In the editing cave, my iPhone is rocking out to whatever Pandora deems a proper genre-specific song. I close the curtains to block out the hot sun that filters through the double doors leading to my garden, and bury my head to edit. As I go through the photos, I’ll laugh and giggle about the funny times and quiet moments that I spent with the bride and groom. I’ll get all sappy when it comes to the ceremony. And when I get to the cake part of things, I get hungry and leave for a break in the kitchen. Going through Kristen and Ryan’s wedding was no exception. The mood was light and fluffy. Nothing could go wrong. Well, nothing that we couldn’t fix anyway. We had a serious bow-tie incident in which we managed a work around, we found the lost button mixed within the grass and flowers, and the table cloth had dried out sufficiently. We were on fire. And that perfection carried right on through the ceremony, as the passion they share for each other was easily recognizable and conquered all. I loved every minute of it, because real love was in the air. It was palpable, honest, and forthcoming – and nothing says love like a groom getting all teary-eyed – but you’ll have to head in to see more of that. But oh what a day…
Kristen + Ryan
Gettin’ Pretty.
Oh the steps you lovely women take to be even more gorgeous.
Dress
A little patch of light to highlight the shoes… not that they needed it.
Bouquet and shadows.
Hair check.
Buttoning up.
This is where things got a little complicated. Tying a bow-tie for your first time 30 minutes before you wedding is not advisable.
The directions looked simple enough. I think we might have been zigging where we should have been zagging here.
Anyone else who’s used those archaic directions will know what I am talking about.
In the end, we went for the tie. After the photo session we called in the expert and had him help Ryan get it done. I like it – we got different looks in all the photos. Perfect!
Kristen, ready to get married.
Stern Grove had some great places to photograph. They had a gorgeous amphitheater with a great backdrop.
Yeah, we had some fun.
Some quiet moments too.
Coming down the aisle.
Hand in hand.
Vows.
Tears.
Love.
Joy.
Nothing ever changes being daddy’s little girl.
There was this field behind where we took some family photos that I just had to use. The lawn was carpeted with all these little white flowers and the light was stunning. Wedding luck strikes again!
Hey, somebody’s checking you out!
Your new hubby!
OK, definitely one of the coolest parts of the wedding. They hired a kick-ass food truck that served some pretty bomber brisket, hush puppies, and sweet tea. Being originally from the south, I can attest that all food was a job well done.
I wish I could have tried them all!
OK, here’s another layer of sweetness. This bluegrass band killed it! I love live bands and weddings. A totally different feel altogether.
Lead singer and righteous coonskin hat.
Enjoying a beverage and some tunes.
Crazy good times.
Decisions decisions.
Order up!
Beverages.
From a distance.
Ceremonial cigar.
I think it’s a Cohiba – that’s why they’re smiling.
Dance party yo!
Through the window.
Ryan had to get in on this smoking action.
Such a great looking duo.
Kristen and Ryan, thank you so very much for inviting me to your wedding, and allowing me to capture one of the most important moments in your lives. I’m excited to watch your lives prosper and bloom, and I hope we stay in touch. I wish you nothing but the very best. Much Love!
See you down the road.
-Todd
TODD PARSONS PHOTOGRAPHY 
Beautiful pictures – looked like such a fun, love-filled event – happiness to the bride and groom and their whole family who looked like they enjoyed every moment!