Sunday, December 30, 2007

Ukens - Balthazor



Click here to view the Debut Trailer of their wedding day.

Click Here to pre-register and receive an e-mail to view the remaining wedding pictures when they are available.

To get to know Aspen and Matt a bit better visit Fat Cat Productions website at www.fatcatrocks.blogspot.com. They produced a Love Story for them documenting how they met and proposed-it is pretty cool and highly recommended of any bride to do a Love Story video!



Jeff and I started with Stephanie, of Fat Cat, at the Courtyard Marriot where Aspen and the ladies got ready on the top floor room #527. They had a stylist and make-up artist who traveled in from Liberal.



While we were documenting the ladies getting all dolled up Brett was at The Alley with Barry of Fat Cat, documenting Matt, his groomsmen, Dad and father in law getting into their tuxes before they hopped in the go carts for some racing!

Aspen had gotten all her bridesmaids (5 to be exact) pink bathrobes with their first initial embroidered on it to wear as they got ready. Aspen was wearing a white bathrobe and a white "A" embroidered on hers. The ladies all had a great time. Lunch was catered by Corporate Caterers consisting of sub sandwiches and chips. In between getting hair and make-up done Aspen said it was "Arts and Crafts Time". She had purchased stickers stating "OU" and "KU" on them. These stickers definitely had a meaning as the house of Matt and Aspen's will be House Divided. One side being all decorated in Oklahoma State (Aspen is an Okie) and the other University of Kansas (Matt was born and raised as a KU fan). This bucket was later going to be used at the end of the reception where the sparklers were going to be disposed of.



After most of the ladies were ready they went ahead to the Grand Chapel to finish getting ready by completing last details and putting on their dresses. Aspen's dress was timeless. It was a strapless gown with beaded sweetheart neckline and gathered taffeta skirting. The train was chapel in length and laced up the back. The brides maids wore apple red satin strapless ball gowns with pick-up detailing on the skirt and a black sash at the waist.



The ceremony had a mix of Police Officers and Scottish tradition all mixed into one beautiful ceremony. With Matt being part of the Police Department, the officers acted as ushers. When the wedding began Aspen was escorted by her father to see Matt, and by Scottish tradition a bagpiper preceded her. Some of the family also sported the traditional kilt and Scottish attire. Aspen along with her bridesmaids were barefoot during the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony Aspen was surprised by what Matt had secretly plotted. Just as they were announced as husband and wife, one of Matt's friends on the Police Department ran on stage and promptly handcuffed them together with laughter of the crowd in the background!

After the ceremony we finished up with photos and they were all announced downstairs to their reception by Ron Brown with Another Dimension. After dinner, toasts, and cutting of the cake, the couple had their first dance and the traditional parents dances. When the night came to a close the remaining guests formed a tunnel out of the chapel with sparklers as the couple ran through to a waiting antique black Oldsmobile.



It was a really fun day and it was hard to look back and believe that we actually made it through all 3 weddings in one weekend. They all were different and unique in their own way. That is what makes our job so much fun at each and every wedding that we do. We truly and honestly love what we do and it is priceless when all the brides come down the aisle and see their groom for the first time and tears of happiness stream down their faces. Or it might be a parent or grandmother. And it is all the time and effort that is put into a wedding with all the planning and the behind the scenes. We were very blessed this year to be able to meet and document the most amazing brides.

We want to thank Aspen and Matt for allowing us to document their wedding. Your honeymoon to Jamaica had to be incredible and if you have pictures to share please do! Keep in touch! You guys were awesome!

Tyff, Jeff and Brett

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Bond - Black



Click here to view the Debut Trailer of their wedding day.

Click Here to pre-register and receive an e-mail to view the remaining wedding pictures when they are available.

