"If you think you're lost, you're probably going the right way," says C.J. when I call him to make sure I'm heading the right direction. I didn't feel too reassured, but it turned out he was right!
I was heading to rural Leoti, KS, for C.J. and Steph's wedding. The ceremony was to be held at a small country church; the reception on the farm belong to Steph's family. Being a farm girl myself, I always thought I knew what the term rural meant; but this drive gave me a whole new insight to the term. I drove for miles and miles without seeing anything but happy cows (who says happy cows only come from California?) to see me singing along to XM radio and acting like a crazy rockstar. Hmm...I think this was a good thing!
Along with the rural-ness, though, comes great beauty! I had never been in southwest area of the state, and I thought it was beautiful! Anyone who says western Kansas is completely flat obviously hasn't traveled in that direction.
Upon arriving at Steph's parents' home, I was greeted by Steph's dad and made to feel right at home! While grabbing some shots of Steph getting ready, I joined in the friendly banter and soon felt a part of the family. Soon we loaded up and headed to the church, where final preparations were made and individual family shots were taken. As Steph and C.J. weren't seeing each other before the ceremony, it was like a Bond 007 mission to make sure they didn't see each other! I spent a little time which both bride and groom before the wedding and got a portrait of each:





I think this wedding set the land speed record for being done in time for the ceremony. Crazy fast, I tell ya. Probably in part to their fab wedding coordinator, Barb! I stole the rings for a while:



One more, just because he went to Jared!! ( I couldn't resist)



One thing special about Steph and C.J.'s ceremony was who officiated their ceremony - C.J.'s mother, Sabra. It made the entire ceremony so heartfelt and emotional, I cannot even begin to describe. I absolutely loved that I was able to capture not only C.J.'s reaction to seeing Steph and her father turn down the aisle, but also Sabra's reaction to watching C.J. Not a perspective I've ever been able to get before!

maybe a little sad to see her son so mature and grown up, yet so happy for him at the same time!




With C.J.'s mother at the wheel, there were definitely some laughs as she made the ceremony so personal, profound, yet lighthearted at times.



MARRIED!



The light was quickly fading, but we spent some time outside for portraits.


I thought it was highly likely I would get disowned by my farmer father for photographing a tractor of the wrong color, but for C.J. and Steph, I took a chance!



Not sure how Spiderman snuck into the bridal party, but I kinda like it!






Sometimes I love the unplanned shots just as much as the planned...




We headed to the reception area for C.J. and Steph to be introduced, and while we were getting ready to eat I happened to walk around the corner of the house to see a gorgeous sunset! Food was quickly abandoned as we ran for the road before it was gone:



At dusk, the backyard reception looked gorgeous, as did the cake!

funny story about the flowers on the cake....but I've been sworn to secrecy so you'll have to talk to the family. ;-)






Finally to top off the day, C.J. and Steph shared a first dance with the moon above.



C.J. and Steph, I am so glad you chose me to be with you on your special day. I really enjoyed it and I can tell how in love you are. You will go far in life, this I am sure of! Have a great time in Alaska!!

Labels: wedding