Kimberly & Ken: Married!

 

...for a while now. Still, better late than never. Plus, it's getting pretty hot out there, so I thought a Fall-themed wedding on the blog might cool things off a bit. So, ladies and gentlemen, Ken and Kimberly's wedding blog post!

 

First, Kimberly's bridal portrait which I LOVE. Those of you who've been photographed by me know that I prefer 3/4-length bridal portraits (about mid-thigh up) and am not a fan of full-length portraits. I think a bridal portrait should focus on the woman IN the dress, not the dress ON the woman. But it seems like here in the South, the full-length portrait still rules and it seems like most of the time the brides still order the full-length shot.

(Which I always shoot, even though it hurts me bad. JK)

 

That's why I'm especially fond of Kimberly's choice:

 

 

 

While she was getting ready, Kimberly showed me her phone. I love that she scheduled her wedding day!

 

 

 

 

The rings are on top of a bottle of Ralph Lauren perfume Ken gave Kimberly as a wedding gift. Ken's ring was like a giant's ring or something. I had to try over and over to get Kimberly's tiny little ring to stand up in it.

 

 

 

Kimberly and her mom Faye. Her mom is giving her a special gift in this shot, a medallion with the word "Daughter"

engraved on it. I might have misted up just a bit.

Miss Faye cooked me some really good Southern food when I drove up for the engagement session.

I'm planning on adopting her as my second mom. Just letting you know in advance, Miss Faye.

 

 

 

Just my favorite garter-going-on shot EVER.

 

 

 

 

Yep, I can cross "shoot in an adorable little white country church" off my list. Not too long after Frank took this shot,

it poured down rain.

 

 

 

 

So, we had to improvise and do the bridesmaids shots inside. That's a LOT of bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids, people. And they were all just as sweet as a glass of Southern iced tea.

 

 

 

 

The groomsmen got luckier. They made it outside before the rain arrived. Ken's that happy-looking guy right in the middle.

I just love the way the ring bearer is trying so hard to look all tough-like.

 

 

 

Ken and his mom, Linda. He is just about the nicest guy you could ever hope to meet.

 

 

 

Not so tough now are you, Mr. Toughie-Tough. Afraid of a little smooch!

 

 

 

 

Kimberly, you were absolutely radiant.

 

 

 

 

The stained-glass windows in this church were very old and delicately lovely.

 

 

 

 

A corny shot maybe, but I still love it!

 

 

 

 

Such a great moment...all the bridal party are in and the doors are about to open for Kimberly and her dad to head down the aisle. 

 

 

 

One of my favorite shots. I was lucky to be up at the front for this wedding. Usually photographers are relegated to the back or up in the balcony. I was able to catch the minister motioning to the guests to stand up to honor the bride. I love the look on the minister's face. Ken's expression is pretty great too.

 

 

 

Being up front is awesome.

 

 

 

 

MARRIED!!!

 

 

 

We had just enough time to sneak outside for a few quick shots before the rain began again.

 

 

 

 

Here's your full-length dress shot. Set off nicely by the newly-weds. 

 

 

 

 

By the time we were finished with the formals (Lord, ya'll know a lot of people) it was rainy and dark outside. I really wanted to photograph them in front of the big stained-glass window with the light shining through. Frank stood to the side with the off-camera flash. I wanted a dramatic shadow on the church behind them. I think it got it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken and Kimberly are both volunteers in the Macon NC fire department. They rode in a fire-truck to the reception at the Macon Fire House and Social Hall.  Here's a detail shot of Kimberly's bouquet on one of the hay bails scattered around for seating which was muy adorable. I think the roses are are called "Chocolate Roses" or something like that.

 

 

 

 

For the wedding favors, Ken and Kimberly handed out the cutest little jars of home-made strawberry preserves.

Miss Faye's work, perhaps?

 

 

 

 

Guess who made the cake? (Hint: Miss Faye)

 

 

 

 

A quick kiss after the cake cutting and then it was time to PAR-TAY.

 

 

 

 

Work it out, Soulja Boy.

 

 

 

 

You too, Miss Faye. Get on with your bad self!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the three flower girls was my best bud before the night was over.

 

 

 

 

All too soon, it was the last dance of the evening.

 

Frank's shot. Love it. LOVE I-T.

 

 

 

 

 

Happily ever after begins...now.

 

 

 

 

After Miss Faye received her parent's album, here's what she wrote to me: "Just in my first looking at the book I see things in the pictures, I didn't see on the computer or proofs, that's a pleasant surprise.  It just makes all the memories come to life once again and I am sure I will relive them over and over as the years come, each time I open this treasure. Thanks for all your hard work, you were a large part in making this a beautiful memory for us all."

 

I admit it, I got a little misty.

 

Congratulations, Ken & Kimberly!