We started Kim's day after the ladies had breakfast at Panera Bread. Across the street from Panera was Progressions Salon and Day Spa where Kim, 2 bridesmaids, mother and mother-in-law all had their hair done and make-up applied. Following was lunch where Kim and her family gathered at the 'White Rock Cafe' inside of the Hyatt Hotel. Then it was off to The Grand Chapel for the ceremony. I was able to grab some shots downstairs where the reception would later be taking place as I waited for the ladies to arrive. The reception area was well decorated with black linens on all the tables with Hershey kisses and red striped mints scattered around floral arrangements and candles. The colors used throughout the wedding were red, black, silver and some gold. Kim's white dress had cap sleeves lined with lace and beadwork with lots of beadwork around the bodice and some around the sweep train for accents. Kim's shoes were very elegant with a 2 inch heel, open toe, rhinestones that wrapped her ankles and tied at the back of the heel. Kim's bouquet was full with red roses and berries. The two bridesmaids wore red V-neck dresses.



Kim and Doug had decided to see each other before the ceremony. With the ceremony starting at 4:00 we were glad to get some shots of them with it still being light out to capture the warm glow of the sun coming through the stained glass. Doug waited down one of the side aisles for Kim to walk up behind and see him for the first time- looking absolutely stunning. Doug wore a black tux with silver vest and tie with a single red rose as a boutonnière that went well with Kim's bouquet.



The bridesmaids entered the ceremony, Leah and Bailey, followed by two adorable little flower girls. Doug along with his bestman, Dirk, and brother, Kevin, all watched as guests stood when Kim and her father, Michael, escorted her through the sea of people to the front of the chapel. The ceremony was performed by a female judge who kept it short and simple as Doug and Kim exchanged their vows.



After the ceremony we finished up with a few more photos. Before being announced into the reception Doug bustled Kim's dress for her. I have to say that it was the first time we have seen the groom bustle his bride's dress!



The reception was filled with a gathering of friends and family to celebrate Doug and Kim's love for one another. Their cake was 3-tierd with white frosted snowflakes scattered throughout the design of the cake and white rock candy placed around each layer. The groom's cake was a round German chocolate. Following the cake cutting, toasts, and first dances were the bouquet and garter toss.



Doug and Kim- We want to thank you for choosing us to document your special
day. We hope you had a great New Year and stay in touch!

Tyff and Jeff

Friday, December 28, 2007

Ledford - Woodruff



Click here to view the Debut Trailer of their wedding day.

Click Here to pre-register and receive an e-mail to view the remaining wedding pictures when they are available.

Jeff and I started our morning meeting up with Courtney at The Eaton Steakhouse in downtown Wichita as close to 20 of Courtney's closest friends and family were there for breakfast to start off Courtney's big day
she had ahead of her. Breakfast was served looked very divine and it was very decorative and colorful. We then went to Studio Amp that was located inside of Sola Salons where Courtney got her hair done. The style was very elegant with it swooping over to the side. Very sophisticated! I then went and dropped Jeff off at Central Christian Church to start documenting the guys as I proceeded to the MAC Counter, inside of Dillard's, where Courtney got her make-up applied. Whenever we go there, which is often, they always do a very nice job and are quick with our brides. They are all very nice and allow us to get the shots we need for our brides.



By being with our brides all day we pick up on conversations from the salon sometimes that are very resourceful in the latter part of the day. One of which was Courtney discussing her gift to Justin. Jeff was able to capture Justin opening a big bag of Justin's favorite type of clothing from Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Also included was a big stuffed moose with red and brown boxers with a pattern of moose on it. Justin loves moose so this was perfect.



I later met up with Barry and Stephanie with Fat Cat Productions at the church. I documented Courtney as she opened a snoopy gift wrapped box of earrings that Courtney was hoping she would get. These earrings went nicely with her gorgeous champagne dress that had cap sleeves covering her shoulders in lace and sequin embellishments and then laced up the back. I must say that one of the eight bridesmaids, Olga, did a record breaker in lacing up the dress in less than 5 minutes! The bridesmaids all wore black, but all different designs to match their personalities. All the flowers were done by Courtney's grandmother, full of deep oranges and reds. Courtney had a unique accent of pheasant feathers.



Courtney and Justin had decided not to see each other before the ceremony. During the photos of Courtney we were in the prayer room taking some shots and Courtney could hear her future husband talking behind a set of doors. Stephanie asked us, as she had seen us do it before with another bride and groom, to place both Courtney and Justin on the opposite sides of the door and hold hands but not peak! Courtney and Justin were up for it and thought it was a great idea. We are glad we did it because they both shed some happy tears that were pure excitement for one another to become husband and wife. They shared a prayer through the door and stroking one another hands before they parted and would officially see each other in a moment of minutes during the ceremony.



