Charlottesville, VA: Linda and Michael – Part II

20.09.11 destination weddings

Good morning and happy Tuesday!  Hope your week is off to a great start!  This week’s blog posts sure are off to a good start, continuing with Linda and Michael’s University of Virginia wedding.  We pick up right before the ceremony.

Enjoy!  And leave these kids some love in that comment box. :-)

My buddy, Joe Busissink, always says there’s no such thing as perfect photographs, only perfect moments.  This image below qualifies and happens to be one of my favorite images of my career.

Loved that Mike’s grandparents were introduced!  I think they did too. :-)

Linda’s father gave the funniest welcome!

Such a great toast from Mike’s brother.

Mike’s dad watching the action from a distance.

So is The Bernie the new dance move of the year? We’ve been seeing it A LOT lately!
Extra point to this dude on the top left for the glasses.  Nice touch. ;-)

Never a dull moment.  The reception ended under the pouring rain and sparklers.
A special thank you to Mike’s father for holding the umbrella over us.  :-)

Don’t ask… cause I don’t get it.  Some kind of UVA tradition. ;-)

University of Virginia: Linda and Michael – Pt I

19.09.11 destination weddings

There’s something different about the East than the West.  Something more definitive.  Elegant.  Timeless.  Full of charm.  Something you just can’t find here in Colorado.

You see, I get photographers from around the country asking all the time if they can tag along to a snowy, ski town wedding. People are jealous of our mountains.  Our Garden of the Gods.  But me?  I’m jealous of the history the East Coast offers.   The beauty it holds as a backdrop for weddings.

Linda and Michael were married at their undergraduate alma mater: the University of Virginia in Charlottesville where they met and fell in love.  They started the day with a beautiful brunch for all their guests at one of the University’s Pavilions.  A few hours later they were married next door in the University Chapel.  The couple celebrated with a gorgeous cocktail hour and reception at the Alumni Hall.  A special thanks to Crystal at The Event Company for putting on a flawless event!

Linda and Michael are two of the sweetest people.  I don’t know how we get so lucky with all of our couples.  It’s such a huge compliment to be invited across the country to document someone’s wedding.  It seems there’s something so special between us and the couple – a unique connection that brings us together across thousands of miles.  Every e-mail and phone call I received from Linda was filled with sweetness, kindness, and grace.

Linda and Michael, we really cannot thank you enough for having us out to Virginia.  You both took such wonderful care of Jesie and I.  I look forward to crossing paths again soon – perhaps this October when John and I visit Northern Cali? ;-) Thank you for being you. Thank you for your sweet hearts.

We love you!

With joy,
René + Jesie

This is where Linda got ready for the day.  Also, behind this Pavilion is a beautiful garden where their brunch was held.

Love these pearls Linda got for her bridesmaids.

Linda had one of the most gorgeous engagement rings I’ve ever seen.  I adore the petite, diamond, criss-cross band.  Just sayin’…

First looks have been popular lately!

Love!

Part II is really, super good.  You don’t want to miss the gorgeous chapel, it’s stellar lighting, and the purple reception. :-)

Spokane, WA: Kristi & Scott – Pt II

15.09.11 destination weddings

And now Part II of this super, super sweet couple!

What an incredible reception on the rooftop of the Spokane Convention Center.

Um… can I just say that I LOVE this cake topper?

Love it when the best man breaks out in song… especially when it’s a Backstreet Boys song!

Jesie is my girl.  LOVE this shot! She’s always knockin’ it out of the park, that girl.

Lifers.

Spokane, WA: Kristi & Scott – Pt I

14.09.11 destination weddings

Today we have for you the super sweet Spokane Convention Center wedding of Kristi and Scott.  I cannot say enough nice things about this couple.  They set out to not book a wedding photographer, but to book a friend.  We hit it off instantly!  Kristi and I are already scheduling phone dates just to catch up. :-)  These guys had the most gorgeous day with such elegance.  They, and their bridal party, were such a joy to photograph!  You might even recognize one of the bridesmaids, as she was a bride of ours this past June.  We cannot thank Kristi and Scott’s families enough for taking us in and making us feel like family as well.  Kristi’s dad even said we were the best photographers in the country!  What wonderful support.  It’s easy to see why Kristi and Scott are the way they are. :-)

K&S, we absolutely, 100% adore you over and over again.  Kinda wish you could get married again so we can photograph you again!

Sooo much love and joy to you and yours,
René + Jesie

Kristi is…. um… GORGEOUS.

Scott is seriously one of the coolest, make ya feel welcome, guys I have ever met.

Wait till you see their stunning reception held on the ROOFTOP of the Spokane Convention Center.  Just you wait!