Anybody that knows me knows that I get SO excited about every wedding. I'm cursed with the personality of a hopeless romantic. I cry at the speeches, laugh at all the silly things the kids get into, and dance along during the reception. While that excitement just never seems to dull, I was especially pumped for Janie and Jacob's big day! Janie and Jacob were the first couple to book me for a full-day wedding package. I waited seven months for their big day to finally arrive, and it was everything I could've imagined and more!
I pulled up in front of the Historic Concord Exchange and it looked just as it had the last time I had seen it. I went to a holistic convention about four years prior at this location and remembered falling in love with the space. Even though it would be a couple more years before I opened my photography business, the historic Victorian architecture and ethereal climbing ivy tickled my little artist heart the very first time I saw it. I didn't realize that almost 4 years later, I would be in a completely different place in life, capturing the love of a couple that symbolized my push for freedom. My pure delusion. My utter audacity to pursue something different. It really is kind of wild when you think about it.
As I took all of this in, I was greeted by a kind woman who seemed to be running the show. She was milling about purposefully, setting up decor as I walked through the grand front entrance. I informed her that I was today's photographer, and she directed me to the room upstairs where the bridal party would be getting ready. As I had all of my gear, I opted for the elevator down the hall, but I kept a close eye on the spiraling staircase. I had big plans for that spot.
I made my way to the bridal room and realized that I was the first to arrive. As I put my gear together and began to gather my bearings, I was greeted by the hair and makeup crew (who I was told were also family friends), followed by the bride's sister and mother. They all greeted me with warm smiles. I let them know I would be perusing the grounds for all of the best spots, and that I would check in with them all once Janie arrived.
I began exploring the corridors of the Historic hotel, making mental notes of spots to check out later with the newlyweds as I compiled my collection of detail shots. You could tell that there was thought put into every detail of the decor. There was a beautiful memory table that included family members who could unfortunately not be present in their worldly bodies, but were there in spirit with the couple. A small stand held cards waiting to be filled with advice from all that attended. A drink menu featured custom drinks tailored to the couple. I giggled as I snapped shots of the list, seeing bits and pieces of their personality come out through their drink choices. There was the "Janie", a yummy diet Coke with lime and cream. Of course, there was also the "Jacob", a classic "H2O...on the rocks". They even included a "True Blue Spritzer", which was a tribute to Culver's, the place where they had first met!
As I traveled up to the dinner space, many tables with rows of beautiful Chiavari chairs lined the upper balcony that overlooked the gorgeously put-together wedding ceremony space. Worn books, tea lights, moss, and baby's breath made up the stunningly simple, yet elegant centerpieces. They gave just a small touch of warm, cottage-like vibes to the grand surroundings of the Concord Exchange. Small, warm, fairy lights twinkled and danced in the slight air-conditioned breeze, illuminating what would soon be a crowd of people, excitedly awaiting the bride and groom's entrance. As I made my way back to the bridal suite, I was finally able to meet Janie! It is rare that I do not meet a bride and groom before photographing their big day, but I can honestly say that Janie and Jacob were so kind and welcoming that I felt like I had known them for ages!
The next couple of hours were a flurry of smiles, laughter, hairspray, and ironing boards. The halls were filled with the squeals and giggles of the new couple's nieces and nephews, yet everything else had a certain sense of calm to it. Every time I entered the bridal suite, Janie had the biggest smile on her face as those who were closest to her told old stories and laughed about some new ones. On the opposite end of the hall, Jacob held things down with the gentlemen, where the very important topics of "What side does the boutonniere go on?" "I forgot to bring an undershirt!" and "Should we grab some Subway?" came up in passing. "Do I look handsome?" I heard one of their young nephews chime from down the hall as he puffed out his chest and proudly beamed. He was very excited to be a part of the big crew! Before we knew it, guests were arriving and it was time to line up for the big moment!
The wedding ceremony began with the officiant (Jacob's cousin, Taylor) asking the audience to take a moment and take a selfie before the ceremony and send it to Janie and Jacob. I grinned, watching all of their guests giggle at the request and take selfies and images of each other, each documenting the day in their own special way. I made sure to duck and dodge out of the back of a couple of them. No photobombing wedding photographers here! After a beautiful song sung by the sister of the bride, Abigail, an intimate and slightly tearful wedding ceremony followed. Before we knew it, they were officially the VanHoutans! Jacob kissed his bride, and even sprang for a dip on the way out for good measure!
After taking advantage of all of the beautiful nooks and crannies for portraits following the wedding ceremony, we celebrated their grand entrance by taking a photo with each table as we entered the dinner space. The dinner portion was finished with heartfelt speeches. I felt my eyes get misty as I listened to Abigail tell tails of her sisterhood, poking innocent fun at her sister all while showing her true love and appreciation. As speeches came to an end, it was time to hit the dance floor!
While more common wedding happenings took place such as the first dance, mother/father dances, and the shoe game, Janie and Jacob added their own special twists as well! For instance, Janie chose to throw an adorable squish mallow instead of a bouquet (which was caught by her sister, Abigail!) Such a cute and fun twist on tradition. The party was short and sweet, and the couple made their way to the exit surrounded by their family and friends as they cheered them on for the start of their new lives. I couldn't help but smile as Jacob's mother came running out of the venue with some items that he had forgotten to bring. He smiled and took them from her before turning to go off with his wife. A bittersweet moment that marks both the love and support that will always be there, but also the new stories that are only just beginning. So without further ado, I bid congratulations to
Mr. and Mrs. VanHoutan. ♡
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