Happy Sunday, babes! I know I don’t usually blog on the weekends – especially not on Sundays, but today is a bit different. I had been trying to post Casie and Jordan’s wedding this past week, but the hosting site I use was undergoing some maintenance – don’t they know wedding photographers have strict deadlines?! ;) So with that happening, I decided a Sunday post was in order. No need to keep the bride & groom (and their families) waiting.. so here we are, with one of the sweetest weddings ever.

Casie and Jordan’s day held a lot of significance for both myself and Kelly. I had grown attached to the Hamman’s when I shot their son Sean and his wife Lindsey’s wedding last month. Immediately I was drawn to the energy, the love, and the wide open arms that embraced us on that day, and it only made me even more excited for a little reunion come Casie and Jordan’s celebration. (to clarify, Casie is Sean’s older sister) And just as I had imagined, from both the Hamman’s and the Bucci’s, Kelly and I were treated like friends, rather than just the photographers.

For Kelly, she was super emotional regarding Jordan’s service. Serving herself, she couldn’t help but reflect and remember all that she had encountered. This wasn’t just about two people joining together in love, it was about two people committing to be together through distance, promising to be one another’s home, even when they were miles apart. Soon, Jordan will be leaving for Afghanistan, where selflessly, he will fight to protect our country, his family and friends, and now… his new wife.

The day began so effortlessly. We had hit some traffic on our way to Casie’s parent’s house, and when I called to let her know, she sounded oh-so calm on the other line. She gives off this light giggle whenever she talks, and although I’m sure it’s just her happy nature, you can’t help but pretend its because she’s just happy to talk to you. She makes everyone feel loved, and she’s pretty darn good at it. As we entered the same house we had gone to to photograph Sean last month, it was a whole different dynamic this time around ;) Women every which way you turned, make up artists, hair stylists, dresses hanging from left to right, jewels spread out all over the counters, muffins, sandwiches, juices and champagne, fresh brewed Starbucks coffee – you name it, it was there. With Casie’s Maid of Honor (her sweet little sister), Mackenzie standing by, and with some much appreciated help from Lindsey to pin up Casie’s dress ;) she was ready to go and marry the love of her life. There was not one drop of stress, not one malfunction to throw the day even just a little off course… just a morning filled with laughter, surrounding Casie with all who love her most.

As we arrived at the church (on this 108 degree day – there is not one ounce of exaggeration here) – the beautiful ceremony began, and before we knew it we were on our way to Chicago to stop at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel and the Chicago Cultural Center where their reception would be taking place. Bridal party photos were taken in a non-traditional form, and to be honest, this was sort of refreshing. It was too hot to expect them to stand around in Millenium Park, and everyone agreed that some candid shots walking through the city was the way to go. We caught some valid emotions during this little journey ;) and let me say – this bridal party has more spunk and personality than I have ever come across. It was perfect. Once we arrived at the Cultural Center, the party immediately started. Cocktail hour consisted of hugs and little reunions, cocktails and amazing food, flowing gracefully into toasts and a full course dinner. After the dancing began, I remember looking at my watch and almost feeling anxious that our time was starting to come to an end. It was one of those nights you wanted to freeze – and I couldn’t help but think, “I am going to miss this group.” So what did I do, you ask? Well, when our time was up, I joined the party. I danced with the Hamman’s and embraced that my job allows me to meet some of the most amazing people, and allows me to form friendships with those I probably would have otherwise never met. Pretty cool, huh? ;)

I can say this without any reservation – that there was no where else I would have rather been, than documenting the love of Casie & Jordan. Two people so committed to one another that their wear it on their faces. When you look at them together, you can’t help but notice an eternal kind of love. A love all of us are hoping for.

Congratulations to you both. I adore you, and wish you nothing but the best!

Meet, Mr and Mrs Bucci….

Second Shooter: Kelly McCue