Van and Alyssa’s wedding day was perfect. And what made it even more perfect for me personally and as their photographer, was that the groom, Van, is my cousin. It was so amazing to get to spend this day with him and Alyssa as we welcomed her into our very large, loving family! The only thing missing from their day was my uncle Marc, Van’s dad, who passed away from cancer in 2012. But his spirit was very much present in every part of the day. It just made the day that much more emotional. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much at a wedding and had so many different emotions run through me all at once!

Event Planning: Blue Orchid Event Planning

Photography: Hi! That’s me! 😉 Oh and my other cousin’s son, Eddie, helped me for an hour at the reception and KILLED it!! Future photographer! And my 7 year old, Colin, also may have been found with a camera around his neck! LOL! You might see a photo below 😉

Ceremony: St. Philomena

Officiant: Fr. David Richardson

Reception Venue: Warehouse on State

Videography: Blake Wirth and Clare Zell

Florals: Gregg Florist

Caterer: Cracked Pepper

DJ: Let’s Celebrate DJ’s and Videographers

Hair: Kara Seckler and Kayla Uzelac

Makeup: Kari Uzelac

Cake: Wedding Cake Connection

Dress: Bridal Elegance

Groom Attire: The Groomsmen Suit

The next three photos are very special to me. Although Van’s dad was not able to be with him physically on his wedding day, his spirit was clearly there all day. My dad and his brothers wanted to give a toast to Van and Alyssa, and they wanted their brother Marc (Van’s dad) to be a part of it. So they worked for several months to put together multiple different recordings of Marc to make for a perfect wedding toast for Van and Alyssa. There wasn’t a dry eye in the building and I’m pretty sure this was the most difficult, yet amazing moment I’ve ever had to photograph. Marc was always such a light for all of us and to have him there for even just a minute was the biggest blessing we could ask for.