Dani and Dan
Olyn had a blast at Dan and Dani's wedding this weekend. Everything from the setting of the ceremony, the reception music, food, and and the hospitality of all the guests made this an evening to remember. Dan and Danielle, as well as their friends and family, just have a way of making you feel like you have known them for years. 
I love moments like this. Even though they are in front of dozens of people, they might as well be the only two people in the world....
It was great watching the wide range of emotions shared by these two during their ceremony. At one moment, they would be on the verge of tears, and in the next, barely containing their laughter!
The bridal party was a real blast as well. They were up for almost anything...
Including tossing Dan up over their heads!
After Olyn finished the formal portraits, he took Dan and Dani for a short walk. After the all the hurried preparations and the rush of the ceremony its great for them to have a few minutes alone!
"Simple Elegance" best describes the reception. Everyone complimented the centerpieces. When word got out that guests could take the centerpieces home, it looked like a riot might break out as so many folks tried to get one!
We always try to experiment with something new each time we work. I think this shot of Dani and her bridesmaids dancing is cool!
I love moments like this. Even though they are in front of dozens of people, they might as well be the only two people in the world....
It was great watching the wide range of emotions shared by these two during their ceremony. At one moment, they would be on the verge of tears, and in the next, barely containing their laughter!
The bridal party was a real blast as well. They were up for almost anything...
Including tossing Dan up over their heads!
After Olyn finished the formal portraits, he took Dan and Dani for a short walk. After the all the hurried preparations and the rush of the ceremony its great for them to have a few minutes alone!
"Simple Elegance" best describes the reception. Everyone complimented the centerpieces. When word got out that guests could take the centerpieces home, it looked like a riot might break out as so many folks tried to get one!
We always try to experiment with something new each time we work. I think this shot of Dani and her bridesmaids dancing is cool!
Labels: Katie's Cakes, Klassic Katering, Missy Gunnels Flowers, The Retreat at Bradley's Pond
posted by Linda Long www.LongsPhotography.com at 7:11 PM
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Totally real moment as Andrea watches her bridesmaids fight with her crinoline.
Quick portraits in the getting ready room as the coordinator hides Brian.
Everyone is probably sick of me raving about Trinity Reformed Church, but I absolutely love working there!
A little fun with the "formals".
The very sweet first dance...
with a bit of drama...
I love how Missy jazzed up the cake with flowers.
To me, a wedding is really defined by the personal touches. Katie wore her grandmother's garter, which her mom also wore. The history of it was so cool, but it was also beautiful!
Trinity Reformed Church is my favorite church in town-- Olyn and I are always welcomed with open arms and they focus so much on the couple's wishes. It was a bit surprising when we walked in, though-- they have installed shutters over the huge frosted glass windows at the alter! :( This shot of Olyn's still looks awesome though-- the darkness of the shutters adds a really dramatic look.
We had a few minutes to play after we finished the "boring" church formals. :) Who says every shot inside has to be boring??
Of course, we also had to run outside for a few last shots before sunset! 
Vince really out-did himself with the flowers! The simple reception decor really played into the overall feeling of understated elegance.
Katie and Christian had the sweetest first dance.
Katie rocked yet another awesome cake! I think Katie's style is so defined that I can walk into a room and instantly know if it is one of her cakes. 
At the cake cutting, things started getting a little rowdy...
And it only escalated from there!
You know you had a great party when there are still tons of people to send you off!
The Bride's room was pretty much a total frenzy. The dress arrived a bit later than the bride, so the girls kicked it into high gear to get her ready on time!
Yesterday was really the first wedding this season that felt like fall! I swear this is the first year I have lived in Tallahassee where the leaves have really changed.
Olyn shot this series of Jerry as he stood at the alter during the processional. I absolutely love how his expression changes to the bottom shot once he sees his stunning bride!
Melissa's processional was a bit unconventional- in an incredibly personal way. She had each of her three brothers walk her down the aisle. Each brother was given about 15 yards before passing her off to the next.
With the ceremony scheduled at sunset, we had to race to get the last of the light for portraits. Thankfully, we managed to fit everything in!
My absolute favorite shot of Melisa-- her eyes look amazing!
Her amazing bridesmaids pitched in again to bustle her dress... an eight point french bustle!
First dance.
Myra Jean's did an amazing job as always, but I absolutely loved the groom' s cake!
Steve kept the dance floor packed all night-- it was an absolute blast!
Amber and Nick had a beautiful setting, near perfect light and a really moving ceremony. Normally, I don't blog a lot of the ceremony shots, but I really love these!
To tears...
While the youth choir sang, Amber and Nick bowed their heads together for a really intimate moment.
After we finished all the family and bridal party portraits, we took a few moments to do some of the more "formal" type portraits. This is about as formal as I get!
The light was just perfect out by the road, but we kept having to stop for cars to go by. I really think someday I am just going to get run over while trying to get a great shot!
The Retreat at Bradley's Pond is a great place for a reception. It has such southern charm with its large wrap-around porches! It is one of my favorite places to shoot as it always lends itself to a great party!
I think Amber was a bit excited to be married...
At the very end of the night we ran out to the porch for a few romantic shots. Its funny where you find the coolest light!
What better way to wish a couple well than to pelt them with birdseed? :) At least most of the guests were loving enough to unwrap it first!
Does it even need a description?
Suzanne's sentimental garter-- it is made from the lace of her mother's wedding gown.
Part of the really chic centerpieces at the reception-- the vases had lights in them that really lit up the reception tables! 
Suzanne relaxing with the girls during their portrait session.
Josh taking a quick portrait break only minutes before the ceremony.
Bradley's has so many amazing photo locations-- I decided to share those that aren't as obvious as the lake and the porch!
I LOOOOVED this fence! The light was perfect and the live oak in the background really sets the mood!
Suzanne and Josh held nothing back with their perfect waltz! Those dance lessons really paid off!
Josh is a professional fighter and during the engagement session he gave me a quick lesson on how professional fighting works as a sport. I guess I didn't expect fighters to be so huggy-feely!
I did Suzanne's bridal portraits at Maclay Gardens last month-- we did a bit of a different take on the traditional Maclay bridals. Who says bride's shouldn't be sexy??
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