courtney dellafiora blog :: international wedding photographer »

If I have ever had the word “twitterpated” come into my mind, it was definitely with these two. (After typing that sentence I went and read what I wrote for their engagement shoot post and whadya know, I used the word then too!! ha!) They are truly truly in love with each other and I L O V E it. It’s like when they are together they really do forget about everyone around them and step into their own world. They are constantly smiling at each other, holding each others hands, laughing with joy or kissing each other. They can’t stand to be a minute away from each other and after spending time with them during their engagement shoot, I developed my own little crush on this pair. The word adorable just doesn’t do them justice. I love love love it when my couples are completely into each other… it makes my job so easy to just capture the genuine essence between them.

Shelly is a girl after my own heart because she loves anything vintage, as do I. All of her details for the big day were perfect and really represented them so wonderfully. I loved every single bit of it!! Please enjoy a few of my favorites from their beautiful day.

Shelly and Andrew, you have no idea what it means to me that you included me on this memorable day. I know how much the photos meant to me, and because of that… I hope I did them justice. I heart you both so much. Please never loose that “sparkle” you have between one another. You inspire so many around you. xo

Shelly and Andrew decided to do a “First Look”. — MY FAV!!!! I know you’re all sick of hearing me say this, but seeing each other before the ceremony makes the wedding day flow sooooo much smoother… and is truly one of the most intimate and beautiful moments a couple can share together. Plus we are able to get TONS more photos of you both together as opposed to waiting after the ceremony. Deirdre captured this angle…

…as I got this one.

I absolutely loved Shelly’s dress! And I am totally digging the gray tux! I wish more grooms wore that color.

LOVE:

Real and unrehearsed moments….

Deirdre captured the following 3 photos that I ADORE. Real raw emotion — PRICELESS.

YAY!! I love every bit of my job! Thank you so much God for blessing me with such wonderful clients. Love, Me

I seriously don’t know what I ever did to deserve such awesome clients, but I love them all so much! I am truly so so so lucky and blessed to have them in my lives and I seriously thank God every single day for allowing us to cross paths. Colleen and Jake are two of the nicest people I have met and it has been so much fun getting to know them and share a little piece of their journey into entering wedded bliss. Their wedding day was absolutely perfect and relaxed. Everything went smoothly and it was absolutely so much fun to document the entire event.

Colleen + Jake, I am so honored to have been your photographer. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me and all of the kind words you have sent my way. I am so so grateful for everything. xoxo

Colleen’s nickname is also “CJ” so that pretty much worked out perfect. : )

Jake kept sending Colleen these adorable texts while she was getting ready. So cute!

The flowers and bouquet were designed by the super talented Bobbi Rice. She was also there to make sure the whole day went off without a hitch. She was incredibly wonderful to work with.

My dear friend Courtney Davis of Kiki’s Consulting was there to make the bride and bridal party look incredible. I absolutely LOVE it when she gets the opportunity to work on my clients because they always look I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E.

This little guy was just too cute.

Colleen and Jake decided to do a “First Look” before the ceremony. More and more of my couples are deciding to go this route and I am always thrilled when they do. It really makes such a huge difference on your wedding day. Not only for getting more photos, but just makes everything flow so much smoother. It’s incredibly intimate, with no one else around except me and my 2nd shooter. It’s just a beautiful moment you will forever cherish when you look back on your wedding day years to come. I can’t say it enough… it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your wedding day. Hands down.

Colleen surprised Jake with a boudoir album…. which Colleen looked INSANE gorgeous in. She came in to our studio a couple of months ago and we had so much fun creating the images for Jake. ; )

We then took a few more minutes to snap some more photos of the happy couple.

You’re SO beautiful CJ! I want your skin!!!

I love love love this photo of Colleen with her sisters.

Jake with his 3 brothers.

As I was waiting for the ceremony to begin… I locked eyes with this sweet little angel!

I could not get enough of her adorable little self! She had the sweetest personality. Happiest baby ever. I would turn children’s photographer just for her!

The ceremony was beautiful… a few tears were shed, a few laughs were had… but most importantly, a new bond and commitment was formed.

First dance as husband and wife:

As the sun set…

…the party began.

Much fun was had… many memories were made. The end!

They met over 12 years ago during their high school years while both working together at an Olive Garden restaurant. But it wasn’t until about 5 years later that they fell in love at college and they have been together ever since. After meeting Danny and Amanda at their engagement shoot earlier this year, I knew they were a match made in heaven. They have this aura about them that you can’t help but completely adore them both. I have been so excited since then to be a part of their big day. This past Saturday, that day finally came. All of their closest friends and family gathered from all over at the ever so whimsical Rip Van Winkle Gardens in Louisiana. This location overflows with Southern charm and it was the absolute most perfect place for these two hearts to finally become one. I couldn’t have imagined it any different than it was and I am SO proud to have been a part of this beautiful occasion.

Amanda and Danny, thank you a BAJILLION times over for inviting me into your lives, hearts and memories. I heart you both big big. I hope you’re both enjoying the honeymoon! *hugs* xoxo

Please enjoy a few of my favorites from their wedding.

When I saw Amanda’s shoes I thought I had DIED and gone to shoe heaven.  SOOO PRETTY!

I love loved their wedding invitations. Definitely one of my favorites I have seen yet.

There are lots of peacocks roaming the Rip Van Winkle gardens but this one decided to strike a pose as soon as he saw the camera in my hand. Show off.

While I hung out with the beautiful bride…

…Deirdre was with the dashing groom.

Amanda and Danny opted to see each other before the ceremony… what we call a First Look. I’ve said it one million times, and I will say it yet again…. one of the best decisions you could ever make on your wedding day! It alleviates so much stress and is truly one of the most beautiful moments I am able to capture on a wedding day. Not to mention, I am able to get tons more photos of the couple.

Amanda surprised Danny with a boudoir album during their First Look. Danny was speechless after seeing how hot his bride to be looked!

Seriously, look at that smile. Ladies, this is one of the best things you can do for your man AND yourself. Come over to The Boudoir Vixen website so we can start planning your boudoir experience. ; )

Valerie Metrejean of Southern Fete was not only there to coordinate their wedding, but she also designed the programs. This woman is talented all the way around and I was stoked to be working with her!

You may have seen me tweet this photo yesterday… it seriously makes me smile. I LOVE IT! She was so giddy coming down that aisle.

This is always one of my favorite moments at a wedding… pure bliss:

Their dog Pearl was there to be a part of this memorable day. Such a picture perfect family!!

Such a beautiful day.

Congrats Amanda and Danny!!!! Much love, Courtney