“Fifth grade was a magical year….” or so the story goes.  Ali and Kyle actually met at the ripe old age of…errr…11…and knew they were destined to be together forever.  Ok, so maybe they just thought each other to be really  cute.  But seriously,  ELEVEN???!!!!  My own daughter is 9.  At this very moment, I’m thinking I need to pay special attention who she’s hanging around two years from now ;)

Their wedding was the kind that little girls dream of.  The beautiful church with marble floors, a full white gown with lots of layers that swishes from side to side as she walks.  And don’t forget the handsome groom.

The day began with Ali getting ready with the help of her mom and sister.  I don’t usually shoot a lot inside of churches, but this church was an exception.  I adored the architecture of it and the light coming through the windows made it irresistible!

A few more of the stunning Ali just outside the church doors before she walked down the aisle!

Kyle’s first look of Ali came as she entered the back of the church on the arm of her dad.  The aisle is VERY long and at this point, I’m sure all Kyle could see was a silhouette, but I still LOVE his reaction!

With the ceremony taking place in the late afternoon, we had more than plenty of time to shoot before the reception began.  There were so many great areas to shoot all within walking distance of the church :)

And the party was going strong all night!  A favorite moment was Ali’s dance with her dad :)

A few months have passed since this day and when I pulled the images up for the post, all I could do was smile!  It  is hard sometimes to put into words how much I fall in love with these couples and their families.  I want to adopt them all and invite them over for Christmas brunch.  Ali and Kyle are one of those couples :)  I hope you both had the wedding of your dreams and that these images will help you to always remember that feeling you got when you first laid eyes on each other.  Fifth grade.  I love it!

In a small town like ours, you know everyone.  The web of how people are connected is intricately woven.  Brandi is a part of the web that is my life.  You want the run through???  Her aunt Leann is a very dear friend.  Her nieces and nephews are classmates and companions of my own kids.  Another aunt and uncle were one of my wonderful wedding couples from last summer.  And lastly, her mom is my best friend this month.  My accountant.  Seriously, the beginning of my year is far less stressful with Lisa in my life!

It’s safe to say Brandi and I have the kind of familiarity that makes working with her so easy.  What did surprise me, however, was Brandi’s nervousness when she arrived!  I’m still not sure what she was nervous about because the camera absolutely adores her!!!

Brandi, my dear, you are so sweet and beautiful, just like your mom and aunts :)  Thanks for a fun evening

I have been photographing this wonderful family for years and every time seems like the first!  They are so full of energy and the kids all have very unique personalities that I have pegged…and know just how to get them to react ;)  Each year, Cheri and I plan for a completely different look from previous sessions..and this year Cheri chose THE perfect fall setting on the campus of Huntington University.  The fall colors were the best of the season and at their peak!  We met early in the morning to take advantage of the always beautiful warm light…ahhh, I miss fall!

Still can’t believe sometimes how much these kids have grown up.  Looking forward to next year’s session and finally getting Brady to show his teeth ;)