Louisa + Zach. Wedding Part 1.

Yes, you read the title right. I have so much to share about Zach and Louisa’s wedding that it is going to take two posts! You probably remember Zach and Louisa’s engagement session from this past fall. Their engagement was even featured on Grey Likes Weddings! That said, I know that more than just friends and family are looking forward to this post.

I talked with Louisa a few months before the wedding and convinced her to take a chance on full day coverage. “Full day” meaning I started shooting when all the girls woke up in the morning and started breakfast, and finished after the grand exit. Most people would think “why would I want that many photos?” or “there won’t be anything going on that early!”. . . Well, I’m excited to show you the difference between minimum hours of coverage, and full coverage on your wedding day! Usually double-part posts are full of details. Things on tables, hand-painted signs, and wedding favors. While I looooove some good details, I also love having this two part post featuring almost no details. This one is all about the emotion. The moments. The smiles, hugs, and tears. The first look between Louisa and Zach and the aisle-walk that was just as special. I hope you all feel like you were there after looking through these two posts :)

The details . . .

Brides dress : Maggie Sottero

Bridesmaids dresses : Jordan Fashions

Ceremony venue : Woodmont United Methodist Church

Reception venue : The Reidsville Event Center

Catering and cake : Piece of Cake

Louisa and Zach both got ready in the homes of family friends and I can’t tell you what a good choice this was! The atmosphere was so relaxed and we had some beautiful window light to work with. And the dress. Oh. My. Gosh. It was glorious. See for yourself.

We started shooting with the girls during the bridesmaids breakfast. June is Louisa’s baby and was trying her best to steal attention from the bride all morning ;)

Louisa gave personalized gifts to all the bridesmaids and attendants. This is her sister, Amelia, reading the letter. I love the reaction!

Louisa’s new sis-in-law peeked in on the makeup process in the bathroom. She is such a cutie!

While the girls were going through the hair and makeup process, Jonathan and I went down the street to see the boys. Zach had just come in from his morning fishing trip and was writing a sweet note to his soon to be father-in-law.

The groomsmen got gifts too. . . I love this shot Jonathan got of one of the monogrammed pocket knives.

Zach was in and out of being nervous all morning long. I think his guys did a good job of keeping him calm, though :)

Everyone got these neon sunglasses in their gifts to use during the choreographed dance at the reception later in the day. I love that Zach worked his during the getting ready part of the day, too.

I love this shot by Jonathan.

We shot back over to the girls house just in time to finish up hair and makeup, and get dressed!

I love this chair.

This cutie pie was having so much fun with the girls. Isn’t she beautiful?

Dress time! I am in LOVE with the yellow walls in this room.

Jonathan grabbed these two photos of Louisa. . .

The detail in this dress is incredible! I love this classic portrait.

After a few photos of the girls, we headed to the church. This is the time that I would normally arrive for six hours of coverage. I’m so glad I didn’t miss all the morning’s activities! If we tried to squeeze in photos of getting ready, details, and portraits, we probably would have missed lots of the stuff happening on the side.

These are Louisa’s younger sisters. I love this little moment they shared.

Louisa read a letter from Zach before heading up to the sanctuary for the first look.

There were a couple of laughs but there were definitely some tears too.

Jonathan photographed Zach reading a letter from his bride, too.

Louisa wore a family heirloom veil. It was soooo perfect!

The first look was so precious . . .

Jonathan shot these close-ups of Zach’s reaction to seeing his bride for the first time.

I love these moments and I can’t tell you how helpful a first look is! Zach and Louisa got to have a private moment together before the ceremony but it didn’t take anything away from the walk down the aisle (as you’ll see in the next post!).

Because of the first look, we had time to do all the family portraits beforehand and the family had time to relax together.

Up next : the ceremony, portraits, and reception! Make sure to leave some comment love before I make my second post :)