Elizabeth + Chris | Centralværkstedet Wedding | Aarhus, Denmark

I truly do not know where to start when it comes to writing up the way Elizabeth + Chris' wedding made me feel. It has always been a dream of mine to shoot a destination wedding, so when Elizabeth emailed me over a year ago, my heart skipped a beat. I could not have said yes fast enough. It was our first time to Denmark and wow, we fell in love with the city instantly. We explored for a couple days, drank all the coffee and then came Saturday July 21st - the big bash! 

Now I have to say, Danish people know how to party. They're kind and generous, but they also know how to have a good time. The guys started the day by playing Nintendo in their underwear. The ladies started by reminiscing over Elizabeth's grandmothers' and great grandfathers' wedding photos. Both Jonathan and I felt like lifelong friends the whole day. 

Elizabeth and Chris decided to opt out of a first look and I'm kinda glad they did. Chris' reaction to seeing his beautiful bride had us all crying. The love they have for one another was so so apparent throughout the ceremony. Let's back up a minute to how they met. Elizabeth is from America, a town only about 30 minutes from us, while Chris has lived in Denmark his whole life. Elizabeth packed herself up and moved to Denmark for a new adventure. Just two months into living there, they both swiped right and the rest was history. They were made for each other. 

Okay, fast forward to the party. Like I said, Danish people know what's up. Here are a few traditions you should know: 

- If the guests stomp their feet the couple must dive under the table for a kiss. (Those photos are great, just wait.) 
- If the guests tap their glasses the couple must climb onto the chairs and kiss. (Also so fun.) 
- And lastly...the most fun in my opinion - if the groom leaves the room at any point, male guests can make their way up to the bride to give her a kiss. Similarly, if the bride leaves the room at any point, female guests can make their way up to the groom to give him a kiss.

Unlike American weddings, there's a toastmaster who runs the show. Anyone at the wedding is welcome to come up and share some love to the couple, sing a song or even play a game. Chris' groomsman know his love for boy bands, so they had a special "Name this Boy Band" game for the newlyweds to play! It was so unique and fun. We saw fun slideshows, heard stories that made us cry and were smiling the entire evening. 

One of the final Danish traditions is the Bridal Waltz. Elizabeth and Chris dance while everyone claps and gets closer and closer. Once we cannot get any closer, the men pick Chris up and cut his socks to symbolize that he's a taken man forever! I honestly can say I've never had more fun at a wedding. Not to mention, Elizabeth crushed the details. 

We love these two so much. They're the real deal and I'm so excited to share their wedding photos. 

Kacey + Jordan | Pinnacle Overlook Engagement Session

Jonathan and I had a freaking blast with Kacey + Jordan last night! Our original engagement session got canceled a few weeks back and we were on pins and needles all week with the 7-day rainy forecast, but thank the Lord the skies cleared and we could capture their engagement session at Pinnacle Overlook in Holtwood, PA! We are so excited for their wedding next April at one of our favorite venues, The Barn at Silverstone. Scroll for cuteness! 

Carolyn + Joseph | Philadelphia Mormon Temple Wedding

I love all my couples equally, but what I love even more is when the love between them is SO apparent. That was definitely the case for Carolyn + Joseph. They got married May 5, 2018 at the Philadelphia Mormon Temple. From the moment they stepped out of temple with their hands in the air and smiles plastered across their faces, I knew we were going to have a great day celebrating their love for each other and the Lord. Everyone swarmed them with hugs + love as soon as they came outside and I think that's a testament to how wonderful they are as people. 

Jonathan and I had so much fun photographing them all over the beautiful grounds of the temple. I know we were both smiling behind our cameras the entire time. One of Joseph's brothers couldn't make the wedding because he was in London on a mission but rest assured, he was there in spirit. He was also there by way of a cardboard cut out - yeah, it was creative + hilarious! Don't scroll past those family photos! 

Fast forward to their reception which was held at the Westminster Riding Club in Maryland. Carolyn crushed the details + decor and you'll be drooling over the dessert table for sure! They partied all night long with their family and friends dancing and having the best of times! I am so incredibly grateful Jonathan and I got to be a part of such an incredible wedding day! Carolyn + Joseph deserve all the happiness in the world! 

Always thankful for Jonathan shooting alongside me! 

Ceremony: Philadelphia Mormon Temple
Reception: Westminster Riding Club
Florals: Regina Barkdull & Tami Koncurat
Hair + makeup: Hannah Pryor
Caterer: Bricello's Caterers
DJ: Phil Petersam
Dress: A Bridal Center
Ring: Wilson Diamonds

Natasha + Nate | In-Home Session | Washington, DC

Natasha + Nate were our hot models for our second styled session at The Meraki Workshop a few weekends ago. In-home sessions are super trendy right now and for good reason. They're fun, snuggly and require a lot of connection between the photographer + couple. They generate really intimate imagery which is some of my favorite. 

Sarah + I instructed for a couple of hours in this freaking beautiful Breather space in Georgetown. In case you don't know what Breather is, it's basically Airbnb for co-working spaces at an affordable rate, but they're also incredible for photo shoots. If you're interested in trying Breather out use my code to get $45 off your first booking! For some spaces that's MORE than it costs! (Code: 9CCXW8) 

After we instructed, we walked to the next room to photograph Natasha + Nate snuggling in front of a bunch of cameras. They were awesome and super willing to do anything (including the airplane which you'll see below.) We lucked out with perfect weather Saturday and rainy weather Sunday which was actually great to set the mood. 

Sarah + I are so grateful we were able to host a full weekend of fun, community + get tons of great photos in the process. We met last week and are already planning the next one! Whoop whoop! I can't say that this time last year I would have thought I'd be teaching + hosting a workshop, but I love being able to share what I've learned with others who are so driven to succeed in their craft. 

If you're interested in joining the party at the next edition of The Meraki Workshop, sign up for our email list so you'll be the first to know when the deets hit the interwebs. Click BE IN THE KNOW and let us know the best way to connect with you. 

ENOUGH RAMBLING! Scroll for in-home snuggles!