Rachael and Josh

Rachael and Josh were married on Saturday. I knew this couple was special from the moment they returned their contract for my services. On it, Rachael put a post-it note with two words, "CAN'T WAIT!"

Meticulous in her organizational skills, the day was carefully planned with precise times for hair, dressing, pictures, the ceremony, the send off from the church, the grand march at the reception, and dinner. Anything that well-planned simply has to have a wrench thrown into the works, and that wrench came from Mother Nature, who decided, twenty minutes prior to the ceremony, that severe storms were called for, so the storm warning sirens blew in LeSueur, and the minister had everyone seek shelter.

And after the ceremony, a wrench was needed for the bus that was supposed to take the wedding party from LeSueur to Mankato. For whatever reason, the only gear that engaged was reverse. But the problem was solved, and, you guessed it; the party bus arrived at the reception site at 6:15, right on schedule!

From a photographic standpoint, the cloud cover and heavy air created a scrumptious, soft light for our outdoor pictures at Sibley Park. Many thanks go out to fellow photographers, my daughter Stephanie Williams (You've Been Framed Photography), and Diane Schrader (Schrader Art and Photography) for their help and skills. I can't wait to see their photos, and know Rachael and Josh will love them!

Carmen from AmeriCinn's Conference Center in Mankato was AWESOME!! She was onsite for most of the evening seeing to everyone's needs, and genuinely concerned when she heard about the bad weather in LeSueur. Weggy's catered a delicious meal of stuffed chicken breast and pork tenderloins. DJ Bob Iddings of Silver Sounds and Lights did a fantastic job engaging the crowd. I left at 11 PM, and the party hadn't begun to wind down.

Rachael and Josh, you're such a sweet couple, and your families are fantastic, too. I so enjoyed working with you, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to photograph your engagement session and wedding. I'll be busy with the blog this week because of the number of sessions I have lined up, but will try to post more photos from your wedding. I'm especially excited to get photos from Stephanie and Diane, and will post some of theirs as well! In the mean time, here are a few images from yesterday.

This photo should be entitled, "Anticipation." Rachael approaches Josh, who is waiting for his first glimpse of his bride.

No direction was needed for these two. They're so natural together.

Sharing a first kiss as husband and wife.

Rachael and Josh's dads filled hundreds of balloons for a post-ceremony send off. Notice how the skies cleared.