my makeup.
We got married before Etsy was such a huge deal, so Ebay was my friend. The parasol was an Ebay find, as was all my jewelry and my veil.

My wedding party, Carolyn and "The Ugliest Bridesmaid" Kasey

My husband is a cry-baby : ) We wrote our own vows.

There's a story here. My father in law, bless his heart, secured a limo for us after the ceremony. However, the limo company kind of....well...forgot they had a job that day. So, they called this poor guy, who had to stop doing yard work to run over with a limo and pick us up. So...our limo driver showed up looking like.....this. It's a good thing I have a sense of humor. That could have been a bridezilla moment, I'm sure.

My favorite picture from the day. Grams, Gramps, and me.

You can see my tan line in this one. Note: tanning is bad kids. Embrace your pasty-ness.