And then, today, I found myself pinching again when I saw my images from the shoot featured on the front page of Green Wedding Shoes. Pinching so hard, I might have bruises now. Maybe.

So, please do me a favor and GO SEE FOR YOURSELVES. It’s the work of the amazingly talented Kristy, as well as several other fabulous professionals I was lucky enough to meet and work with while there (please see the bottom of the GWS post for all the resources and links).

By the way, do a double take and you’ll realize that’s the lovely Danielle Pasternak there on the left. Love that girl to pieces!

So what about you? Has anything left you pinching yourself lately?

I don’t know about you, but this one has Happy Place written all over it. Happy weekend, friends.

Jessica and David, Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia

Originally sneak peeked here. Here are a few of my favorites. Well, I tried to just pick a “few” but we all know how well that has worked for me in the past. I am, quite possibly, the most indecisive person ever in the history of ever a little bad at making decisions.

Be sure to read my commentary between the images for explanations – particularly regarding some of the questionable images (e.g. the horse, the chick-fil-a, and some of the bizarre expressions on the dance floor).

What is that? A piece of hair? Oh yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. Brittany chopped off the extra bit of hair that just wasn’t falling right. That’s commitment, I tell ya.

And then, on to portraits.

They were playing beer pong moments before this happened…. does it then surprise anyone then that we ended up with this? So funny.

So, here’s another good one – we were going for this shot [below].

But while making it, ended up with this, which I think I might like even better (them all looking down like that wasn’t staged at all).

And then, in the middle of portraits, a white stallion seriously came almost out of no where. So random. But, he was so pretty!

I don’t usually include two of the same image [below], but it was too funny not to share. The image we were going for was on the right. The image on the left totally wasn’t staged either… the groom legitimately had to yawn… which ended up being hilarious, actually.

Seriously, isn’t Brittany incredibly gorgeous? I can’t get over her eyes. Amazing.

And then on to the reception, well, almost. Not even joking you… the bride and groom grabbed some Chick-fil-a first. One of the many ways they stole my heart (I may or may not have a slight obsession with the place). And you know I couldn’t leave that undocumented.

And then really onto the reception…

And then, the most epic moment happens. The groom steps on the bride’s dress, literally ripping a hole in it. Thankfully, the most laid back couple ever laughs it off and keeps dancing. But seriously, look at the expressions of the groom and the bridal party in these two shots.

…bride and her sister wiping tears after the father-daughter dance.

BOUQUET TOSS!

I love it when Grandma gets out on the dance floor. Then you know it’s a good party.

Brittany promised Shawn that if they ever got married that she’d do shots with him on their wedding day [she had never done them before]. Check out that reaction! Haha, Brittany, you’re my hero! What a champ.

If you’re thinking “that looks like one of the bridesmaids cleaning the dance floor” that’s because it is (someone spilled a drink). With her feet. While dancing. Seriously, these girls were great.

And in the true spirit of “saving the best for last” – the groom, peeking his eyes through the hole he made in her dress. And yes, this went in the album.

Thank you Brittany and Shawn for letting me be a part of such a beautiful day that was SO MUCH FUN. You guys are truly one of a kind and I’m honored to have been able to document this for you. xo.

To everyone else…. what about you? Have you ever been to a wedding where the bride and groom were awesome enough to laugh about a ripped dress? Or eaten Chick-fil-a after the ceremony?

And then I thought about it. Really, it was no different from most things in life – like love… and relationships – being in the right place at the right time is everything.

But, being as kind-hearted and adorable like Patty & Jim sure doesn’t hurt. If their day was any reflection of their future marriage, then I have no doubt they are in store for an incredible, amazing life together.

Remember back when I embarrassingly tripped down brick stairs? They definitely asked me the rest of the night if I was really okay. With two holes in the knees of my pants (and blood on both of them) I probably wasn’t very convincing when I kept telling them that I really was alright, but the idea that they were worried about me on their wedding day? Honestly… nicest. people. ever.