The wedding was a candle lit ceremony with Christmas light accents. The bridesmaids all came in ushered by a groomsman and placed themselves scattered up on the stage, all 16 of them to be exact! The sanctuary was full of happy tears for this couple to share in such a beautiful worship of "Come and see what God has done".



Afterwards we finished up pictures with family and the two of them before Jeff and Stephanie jumped on the trolley to head to the reception at The Ville at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Andover. I drove over and beat them there so I could grab some of the details. Barry and I awaited as they all poured out of the trolley and came into their reception as the DJ announced them down the grand staircase. As soon as they all entered they rolled right into the cake cutting, toasts, first dances and then the party! Dinner was a buffet of Courtney's favorite Italian restaurant, Sweet Basil.

Before they left they danced their last dance of the evening with friends circled around them holding hands. As they left for the evening guests were handed jingle bells of silver, gold and red.

We want to give a warm welcome to Courtney and Justin along with both families. You all were a joy to work with and FUN! We hope you had a great time in Times Square for the New Year and on your honeymoon. We thought of you guys as the ball dropped in New York.

Best wishes to both of you!

Tyff and Jeff

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Long - Enos



Click here to view the Debut Trailer of their wedding day.

Click Here to pre-register and receive an e-mail to view the remaining wedding pictures when they are available.



Before we mention how Bryna and Mitch's day went we want to share a little history of their relationship. Thanks to the DJ, Ryan Funk, at the reception he gave us the write up of what he read as Bryna and Mitch made their grand entrance to their reception. Often times when two people come together and meet they share a unique story in how they got to the point in life to marry. Bryna and Mitch were no exception to that rule. Bryna and Mitch met in college- Bryna's roommate knew Mitch from High School. After going over there to visit Bryna and Mitch's connection grew stronger. They decided to go on their first official date and with Mitch's concern it may not work out he invited his buddy and girl-friend to come along to keep the mood light and fun. They did hit it off and so they agreed to continue dating. What I thought was funny when Bryna told her parents about Mitch, she said he had lots of children, was covered in tattoos and piercings, and had a mullet! The plain and simple truth was that these two were falling in love with one another.





The proposal was well thought out by Mitch. It was during a K-State spring game. Mitch had a connection with the athletic department and had it worked out to where they would both be on the field together. He had told Bryna that it was a trivia contest, and he had to be down there to answer a few questions. But it wasn't a trivia contest at all. The stadium camera panned down to them and Mitch, in front of 20,000 people, dropped to one knee and asked Byrna to spend the rest of her life with him! Of coruse, she said yes.



Bryna started her day with her mom, two sisters and three bridesmaids getting their hair and make-up done at 7:30 inside of warm Avenue Styles Salon. Shortly after everyone was there it started snowing and blowing. As we were leaving, the snow was starting to stick to the ground. We arrived at Riverside Christian Church to have Bryna finish getting ready and start taking pictures with Mitch. Maggie looked stunning in a Maggie Sottero Midgley one piece, strapless, full A-line gown with corset closure in the back. This draped Capri Taffeta gown featured a ruched bodice with sparking lace embellishments and tiers of pleated organza. It truly looked timeless on Bryna- and Mitch you could tell was very pleased when he saw his bride for the first time. After taking some family shots we asked if they wanted to brave it and go outside. They surprised us with their decision of saying "Yes, lets do it!" By this time the snow had become a white out and it was really hard to see very far at all. We were able to slip outside of the church for some quick shots in the snow. Bryna had chosen red and peach'ish roses for her bouquet that really popped in the fresh white snow. Then we hurried back inside to thaw out. After finishing with family shots it was time to have Bryna and Mitch go hide as guests were starting to arrive around 11:30 for the noon ceremony. About a quarter after noon we got word that the ceremony was delayed because of the snow outside to allow all guests to arrive to the wedding. Some of which, Bryna's grandparents, who lived in Clearwater were afraid they wouldn't be able to make it, but an Uncle went to get them, allowing them to share in Bryna and Mitch's special day. The ceremony started around 1:00. A string quartet played the music which sounded great and gave a nice tone to the sanctuary.



