Cassara Management Wedding: Peter & Nicole

As a wedding photographer, you can get all sorts of caught up in the light, the timeline, the edits, the backups, and the uploads. But then.. Yes, then. There are the moments. The moments you catch her running up to him and whispering in his ear. He lowers his head and smiles with his eyes as he delights in his new bride. It’s as if they’re alone. A moment in the in-between.

Pete and Niki’s wedding day was full of these little moments. On more than one occasion, they caused me to step back and reflect on what this day truly meant. “But Alyse, shouldn’t that be obvious to you by now?” Perhaps.. But shooting was different for me this time around. It was different because for the first time, I knew what it felt like. The anticipation. The joy. The “YES! He’s ALL mine!” So consider this a shout out to my husband. For marrying me and thereby making me a better photographer. ;)

As for Pete and Niki – Thank you! I cannot say enough how honored I am to have documented such a sweet and important day in your lives. Thank you for your trust, your fabulous taste in every wedding detail imaginable, and for being so gosh darn beautiful together. XOXO!!

Fun little fact: I almost wore this J.Crew dress for my own wedding. :)

Niki’s aunt totally rocked OUT her hair.
Lipgloss ad, anyone?Meet Brooke Fraser‘s twin sister, Dana. Absolutely beautiful in every way.

And the sweetest flower girl ever, Miss Sadie.Niki, you are exquisite.Love this sequence of the groom and his future brother primping a bit before the ceremony.Every piece of this wedding was J.Crew. Hence, the vest and tie below. Stay classy, Pete.Niki’s bouquet was in-SANE. Special thanks to Rockcastle Florist.
Sweetest moment of the day. I sure remember what this feels like. :)When Niki and Pete stole a glance at each other during the opening prayer, my heart melted. The two also shared communion together. Sweet, sweet, sweet!Pete’s father performed the ceremony. Just look at him. I think he’s happy or something. :) My favorite kind of exit. :)Details all around make me a happy girl. :)And black diamonds might just be a girl’s best friend.Thank da’ LORD for warm, buttery light in the middle of the forest.I’ve been staring at this picture for about 10 minutes, wracking my brain for synonyms of “beautiful,” “stunning,” “ow owww.” But alas, I cannot think of any.LOVE this diptych.This?Or this?I call it, “Best Friends.”Caught this little one on the porch. Just precious, isn’t she?Pete’s older brother Joe gave one of the BEST best man speeches I’ve ever heard. And believe you me, I’ve been to a wedding or two. Niki and her dad, groovin’ to it!These moments are what make me love my job most.I can honestly understand the confusion in the picture on the left. Where, oh where are you supposed to cut a cake worth hundreds of dollars?? Conundrum, indeed.I leave you with Niki, tearing it up and looking fabulous. :)

Happy Thursday!