I don't even know where to start with this wedding. Everything about Melissa + Ben's day was absolutely perfect. The venue and all the little details were beautiful, Melissa was a gorgeous bride, Ben was a very handsome groom, and everything went off without a hitch. But the best thing about their wedding was how their love and joy were so visible. They were both so relaxed and happy, and their friends and family were as well. It was such a fabulous day and I was so happy to be a part of it!
Some guys get awkward in front of the camera. Not Ben and his groomsmen! They were great at ignoring me (as I requested!) and I was able to get some photos of them relaxing together before the busyness started.
This gorgeous necklace belonged to Melissa's late grandmother. I love when brides include sentimental details like this!
Their rings, like everything else about this day, were stunning!
Both of Melissa's maids of honor wore that same belt on their wedding day! They joked that it was the sisterhood of the travelling belt!
I adored Melissa's dress! Not only was is beautiful, it actually looked comfortable, and it didn't take an hour to get on. Bonus points for simplicity!
There's that necklace again!
If there are nice big windows at your wedding venue, you can bet you'll be getting some portraits taken by them! I loved the beautiful soft light!
Melissa wanted to do a first look with her bridesmaids. Their reactions were so fun!
Ben had written a note for Melissa to read before the ceremony. I have no idea what he wrote, but she seemed to like it!
We also did a quick first look with her dad. He didn't quite get what was going on at first, but I think he loved getting a few minutes alone-ish with his girl!
Next, it was time for the first look with Ben. They were so happy to see each other!
I loved photographing this group! They were all so fun!
I always take photos of the bride with each bridesmaid individually. After the formal photo, I tell them if they want a silly photo this is their chance to ham it up. I never tell them what to do for these photos, because I feel like that would make them cheesy. But if it's something they do on their own, it's fun!
The groomsmen were every bit of fun as the bridesmaids!
I absolutely LOVED photographing at The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club. It was a beautiful venue and the staff was amazingly helpful with anything I needed.
The photo below might just be my favorite of Melissa + Ben! So romantic.
I don't always post photos of the signing of the marriage license, but the light was so perfect!
Melissa + Ben gave each of their parents a special gift right before the ceremony.
I pulled Ben aside for a few minutes to read his note from Melissa and get a few portraits by that fabulous window.
Their ceremony, officiated by the wonderful Marta Adubato, was perfect. There was laughter and tears and so much love!
This might have been my favorite part of the ceremony. As a nod to Melissa's Jewish heritage, Ben broke a glass at the end, and everyone cried out "Mazel Tov!" As you can see, he was not content to just stomp on the glass! It was pretty epic.
One of Melissa's very few requests was photos by these columns. I loved the nice soft light there after the ceremony.
Photobomb!
Have I mentioned how beautiful the details were? Seriously, everything was perfect!
Their first dance was beautiful!
The toasts were all on point!
Their little ring bearer was adorable! I got a kick out of watching him run back and forth to his mom.
Venue: The Hawthorns Golf & Country Club
Florist: Bokay Florist
Cake: Taylor's Bakery
DJ: Sound Sensations (Scott Arnold)
Officiant: Marta Adubato (Waiting To Be Told)
Videographer: Zack Deal
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