When you have friends get married and they ask you to be a vendor, there is always a moment where you wonder if you’ll be good enough. Always. I’m the kind of friend who wants literally only the best for my friends and so to have someone say that they want me really makes my head spin. Julia and Brett are actually my husband’s friends that I adopted and when Julia messaged me saying she wanted me, I didn’t know what to say. Obviously I said absolutely and thank you and so many wonderful things, but I can’t put into words how much it means to have people I know want me to be their wedding photographer.
Julia wanted a gorgeous fall wedding. October is usually peak fall weather, so why the heck not! Well it was warm, quite warm, and sunny. It was beautiful, the fall colors were just starting to peek through the trees, and the grapes in the vineyard looked marvelous, but it was warm. Julia and Brett really stuck it out, even commenting that the light was so pretty for photos (she was 100% correct in that statement! So proud!) and we were game. The dress Julia wore fit her like a glove, and the lace pattern is one I’ve never seen before. It
was perfect for her and just complimented her glowing smile. The flowers that were brought in, done by the groom’s sister in law, literally took my breath away. I love a good bouquet. But this was so much more than just a good bouquet. It was fall and feminine and bold but still romantic. There were silk ribbons and a hankie one of Julia’s patients gave her tucked inside. It was perfect. The attention to detail was impeccable, down to the extra wood cut for styling details. I was enthralled with photographing everything that I don’t think the smile came off of my face at all.
A beautiful ceremony filled with words of wisdom and God’s love was not too short, but not too long. The perfect amount of time at St. James. I started hearing talk of a pirate ship and I was confused but interested. Julia informed me that instead of a limo or party bus they had. . . a pirate ship! I mean come on, that’s amazing! It was a blast. We stopped at Giant Eagle to grab some snacks, with a small group of confused onlookers, and off we went to find the vineyards in the yard of a bridesmaid. Wrangling the bridal party together, we got through portraits with only a few lady bug bites, and lots of laughing. There was some *interesting hand placement on a few bridesmaid photos, but it made the laughter genuine and that’s just the best.
Take a look at some of my favorite parts of Mr. & Mrs. Phelps’ wedding day! Make sure you look at the crazy amount of gorgeous florals that I obviously am biased toward, and some hilarious moments with Julia and her brother. It’ll make you smile!
To the vendors who helped make this day everything Brett and Julia wished for, thank you! I loved being able to work with all of you, (including the amazing DJ who was there for our wedding too!) and hope to do it again soon!!
Dress: CLE brides Lillian west
Florist: Amy Phelps, Each Day Florals
Ceremony Venue: St James church
Reception Venue: Union Station
DJ/ Entertainment Services: Dj Josh Walters
Cake: Katrina Evans
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s bridal
Groomsmen and Groom attire: Men’s warehouse
Invitations: Vista print
Wood charger plates: Jake Thomas
Transportation: Gypsy Rose
Brett and Julia, thank you isn’t enough for how I feel. I am so so happy that you guys are now a family. It was the most wonderful day and I am happy to be a part of some of the memories. You are so special to so many people, and I hope that you remember that in 50 years when you look through your wedding photos. I love you guys!
Oct 12, 2018
@samanthajhopkins
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© 2019-2023 SHOWIT TEMPLATE BY birdesign & roselyncarr. PHOTOGRAPHY BY samantha HOPKINS
Each photograph is absolutely stunning. You captured their love and happiness to a tee!! I personally will treasure every picture. Thank you for extreme talant in the ability to capture the precious moments of her special day. I would recommend you to anyone. Sincerely, Julia’s Mom