If I had to use one word to describe Jill and Mark and their wedding day, it would be “sweet.” They are kind and generous people who immediately made my second shooter Joanna and I feel at ease and completely welcome into their wedding day. Their families were sweet also, making documenting this wedding day pure joy.

There was a rare late-March snowstorm the day before their wedding, but Jill and Mark were not phased in the least. They were just so joyful about becoming husband and wife and sharing this experience with their friends and family.

As I was choosing images to process and present to the couples (something I do a few weeks after the event), I was once again caught up in the emotion of the day and got all teary-eyed. I had the joy of visiting Jill and Marks home last week and looking through the images with them.

Thank you Jill and Mark for making our job so incredibly easy, and for giving me the gift of your friendship.

The wedding was held at The Loretto in Kansas City.

Photographer’s notes: The day started out cloudy as the winter storm slowly moved out, which meant working a lot at the limits of my gear. I shot a lot at 1600 ISO and with lenses that open up to 2.0 or faster. Thankfully, later in the day, the sun came out and it was warm enough to go outside and play. I love the way snow reflects beautiful, pure light on to skin. I used back lighting and open shade for these outdoor portraits, to keep my client’s from having to squint into the sun and keep with the soft feeling of the rest of the day.

ps. You might notice my new watermark. I wanted to try something a little more natural and artistic. A new blog design is coming soon too! :D

Jill wore a fantastic red lipstick that went with her slightly retro style!

After seeing each other for the first time, they had a short time of prayer.

Loved the blue shoes!

Hydrating the bride and adding a surprise birdcage veil before the ceremony.

Gotta love a groom that cries…

…and a bride that soaks in her wedding day!

Officiant Ed Hackett and his wife Linda, who encouraged and prayed for the couple. I love how he looks at her. :)

The Loretto is a beautiful venue, especially when late day light comes streaming in the windows.

Mark sings to Jill as his sister looks on smiling. :)

Mark’s mom teaches line/swing dancing, so they thought it would be fun to start the dancing with a lesson for all the guests! It was such a great idea! The whole dance floor was filled and everyone had so much fun!

For the second dance, everyone paired up and danced across from each other. Mark snuck across and gave Jill a kiss.

Of course this image has a story! Jill and Mark’s brother were dancing, and Mark and his sister were doing some very crazy swing dancing. As I hit the shutter button for this frame, Mark swung his sister and her feet got caught in my frame!

A fun time was had by all!