What was special about the first time the bride and groom saw each other?
Regan and Karlis wanted their first look to take place on the grounds of the famous Old Christ Church, located in Pensacola, Florida, which I was totally down for because who doesn’t love Old Christ Church? It was the perfect moment for the two of them. All morning they were so ready to see each other and when they finally did they just melted into each other’s arms. What I loved most though was that, right after their first look, they wanted to read their vows to each other privately. Don’t get me wrong, I love photographing all the moments that happen on a wedding day but there is something extremely special about a moment that is not photographed (I know… this is coming from a photographer). All day long the bride and groom are surrounded by people, whether family and friends, or their photographer. I thought it was pretty cool that these two wanted that moment just to themselves.
Were there any unique traditions that made the reception or ceremony memorable?
Regan’s father loves his children – it was easy to see throughout the day. I was looking forward to seeing him walk Regan, who was ABSOLUTELY stunning, down the aisle, and it was a truly special moment. As he stood next to his daughter at the altar with Karlis looking down at his future wife, I noticed that Regan’s father grabbed her hand, so of course I had to capture that sweet moment. I later found out during his toast that night that he grabbed her hand to do something he did with her when she was a little girl. He tapped on her hand three times, standing for “I love you”. He said during his toast he wasn’t sure if she would remember, but she sure enough did and tapped back four times, “I love you too”. He and everyone else was trying to hold back tears after that.
Was there unique transportation?
They had a fabulous trolley, which is always so fun for the wedding party and guests! But, after their couples portraits, they rode on the trolley all by themselves to the reception, and I thought that was so neat. I loved how the two of them were so romantic throughout the day; never forgetting about those little moments they had with each other.