So, here are just a couple highlights from their beautiful day. And, a huge thanks to my girl Nicole for being my right-hand lady on this one!

Look at that expression! This, friends, is why the recessional is one of my favorite moments all day long. Michele, you’re adorable.

This is Michele’s grandfather during the “anniversary dance” (where they keep kicking couples off the dance floor to find out who has been married the longest) as the DJ tries to guess how long they had been married. Seriously, how cute are these two?

It was a whirlwind weekend and so much fun watching how each couple and each day were so completely different and unique from one another. Anyone who says all weddings start to feel the same isn’t paying much attention. That I can say for sure!

Here’s a peek of Michelle and Paul…

Now, on actual Labor Day, I had coffee this morning with the lovely Heidi and Jackie from Our Labor of Love (seems appropriate on Labor Day, no?) – and, for the record, they are just a lovely as they seem in person! Now, I’m going to rest up after my Labor Weekend and prepare for a fabulous engagement session downtown tonight. Some days – actually a lot of days – I realize it’s a good thing I love my job.

How was your weekend? Any fun Labor Day plans?

Meet Ali & Chris, one of the sweetest, funniest, most laid-back couples I have ever had the pleasure to work with.

Nicole and Colin had both their ceremony and reception at The Warwick in downtown Philly. We had fun wandering around Rittenhouse Square for their portraits. And, we shot one of my favorite first looks of all time. Seriously, if you need any convincing about doing a “first look” just scroll down a bit and check out theirs.

I know I said I was only going to post a few images from every session to catch back up, but, well, apparently I can’t help myself.

Thank you, Nicole and Colin, for letting me be a part of such a beautiful day and special moment in your lives.

There’s nothing quite like a reaction like this while your girls help tie you into your dress. Let’s just say, she was not the only one crying. So sweet.

…or a reaction like this from your bridesmaids. Love that!

I love how I always feel like I spend all morning with the girls and about 10 seconds with the guys. These gentlemen were no different.
When I showed up, they were already looking dapper, and just hanging out drinking some beers. Man, guys have it so eaaaaasy.

With all the ties tied and the buttons buttoned, we were on to the first look. Also known as one of my favorite first looks ever.

And, you’ll probably remember this shot from ye ole post of yore. If you don’t, seriously…. go read this. You won’t regret it, I promise.

There’s nothing quite like shoes next to the dance floor to document a good party.

Apart from my spastic realization that my life is passing before my very eyes, I also had the realization this weekend that I don’t post full shoots basically, well, ever. I was innocently asked “so you only post sneak peeks on your blog, right?” Doh. Thus, the decision was made… I’m skipping over the rest of my 2010 stuff (yes, there was more) and posting limited wedding images to catch me up to summer of 2011. Oh yeah, and my August goal for the month: POST EVERY WEEKDAY. Are you ready for this? How’s that for catching back up?

In the meantime, you still need a sneak peek from Saturday, yes? So, I bring you just one, because it took my breath away. And because, apparently, I need to get to prepping a full shoot post. That’s next. Ha.

Now picture two brides, two brides who both sweat and smiled through them… looking beautiful all the while. And, despite being hot, having the day they always dreamed of. That, friends, was my reality.

On Saturday, Sarah and James married in an outdoor garden ceremony at The Mansion at Ridley Creek.

Oh yea, and did I mention that they had an artist doing caricatures all night for their guests? Seriously, how fun is that!?

On Sunday, Sarah and Rob married on the beach in Cape May, with a reception to follow at the Southern Mansion.

Both brides were gorgeous. Both days were lovely. And, I couldn’t have been more honored to be a part of two such beautiful weddings.

Major thanks on Friday to Diverse Catering, who really took care of me and put on an amazing display (and the food, oohhhhh the food!); and on Saturday to the Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants who, as always, stunned me with their talent and expertise; and Nicole for being an amazing second shooter.

So, what about you? Where were you during the insane heat strike of 2011?