For many months now I have been preparing myself for this past weekend.  My best friend Sarah met her match, Brian, a few years ago and they were pretty perfect for each other.  It wasn’t exactly a shock when she said that they were planning on getting married…and Brian forked over a super-expensive-fancy ruby ring to seal the deal…but still, I strangely found myself shocked in the middle of their wedding ceremony on Saturday realizing that she was in fact REALLY getting married.  As many who have experience planning and going through the motions of a wedding, there comes a point when it’s almost like a car crashing into you when reality sets in.  For me at Sarah’s wedding, it was when Brian started saying his vows to Sarah.  I was so busy sucking-in (making sure my dress was looking right) and spitting strands of wind-blown hair out of my sticky lip gloss, that I was completely caught off guard when Brian’s voice cracked and I realized he was half sobbing during his vows.   This guy is as manly as they come, and both him and Sarah aren’t super “emotional”, so it was truly unexpected.  Then when it was Sarah’s turn to speak, she too was fighting the water works.  I couldn’t see her face but I had a clear view of Brian’s behind a dream-like veil floating freely in the breeze…and then what do ya know…I was crying.  HOLY CRAP!  If I had even a fraction of the expectation of tears, I totally would have layered on the waterproof-mascara.

Anyway, this was the first wedding & reception that I have EVER EVER EVER attended that I did NOT photograph.  It was truly an experience being on the other side of the camera (as usual) but this time I was Sarah’s Matron of Honor…stuck in a tiny dress and high heels (which is not my norm).  Oh, and did I mention that it was HOT, HUMID, and WWWWWINDY?  Yea…it was all that…but it was also really great to be a part of my best friend’s special day without the responsibility of shooting.  AND, I totally tore up the dance floor later that night…although it was after a few glasses of wine and I’m quite sure I wasn’t a candidate for “Dancing with the stars” like I’m sure I thought I did at the time.  🙂

I wasn’t her professional photographer, but I did manage to take a few pictures that day.   These first few were taken just minutes before walking down the isle.  She looked more beautiful on her wedding day than I’ve EVER seen her before…and I can say that truthfully since I’m her best bud.  🙂

And I had to capture one of my hunky hubby…aka: Brian’s Best Man

And long after the hired photographer had left, and all the guests, and the waiters were stacking up chairs…we eight were the last ones standing.  There was something special about our little group because Sarah and I are such long-time, good friends…and Sarah’s mother, Debbie, had her long-time best friend, Cheryl, there with her husband too…and with the beautiful Parkville night scene…it was just meant to be a perfect portrait. 

By the way, the wedding took place in Parkville at Piropos.  She had a small wedding of less than 40 and this was absolutely the perfect place for it.  The ceremony was flawless outside, the cocktail hour had the MOST tasty wine and h’ordeuvres I’ve ever had, the dinner was soo soooo sooooo delicious, the cake was yummy, the staff was friendly and super attentive,….it was all amazing!  My friend had one amazing day and I am so happy for her.  They are now probably almost to Hawaii on their 9 day honeymoon…so now I’m just jealous. hahahaha