I remember meeting Peter & Anna way back when, at the Starbucks on the corner of Clark and Belmont. I waited anxiously, super excited to put names with a face because from the get-go, they had both sounded like the sweetest people I had ever virtually met. It was absolutely down pouring on the day of our meeting, and as I sat cozied up in a corner table, I saw this blonde bombshell walk through the door. No, really. She’s stunning. One of those woman that walk with confidence and perfect posture because their natural beauty just sprints forth, taking charge. It was awesome, I was slightly envious, and hoping, more than anything that that was Anna. And it was! Peter, like the gentleman that he is, was off parking the car so his bride didn’t have to walk through the rain. Automatic points in my book. ;)

Once we were all around the table, we began talking about their day. The only word that I can reflect on from that long ago, is dreamy. Oh! and relaxed. Relaxed is a good word to describe it all, too. Sometimes, as a wedding photographer, you’ll have certain reservations. They’ll tell you things about their day and although you’re smiling, you may be concerned. Like, “yeesh.. I wonder what the light will be like in there?” or “Whoa, 11 bridesmaids and 11 groomsmen?” – little things like that where your brain is already started to work hard, picturing how the documentation will go. With Anna and Peter, every little thing they had planned for their day, I was 100% on board and smitten with. It was also one of those days that turned out way better than I could have imagined. The color pallettes, their demanors (not an ounce of nerves, really.. just pure joy and excitement), the perfect first look experience, a lovely ceremony.. the works. This wedding had it all, but more than anything, it had an overwhelming amount of love.

When I arrived at the Hotel Arista to document Anna and Peter getting ready, I was almost floored by all the lovely happening in the bridal suite. Anna in her long maxi dress and hair and make up fully done, looked breathtaking. She was glowing from the inside out; and once she slipped into her form fitting gown and put on the same veil her mother had worn (how sweet is that?) , it was hard to find a dry eye in that room. And her bridesmaids! Talk about a beautiful posse. These women were stunning – and they wore the glow, too. They wore it for Anna accomponied by their amazing and elegent champagne colored gowns and stunning jewels (handcrafted by Anna’s co-worker – super impressive) Peter, all calm cool and collected, spent the day with his charming groomsmen, father and father of the bride. It was a room filled with bantar – boys will be boys ;) But it was also a room filled with love and respect for Peter, as he was moments away from seeing his bride for the first time.

As the morning progressed and letters were exchanged (que the waterworks!) the day flowed with such ease from one event to the next, landing us at Stonebridge Country Club for their cocktail hour and reception. A place near and dear to my heart, since this is the country club that I grew up at. My parents just happen to live across the street. ;) The entire affair was perfect, just as Anna and Peter deserve. I feel so grateful to have been hand picked by Anna and Peter all that time ago, and that they trusted me with the most important day of their lives; the day they started their own little family.

Congratulations to you both- I couldnt’ be happier for you!

Meet, Mr and Mrs Peterson….

Vendor Love….

Second Shooter: Kelly McCue
Reception Venue: Stonebridge Country Club
Coordinator: Joley Walgren of Stonebridge Country Club
Bridal Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca
Tux Rentals: Black Tie Formalwear
Make Up Artist: Shannon O’Brien
Hair Stylist: Rochelle Prette
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Alfred Sung
Bridesmaid Jewelry: Divine Jewel on Etsy
Bridesmaid Gifts: Jewelry handmade by Roccio Ibarra / Purses handmade by the bride, Anna
Groomsmen Gifts: Cufflinks
Florist: A. Elizabeth & Co.
Favors: A. Elizabeth & Co.
Cake Designer: A. Elizabeth & Co.
DJ: Pete Flemming Orchestra