Oh October, thy bite doth sting (or something of that nature).  We have to admit – on this wedding we weren’t prepared for the combo of cold temps and wind.  With the intense summer and the drought experienced throughout the region, we almost forgot what winter weather was.  Fortunately, October arrived to remind us.  I’ll skip most of my typical blog intros and get right to it – Nicole was one tough bride.  In October, you really never know what weather you may find yourself tying the knot in.  Forty or seventy degrees; both are possible.  Though we prefer the latter, we received the former.  And Nicole, though in a strapless sweetheart wedding gown, braved the elements for some great autumn wedding portraiture, leaving us holding our tongues anytime we thought of complaining of the cold whilst we sought warmth in our coats and scarfs.  Despite the chill in the air, the day was perfect and thoroughly enjoyable.  Nicole and Mike both have an aura to them that puts one at ease, making you feel as if you’ve been friends for years.  We knew after meeting them last year and shooting their engagement session their big day would be one of those weddings where, driving away at the end of the night, we’d smile to each other in silent recognition of how much we love our job and our couples getting hitched.   Of course having some shared interests with Nicole and Mike helped create a wonderful atmosphere for capturing some great images.  Nicole, like Sarah, has a great affinity for all things “detail.”   The Bible Nicole held concealed under her bouquet was the same held by her grandmother over sixty years ago when she walked the aisle.  The table centerpieces and Christmas ornament place cards were hand made (painstakingly so we assume – so much small detail and very well done) by none other than the bride.  It’s a difficult thing to plan a wedding, create all those cool touches, and work the hours of a nurse  – Nicole is one tough bride to say the least.  Mike, like Steve, loves the cinema as well as a great scotch and a fine cigar.  From Nicole walking down the aisle to the song “Turning Page” from the Twilight saga (Go Team Edward!) to the 007 groom’s cake she surprised Mike with, we loved how their personalities and passions were incorporated throughout the day.  To kick off the evening’s events, Mike donned a white dinner jacket complete with bow-tie and cummerbund – a very dapper choice and a great nod to the style of yesteryear.  With cigar and drink in hand, you’d swear you were in the presence of an international spy or a mob boss.  Watching everyone, including Mike’s mom, grandmother, and Nicole light up cigars at the end of the night was a sight.  It may be customary for the groom and other gentlemen to have a congratulatory cigar at the wedding, but to see the bride, mother, and grandmother join in on the fun was tres cool.   These two were made for each other.  We loved getting to know them over the past year and working with their family and close friends.  Congratulations Nicole and Mike.

VENDORS:
Ceremony: St Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church
Musicians: Elegant Music Services
Reception: Western Lakes Golf Club
Florist: Grasch’s
Cake: Le Cakery
Dress Designer/Bridal Shop: Mori Lee from Amelishan Bridal
Hair: Chris & Co. Salon
Makeup: Merle Norman
Transportation: Blackline Limos
Music: Sound by Design