After my engagement session with Janel and Corey, I knew their wedding day was going to be full of fun and lots of laughter and I sure was not disappointed! When Erin and I got there, the ladies were finishing up their preparations in a gorgeous open room in the lodge, the perfect backdrop for rustic detail shots. Janel didn't seem nervous at all but the getting ready process almost always requires as much help as possible and I love how everyone pitched in to help this bride primp for her big day! A floor below, the guys were getting ready too, and by that I mean playing pool and dancing. I guess that's what you get to do when you don't have to worry about your hair? 

This quiet mountain lodge sat right beside a creek with an open field in between providing the perfect natural and colorful backdrop for bridal party portraits. For the ladies, there was more laughing that picture taking, but that suites me just fine; it gave me the opportunity to candidly capture their bubbly excitement. For these dapper gentlemen, they chose to take the game-face route, but we got a few smiles in there too. 

Janel and Corey decided to do a first look of sorts, or rather a "first prayer," standing on either side of the door holding hands but not actually looking at each other. I really love their idea - this had all of the nerve-calming power of a first look without taking away from the excitement of first seeing each other while walking down the aisle. And good thing too because Corey had just the sweetest huge grin on his face when he finally got to see his bride!

Outdoor ceremony lighting is often hit-or-miss because you're beholden to the weather, the location, the angle of the sun but we lucked out with a slightly overcast day giving us soft light with the sun just slightly peaking out from behind the gazebo for a happy flair. These two had the shortest ceremony I have ever seen (kudos for knowing what you want!) again full of laughs with a side of lifelong promises. 

The evening flew by with a whirlwind of family portraits, dinner and cake and I walked around just capturing everyone enjoying their evening celebrating Janel and Corey's love. I stole the happy couple away for a few quiet moments both to snap some portraits and to give them time to savor their happiness and I barely had to direct them at all because they were giving me such genuine smiles! 

I finished off my evening photographing the first dances as the twinkle lights glowed. Stay tuned to see their full wedding photo album tomorrow!