After the ceremony, guests piled out of the church cleaning off their cars of snow and ice. Only a few blocks away the reception was being held, inside the warm ballroom of Botanica. Ryan Funk, the DJ, announced the wedding party along with the bride and groom. They then cut the cake and following was the toasts given by the best man, sisters, and father of the bride. Guests then mingled and congratulated Bryna and Mitch on their marriage along with getting to share in the chocolate fountain, food and whine catered by Truffles.



The food was very good and divine. While guests were eating and after Bryna and Mitch had a chance to eat we went and asked if they wanted to brave the snow again. They were up for it. Bryna grabbed her brown mink shawl that her Great Great Aunt used to own and her grandmother had kept in tact. We found a bright colored umbrella that one of the guests had left by the door that they used as we went out in the shin high snow. Mitch scooped up Bryna and twirled her around and they dipped in the snow. That made for some really killer shots. Thanks guys for being up for whatever and spontaneous. Then we headed inside as we were all covered in snow. The dance was started off as Bryna and Mitch danced their first song together as husband and wife. Then Bryna shared in a dance with her father along with Mitch dancing with his mother. Everybody had a great time! Thank you guys for such a great opportunity to get to know the two of you and document your wedding day. Thank you also to both of the families making us feel comfortable and at ease to be in our element.

Tyff and Jeff

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Campbell - Rhoades



Click here to view the Debut Trailer of their wedding day.

Click Here to pre-register and receive an e-mail to view the remaining wedding pictures when they are available.



Laura and her bridesmaids rode together from Wichita to the church in Newton, Bethel Mennonite Church on Bethel University Campus. The limestone church looked very festive with a blanket of fresh white snow over it and green wreaths with red bows on the front doors. Laura and the ladies headed up the stairs where they had the whole top floor to themselves to get ready. The ladies all got their hair and make-up done and had a mixture of music playing in the background to set the mood (Lots of Moulin Rouge!). Laura's dress was a beautiful two piece that was strapless and laced up the back. The bottom skirting was gathered taffeta. Laura slipped into her dress with her bridesmaids help and mom's help as well. After grabbing a few shots of the ladies downstairs in the sanctuary, Jeff and I were able to get some fun shots of Laura sitting on a retro couch located in front of a window.






Jeff was able to get the groom, Josh, and his groomsmen outside for some fun pics out in the snow. Of course not getting too dirty - but they still had fun and it made for some great shots.





A few minutes before the ceremony Laura and her immediate family gathered together with the pastor and had a prayer. Josh and the guys did the same thing downstairs still hidden away for Laura not to see him until she came down the aisle with her dad. Josh was grinning from ear to ear when he saw his stunning bride. The ceremony was very cool talking about how to work at your marriage and that investing into your marriage is important. Matt, Andrew, David and Justin sang a hymn together nicely harmonizing while Laura and Josh lit their unity candle. Laura and Josh also sang a song to God together as a prayer to Him. Following the ceremony Laura slipped on a white jacket that went well with her dress.



They carried a red umbrella that shaded them as guests showered them with red rose petals while they walked through the sea of people to a red antique car. After Laura and Josh drove around the block, they came back for the groups photos. Then we walked over to the hall across campus to the reception. The hall was very nicely decorated with a very tall live Christmas Tree in the corner where the guests put the gifts for Laura and Josh. The cake was very gorgeous which was made by Sylvia Campbell, Laura's mother. After what Don Campbell, Laura's dad, said Laura had a vision and ran with it to make the hall look how she envisioned. The DJ was a cousin to Laura, Ben Wheeler.



Chocolate Cascades was there with their chocolate fountain providing all kinds of goodies to dip into the chocolate. Laura and Josh had a great time feeding each other the chocolate. Laura put on an apron that said "Bride" to prevent any dripping onto her dress. I did find it very unique that they had every kind of popcorn that you could think of for guests to munch on. Along with that they had chips and dip as well. Laura and Josh got a chance to spend time with close family and friends. Josh and Laura- We want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day and document such cherished memories. Have fun in Florida on your honeymoon and we hope you get a chance to sit back and relax on the beach.

You guys were GREAT!

Tyff and Jeff