Stephanie & Brad- Loch Nairn Greathouse Wedding

Stephanie and Brad’s Loch Nairn Greathouse wedding was almost as sweet as they are. Having done the couple’s engagement session, I was really excited to spend the day with Stephanie and Brad.

We started at the couples’ home where the girls were getting ready. While Stephanie, her mom and  bridesmaids took turns getting hair and makeup done by Gloss, I grabbed her dress, shoes and jewelry. Stephanie’s Allure Bridal gown had a pleated satin bodice and cascading ruffles with horsehair edging. Her navy blue heels matched the bridesmaids’ Bill Levkoff dresses and she had navy blue Toms to change into later in the night…smart! Stephanie wore a necklace that Brad gave her when they first started dating, a pair of earrings from her mom, and a pearl bracelet that Brad gave her that day. We didn’t get to see Stephanie open her gift from Brad, but her maid of honor said it was really cute because the couple opened their gifts together while talking on the phone. The pearl bracelet had a silver charm with Stephanie’s initials and Brad was really excited about a bottle of wine from his favorite winery and a vintage world map for them to mark their travels on.

Once Stephanie was dressed, we grabbed her bouquet from Anne Ottley Floral Design; it was filled with yellow daisies, white peonies and anemones. Then we headed into her bedroom for bridal portraits. There was beautiful light coming in through the window and we created a perfect white background with her down comforter. I had Stephanie sit on her bed with all those layers of dress surrounding her and it was amazing. I could’ve played with that dress all day, but it was time for us to go see Brad.

When we arrived at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Brad and his groomsmen were waiting in the limo. I snapped a few pics in there and then stole Brad away to the church for a few portraits. Soon guests started to arrive and the groomsmen got to work escorting family and friends down the aisle. Once everyone was seated, the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle. Stephanie’s dad walked her down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major. I always love to see the look on the groom’s face when he first sees his bride. Stephanie and Brad were married during a traditional Catholic mass. Father Costa talked about how the two met at work and that Stephanie was first attracted to Brad’s eyes because they looked so kind. Brad wasn’t sure it was a good idea to date a co-worked, but eventually they ended up together. Stephanie loves how Brad always calms and balances her, makes her feel safe and always sees the good in people. Brad loves Stephanie’s bubbly personality, how supportive she is and her beautiful hazel eyes. They both agreed that they make each other better people. After the ceremony, we did family formals and wedding party photos on the alter.

We arrived at Loch Nairn and quickly shot the room while waiting for the limo to arrive. The Loch Nairn Greathouse wedding venue is a very unique structure with beautiful windows that allow sunlight to drench the room. Gleaming plank floors, adorned by tribal oriental rugs; gabled ceilings; huge overhead beams and museum pieces of local art all add to the beauty of this facility. Double French doors lead to the fascinating Round Room which is totally enclosed with glass doors, overlooking the golf course. The tables were adorned with beautiful centerpieces and wine bottles filled with lights. While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, we head out onto the golf course for more photos. Everyone was sure to grab a signature cocktail, Something Blue, beforehand. This group was so relaxed and fun to work with; I knew it was going to be a fun evening. After group photos, we sent the wedding party to cocktail hour and spent some time with Stephanie and Brad. They were so sweet and natural together which makes my job easy! It was almost time for dinner, so we sent the couple back up to the Greathouse to get ready.

When we went back into the Greathouse, we were excited to see Matt and The Bachelor Boys band. We’ve worked with them a few times and they are always so great. We got into place because introductions were about to begin. After parents and the wedding party, Stepahnie and Brad made their grand entrance and went right into their first dance. They looked into each other’s eyes the whole time…it was so sweet! Stephanie’s dad welcomed everyone and congratulated the bride and groom, and then dinner was served after the blessing. Toasts were given by the Maid of Honor, Best Man and Stephanie’s brother before getting into parent dances. Stephanie surprised her dad with the song Sunshine on My Shoulders because that is the song he taught her to dance to. Sunshine is also Stephanie’s nickname and when the family went hiking, Stephanie would always ride on her dad’s shoulders.

Cake time! Stephanie’s Aunt Maureen of Maureen’s Custom Cakes made the small cake that the couple cut and fed to each other. It had white ruffle layers and small yellow flowers cascading down the front. They also had a cake made by Sweet Magnolia Bakery that was served to the guests. While cake was being served, everyone gathered on the dance floor to watch the bouquet and garter toss. After that we took the bride and groom outside for more photos. We went across the street to an open field and even took photos in the street. Stephanie twirled in her gown and said, “It’s like a grown up tutu!” Don’t worry; my assistant was on traffic watch. We all went back inside so the couple could enjoy the band. Everyone was enjoying the live music and table 13 totally rocked the Wobble.  We ended the night by taking Stephanie and Brad outside one more time for some night shots. The couple danced under a huge oak tree; it was a perfect ending.

It was honestly such a pleasure to spend the day with Stephanie and Brad. I thank them for choosing me to photograph their wedding day and I know they will keep their sweet love going for years to come.