Well, between out of town travel, a nasty sinus infection, and moving to a new server, it’s been pretty quiet around my blog lately. I’m happy to be starting to feel better and have some time to share this sweet wedding with you.
Gus and Cirley’s wedding was a wonderful roller coaster of emotion.This opening image was a quick grab shot, right after photographing just Cirley in lovely backlight. I literally only took one frame, and didn’t pose or position anything or anyone, and yet, I feel this one frame best represents these two as a couple. They are people of deep faith, who have devoted themselves to leading the youth of their church into vibrant relationships with God. To me, this light between them, the sun shining through a lamp, is the light of Christ. They don’t hide it under a bushel, but let it shine for all to see.
And, not so ironically, the place they got married is called “Houses of Light Church.” :)
One of the very unique things about this wedding was that the groom planned most of the event! He had a number of sweet surprises for Cirley throughout the day.
I had one of my favorite people along to assist at this wedding, my lovely friend Eileen, whom I have mentored and also had the privilege to photograph last fall. She did a fantastic job and was a joy to have around.
Jimmy Choo shoes in an orange tree. :)
They had a friend taking polaroids with a little Instax camera, then guests would write on them and hang them in a blinged-out tree branch!
Lots of tears…
Lots of laughter…
I think someone stayed up to late the night before.
The vows were so emotional. I don’t think there were too many dry eyes, including mine.
Gus is about to explode with joy!
John Fluker, a professional musician, played at their reception. It was like being at a fantastic concert, I loved it!
So Gus and Cirley and their youth are known to be a little addicted to Instagram… :)
And to their phones in general. This cake topper was perfect!
This was one of Gus’ surprises. It started with a surprise video of Cirley as a young girl dancing, while Stephen Curtis Chapman’s song “I Will Dance with Cinderalla.” Then two of their youth group came out and performed a dance to the rest of the song. Along with the crowd, I was breathless with emotion. Keep shooting Shelley, just keep shooting… :)
That was followed by the father-daughter dance. This is Eileen’s image. Such a great moment.
Then another surprise, Gus came out with a bowl and pitcher and washed Cirley’s feet to signify his commitment to serve her and love as Christ loves the church.
What a joyful groom!
Next, they moved into a time of prayer for the youth they love so dearly.
So by this point, our hearts are tender, and then Gus’ little nephews/best men get up to give a toast. The first one whips out a piece of paper and starts reading, “Dear Cirley, take good care of my uncle Gus” and then starts to break down in sobs. Um, yeah, my cameras had a good baptism of tears that day.
Then the younger one gets up and does the same. Oh my heart!
After all that, we headed out to ranch north of LA for some portraits.
Re-enacting the cake topper. ;)
So sweet!
A little after story – while we were doing bridal party portraits, we ran across a rattlesnake, which the guys killed. We saw several more dead ones after that, and then a few coyotes crossed the lawn near where we were. Yeah, I think I’ll deal with wood ticks and blizzards over rattlesnakes and coyotes. :)
