Missy + Tony { married! }

Alright, peeps. This is a long one.  Why?  Because it’s awesome.  And because they’re my old high school friends, and the wedding takes place in my hometown in Northern Minnesota  :)  Last 4th of July, I was chatting with Missy and a group of friends at the Gilbert parade.  While we were catching up on life, I mentioned that I was a photographer and had started my own business in Michigan, and she excitedly told me that she and Tony were getting married next summer, and asked me to shoot her wedding.  Absolutely!!  If she could fly me back home, I was in.  We both squealed with excitement, hugged on it, and clinked our plastic cups. Deal!  :)  Now, she had never seen my work, and really had no idea what to expect.  There are only a handful of photographers in the area, and their style is… well, not quite like mine.  ;)  They take beautiful photographs, don’t get me wrong.  They’ve been doing it for a long time, and they are all VERY good at fine portraiture.  I, on the other hand, work more as a photojournalist. It was hard to break everyone of that traditional style – every time I held my camera up to my face, people would straighten up and put their “picture smile” on.  But that wasn’t what I wanted… I wanted the real stuff.  Real expressions, real laughter, real moments.  I wanted to tell Missy and Tony’s story, the way it was happening, unfolding in front of me. And okay, yeah, I wanted portraits too… but I wanted MY kind of portraits.  You’ll see  ;)   Missy and Tony, I hope I’ve done you and your wedding justice.  It was an incredible day – it was fun, it was crazy, and it was absolutely real and true. I had a smile plastered across my face all day long – I loved every single minute of it.  Even getting harassed by the groomsmen  ;)

The day started at the church, with the girls getting into their gorgeous orange dresses, and helping Missy into her beautiful white lace gown.

Their flowers were incredible – the color was absolutely amazing!

She and I headed over to this gorgeous blooming tree for bridal portraits, and to wait for Tony to arrive.

He’s here!  Their First Look:

I LOVE how he can make her laugh.  It makes me melt to see them both so happy  :)

Heeee  ;)

Waiting for the guys and girls to join us… break time! I know it isn’t for everyone, but I ADORE this picture.

While I was taking pictures of the groom and his sister, she was behind me holding his cigarette.  And enjoying it, apparently haha ;)   I love you, Lindsey, you’re my favorite  :)

Girls are here!

And the guys too!  Handsome devils, yes?

Count ‘em… that’s 23 people in the wedding party!!

Cutest kiddos evah!

Familee!

Fun little in-between moments… and more friends from high school! (That’s me on the far right)

To the lake!  I had gone scouting the night before and found two bridges… I asked them, pretty bridge or dirty bridge?  Dirty.  Yes!

I love, love, love how the orange pops against the green and reflects in the water.  Gorgeous!

Oooh, an old abandoned loading dock?  Yes, please!

Such an awesome wedding party – you guys rocked it out like nobody’s business!

One of my top, top faves of the day.  So top, I’m posting two.  Because I can.  And because I can’t decide whether I like it better with my original KristenSauce, or the ExtraSpicy…

Ready?

Here it comes:

And with extra awesomesauce and spicy sizzle:

All that fun, and we haven’t even had the ceremony yet!

I love their Pastor, he’s so cool, real, animated, funny… perfect!  The church was packed with friends and relatives.

Married!  Lets go to Risky!

A rifle in the bar?  Why not? We’re in Gilbert!  :)

When I asked Missy to have Tony bring his gun, she wasn’t so sure, but she trusted me and my vision. And they rocked it OUT!

I love this set so much, I could cry  :)

The tongue!!  This is so HER.  I LOVE it!

To the reception!  They had a HUGE guest list – 400ish people!  They had great food, amazing toasts – funny and heartfelt, great music, fun dancing… Everyone had such a great time.  I took tons of pictures at the reception, but if you want to see more, you’ll have to ask them.  It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and catch up with everyone. Such a fun night!

Missy and Tony, I love love love you two.  Congratulations again, and thank you SO much for having me!  Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, love, and laughter together.   :)kristen