Aaron and Clare met at St. Thomas University so it was only natural to use their chapel for the ceremony. To add to the sweetness of this couple, we had their first sight under the St. Thomas arches which, if I have the story right, is said to give you true love if you kiss under the arches at 11:00 at night. From what I hear, Aaron and Clare definitely took part in this tradition. :) Along with nerves and excitement, wind played a big part in this couple's first sight! Clare's gown and veil were floating and flying like crazy. (Her veil literally flew off at one point. Good luck, right?)
Clare looked absolutely stunning in her Che Bella gown and vintage jewelry. Her maids wore lovely dove grey lace dresses and carried luscious bouquets by Colleen's Flower Cellar. Aaron and his groomsmen invested in their Banana Republic suits rather than renting, and they looked dapper! One good-looking group!
The chapel at St. Thomas was of course wonderful! Air-conditioned or not! ;) During the hour long service it poured outside and the minute Aaron and Clare were announced, it stopped. We got so lucky with these storms today! Following the ceremony, we were able to head outside for some outdoor shots; with thunder rumbling in the distance, it stayed dry until we were finished. Then, on the way to the reception, it poured again!
Aaron and Clare chose James J. Hill Library for their reception venue and boy, was I excited for this space! The architecture alone had me jittery with excitement to shoot inside this amazing structure! We did lots of detail shots, played with lighting and angles and had some fun with the wide angle lens. :) Guests were crooned by instrumental versions of top 40 type songs by Instant Request during the cocktail hour and I was definitely a fan! So fun to hear Lady Gaga played by an orchestra! Queen of Cakes created a very suiting three tiered cake that was detailed with script from a poem by E.E. Cummings. And of course, a Green Bay Packer's groom's cake sitting close by. Classic Catering served all of the guests with a light summery salad and a very full plate of food right after!
The matron of honor and best man gave very touching and personal toasts during dinner. Tons of laughter, and a few tears were sprinkling inside just as the rain continued outside. Okay, that was corny but I am sticking with it! Aaron and Clare had a very sweet first dance followed by father-daughter and mother-son dances. Again, a few tears. :) Usually there can be a grace period of when guests begin dancing for the evening but, not these guests! The dance floor was basically full on the first song (doesn't hurt that Michael Jackson was the first song... I'll say it again, great DJ!)
And you probably won't believe it, but it had stopped raining just in time for some sunset-light images in front of the library. See, I knew it was going to be a good day.
Aaron and Clare, I had an incredibly hard time narrowing the number images down for this post and I cannot wait to share the rest with you! Have fun in Paris! :)
