Samuel and Jessica, pt. 1 {wedding}
It’s difficult to know where to start sharing about this wedding.
Do I start with telling you about my friend Beka, sister of the groom, who I started out mentoring in photography and has now become on of my best friends? Or do I start with Jess and Sam’s amazing love story, how they got engaged in Cesarea, Israel (watch the engagement video) and how they only kissed ONCE before they were married? How about Moravian Falls, NC, and the site where the wedding took place, with lovely old barns and a clearing in the woods? Or should I share about how there were HORSES involved in the wedding? Or maybe I should tell you about the 17 bridesmaids, and 13 groomsmen, who are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met? Like I said, it’s hard to know where to start. :)
In September, I got on a plane and spent 5 wonderful days in the mountains, getting to know an exceptional group of people, and photograph the most amazing wedding I’ve ever, ever seen. It was such a privilege and honor to have been invited into this event. Samuel is a recording artist (visit his MySpace) and Jessica is an artist, painter, and crafter, and they are both incredibly expressive and freely share their feelings. It was like a dream to have so much emotion to capture…
I arrived a few days early so I could spend time with everyone and document the preparations for this event. Part 1 of sharing this wedding is images from the day before the wedding. I have never seen a group of friends and family work so hard to make a dream come true. The barn where the reception was held was just an old barn, full of stuff, and they transformed it into a dreamlike setting.

This is Jessica

This is Samuel


Jess’ girls did all the floral design.

The guys worked hard too. :)



Her girls painted these cute signs directing people to various locations for the wedding. So much talent!


This is my friend Beka. She’s amazing. :)



There was a hammered dulcimer player. The dulcimer was hammered, not the player. ;)



I love the look on her face!


Check back tomorrow for more!
Tags: Farm Wedding, Minnesota Photographer, Minnesota Wedding Photographer, Minnesota Wedding Photojournalist, Minnesota Wedding Photojournalist Photographer, Outdoor Wedding, Twin Cities Wedding

Wow, amazing pictures! That looks like it had to be an awesome week and a beautiful wedding, just from the set-up! I can’t wait to see more!!
October 28th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
This is so wonderful, I can not wait for the rest of the story!
wonderful story, wonderful pictures :)
October 28th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I’ve been anticipating these pics and they are wonderful! Can’t wait for part 2!
October 28th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Shelley I love how you tell a story thru your images – you are amazing!
October 28th, 2009 at 7:01 pm