In all the years that we’ve been photographing weddings, we have never experienced a ceremony quite like Juliane & Brendan’s. A ceremony that was SO unique and personal, involving the entire Bridal Party and their families and all those that have been a special part of their relationship. It was an unplugged ceremony which made it even better – all of their guests were attentive to every little part of the ceremony they had put together 🙂 Their officiants were their friends, Sarah & Will, the two people that were present the moment they met. It only seemed fitting that these would be the people that would marry them and they did an AMAZING job planning the entire ceremony themselves! They had each member of the Bridal Party share a line from a poem, movie or song that spoke to Juliane and Brendan about their love. They had a friend read the words to “Being Alive” from a Broadway musical (one of my favorites!) “Company” – a song that is about what happens when you decide not only to love but to be loved. And they had another friend read a letter from John Steinbeck wrote to his son about falling in love, a letter Brendan would share with Juliane while they were dating and would be separated by distance at times. The line he would share with her was “And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.” How fitting for their wedding day! He didn’t let her get away and now, they are husband and wife 🙂

Juliane & Brendan’s wedding day was unlike any other wedding we’ve shot before and we absolutely LOVED it! It was a “garden” wedding at the Willowwood Arboretum. Amongst the butterflies, Juliane & Brendan were married and the celebrations immediately followed in a gorgeous tented reception – with dancing in the barn! I mean, how FUN does that all sound!? Everything they had dreamed of came together beautifully for their wedding day. Their first look was so exciting to be a part of. When Brendan turned around and saw Juliane, he just looked amazed! And he said what everyone had been saying all morning (even what her father said after their sweet first look!) as they looked at Juliane. “You look like YOU!” That is just the highest compliment on a wedding day! You shouldn’t look like some glammed-up barbie doll – you SHOULD look like you and she certainly did! My favorite images from Juliane and Brendan’s wedding day are all the moments that they weren’t smiling at the camera. When they walked hand-in-hand to the next portrait location or  when they were dancing like they were the only two on the dance floor or when they were reacting to one of the many wonderful toasts during their dinner. The moments where its just THEM together, being who they are. Those are the photos I cherish and I know they will too :)While there were plenty of wonderful traditions (like the breaking of the glass and the most EPIC hora ever!!) – there were also moments that was truly THEM. Like the fact that they didn’t cut a cake, because they aren’t crazy about cake to begin with! Instead they served individual pies – LOVED that and it just tied into the theme of their wedding day perfectly! The fact that they didn’t hire a videographer – they just had GoPro’s and their Bridal Party and guests took turns passing them around and being in charge of them the entire day and night long! So fun! It was all about what THEY wanted it to be – every Bride & Groom should do that for their wedding day! Just do what you want to do 🙂

It was a wedding day for the books and one that Jose and I were SO honored to have been a part of! Every moment was better than the last and it was beautiful. Juliane & Brendan, thank you for letting us be a part of your wedding day! We hope you’re having an amazing time on your honeymoon in France! Enjoy our favorite images from their wedding day and congrats!! 🙂

  

VENDORS

Venue – Willowwood Arboretum | Band – Silver Arrow Band | Catering & Event Planning – Della Terra Catering | Florist – Tracey Reynolds Floral Design | Invitation Suite, Programs & Menus – Minted | Groom’s Suit – Trunk Club | Bridesmaids dresses – Johanna August | Groomsmen’s Suits –Suit Supply |Bride’s Shoes – Prada | Hair Stylist & Make-up: Mercedes Crescimbeni