We knocked softly, opened the door quietly, and walked into the getting ready room. Four navy bridesmaids dresses hung on the door frame as if to be leading the way to the beautiful white lace dress (tiny as it was) hanging on the door. We were greeted in the foyer the by a familiar face and a huge hug, one who would soon be wearing one of those navy dresses, and as we made our way through the suite to the living room balcony window, there she was, sitting on a chair in her pre-wedding attire. Eyes shut. Lips closed. In the beginning stages of her last makeup application as a Miss. We got close enough to hug her without smudging her makeup, squeeze her hand, tell her we’re here and how excited we are before corralling her very organized, thought-out details (one of our favorite traits of our AJ Brides) We began to look through the box of things that were special to her. Her diamond ring and the pearl necklace. Her mother’s gold clutch that complimented her navy and gold-dusted invitation set. Her shoes, the ones she’d take her last steps in as a maiden and her first as a Mrs.
We photographed them one by one, some in pairs, telling a story with each frame that we hope her granddaughter will see some day see and say, “Grandma, is that the necklace you’re giving me to wear on my wedding day?” You see, Alyssa believes in receiving and leaving a legacy of love, of following in her (and his) parents’ footsteps, of passing down heirlooms from generation to generation not just as a token, but as a time-honored tradition that says, This is what our family stands for. This is who we are. This is what matters. A family built on love.
We were so excited for Nick and Alyssa’s wedding day because we just adore these two. They are so fun, so loving, so kind. They are the kind of couple that make us honored to be wedding photographers. Nick and Alyssa have such big, giving hearts and are always thinking of others before themselves. Even on a day that was set aside just for them, we watched as they sweetly loved on everyone else around them. On a day that was supposed to be all about them, they were all about others. As we were taking the final photographs of Alyssa and Nick’s heirlooms, she walked outside with a wrapped, gold box in her hand. “I have something for you!” she explained. We stopped and looked up. “You got us something? On your wedding day?” we stared in amazement. And it even matched her wedding colors! In the middle of the craziest, most chaotic week of Alyssa’s life, when she should’ve been being served and shouldn’t have to think about anyone else, she was. She did. And not just her bridal party, but even her photographers. It’s just who she is. As we pulled back the ribbon back and took out each item one by one, we got emotional. Why? It was all of our favorite little things. It was so personal, and we were so touched. People ask us all the time if we ever have “bridezillas.” And you know what? We don’t. We are so proud to say we don’t have bridezillas. We have AJ Brides. And we are constantly blown away by them. We have brides who are warm. Loving. Thoughtful. Giving. Kind. Selfless. We have Alyssas. They inspire us. And that, friends, is the greatest gift of all.
Alyssa and Nick, we love you two from the bottom of our heart. Thank you for making us feel so special on your special day. Here are a few of our favorite photos from your beautiful wedding day.
the WEDDING TEAM…
Bride’s Dress: Lillian Lottie Couture
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Ceremony Location: Westin Kierland
Designer/Planner: Some Like It Classic
DJ: Mancini Entertainment
Floral Design: Table Tops Etc.
Getting Ready Location: Westin Kierland
Hair Stylist: Ruca Bowman
Invitations/Paper Products: Celebrations in Paper
Linens: La Tavola
Makeup Artist: Courtney Montes
Officiant: Nick Demos
Photographers: Amy & Jordan
Reception Location: Westin Kierland
Videographer: eMotion
the GEAR USED for this WEDDING…
Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 50 1.2
Canon 70-200 2.8
Canon 100 2.8
Canon 24-70 2.8
Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT
Entire Gear List
