Allison & Jess
So looking at these photos, you may see some familiar faces. I had the pleasure of doing Allison & Jess' engagement session a while back and actually blogged about it - woohoo! To take a read all about their Spring engagement photos at the Coney Island, just click here! I actually was recommended by one of Allison's bridesmaids who I used to play softball with way back when. It truly is a small world but it was so much fun being able to reconnect with some familiar faces. Allison and Jess had the most beautiful Spring wedding at The Buhl Estate and I couldn't have been more thrilled to be there. Fun fact, they booked me back in 2020 and their wedding was on my birthday! What a perfect way to spend my birthday being surrounded by such amazing people, right?
the buhl estate
The Addison Oaks Buhl Estate has its elegance and charm dating back from over 100 years ago. It really ties in that old English style home with a beautiful flower garden and stone accents all throughout the property. I actually blogged Angela and Fred's wedding day at the same venue, so if you want to check that out click here!
getting ready
Before arriving on your wedding day, I make sure to heavily communicate with all of my couples. This makes sure that we are on the same page and everything runs as smoothly as possible the day of your wedding. One of those things I like to make sure all of my couples know, is to have all of their wedding details in a box prior to me arriving. This not only saves us time, but causes less stress on your end to hand over the box and I can start shooting.
Tip: Assign a designated individual to direct your wedding photographer to where this box may be once we arrive. That way if you're getting your hair & makeup done, we don't have to bother you!
So as soon as I arrived I began taking some detail photos of Allison's jewelry, invitation suite, shoes, etc. I then was able to gather up all of the bridesmaids in their matching zip up hoodies for some bridal party portraits. I absolutely loved the fact that they had matching hoodies, instead of the traditional robes or PJ's. It added in a bit of spice for the day and contributed to making Allison & Jess's wedding completely theirs. Shortly after, Allison sat down to read the gift that her bridesmaids gave her. Each bridesmaid wrote a letter to Allison about their favorite memories together and compiled it to give it to her the morning of her wedding day. It was the absolute sweetest thing and think it's an amazing idea for a wedding gift!
While I was with Allison and her bridesmaids, my second photographer was across the hall with Jess and his groomsmen. In instances like this, I am so thankful to have a second photographer. You are able to get both partners getting ready and not miss out on any details, which may be important to you on your wedding day. Second photographers can be incredibly important in capturing the most on your wedding day, which is why we always encourage you have one!
the first look(S)
After slipping into her wedding dress and completing her final look, it was time for Allison to embark on her next journey. The first look... or first looks - lol. Allison decided to first do a first look with her bridesmaids, which left them utterly speechless. She then also did a first look with her dad before meeting up with Jess for their first look. Typically this is the normal attire you wear on an everyday basis, so you could definitely say they were shocked to see each other so dressed up. Their reactions were genuine & pure and I'm tearing up just thinking about it - ugh! And then came Allison & Jess' first look. Oh my goodness. Jess' reaction was priceless when he saw his future wife standing in front of him. One of the best first looks I have witnessed!
spring wedding at the buhl estate
The week leading up to the wedding day, we were greeted by forecasts of rain. Lucky us, right? Thankfully I always have some backup clear umbrellas just in case, however that was not needed on this day. The sky became overcast but it didn't rain/hail until literally 2 minutes after the outdoor ceremony ended!
Their ceremony was incredibly beautiful. Allison and Jess had their friend as their officiant which obviously meant the world to them. Since it was overcast, the lighting was actually PERFECT for their ceremony. These photos are actually some of my most favorite throughout the whole day, believe it or not.
reception
For their reception, it definitely was an emotional one. There were plenty of tears and laughs as everyone gathered to celebrate Allison & Jess. Allison and Jess both did their first dance before breaking off to do first dances with their parents. These usually end up getting pretty emotional, so always bring along some tissues and waterproof mascara!
Now one thing that Allison and Jess stressed upon was that they wanted a lot of focus on the dance floor. Oh and boy did we deliver. Everyone at the wedding was definitely involved in bustin' out some moves and just having an awesome time on the dance floor. Quite honestly the best way to end a wedding AND spend my birthday. Cheers to Allison & Jess and the rest of your forever!
Loving this Spring Wedding at The Buhl Estate? Then you're going to love reading this Midwest Brewery Wedding!
Photos By Gayle does more than just take photos of people. Rather, it is capturing moments of LOVE and HAPPINESS. Singing to the skies, dancing in a field, smiles that hurt because they’re so big. There is nothing else I would rather be doing than photographing these unique details that make you and your significant other a couple. If these photos from Allison & Jess's session puts a spark in you, you know where to click <——— right there!
Psst... looking for vendors? Scroll to the bottom!
Vendors:
Photography: Photos by Gayle
Florist: Viviano's Flower Shop- Casey Bobeck
DJ/Band: Mike Frazier- Prestige Entertainment
Cake/Desserts: Groom's Aunt
Caterer: Addison Oaks
Venue: Addison Oaks Buhl Estate
Dress: Jenna in White
Tuxedo: Men's Warehouse
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I am a Destination Elopement Photographer who specializes in weddings, engagements, elopements, and boudoir. I love to travel to new places so if you are looking for a photographer for any of these events, please contact me here and I will be more than happy to get you started on some beautiful photos of your own!
