Virginia & John :: Truly a white wedding!
Virginia & John were married December 6 at Our Lady of Consolation in Rockford. Now, Virginia explained to me when we met over the summer that she REALLY wanted a white, snowy wedding. So she prayed for snow, and snow she got! The snowfall didn't quite match the blizzard we're experiencing right now (have you been praying again, Virginia?!), but it was inches of fluffy, perfect snow.
Virginia and John planned a beautiful wedding, and it was every bit as amazing as Virginia had described. But it wasn't just the details she planned that made it amazing. This was the most touching wedding I photographed this year! I'm a big softie, and each wedding is unique, whether it is joyful, emotional, fun, or all of the above. With Virginia & John and their family and friends, the honest, pure and open emotion was incredible to experience, and even got me crying right along!
So here's the preview. Don't forget to view the more extensive slideshow!
The flowers were gorgeous! Only fitting that they should be in the snow...
Virginia's stunning dress.
I adored her shoes. I love it when brides incorporate something crazy & fun!
Virginia's mom got choked up when she first saw her daughter in her wedding gown.
John's mom brought a letter from John, and took him a card from Virginia. How sweet!
Of course, that got the tears flowing...
Virginia used her grandmother's broach for an elegant touch.
There was so much sass & life in these girls!
Virginia was an absolutely lovely bride...
John and the guys looked pretty good themselves! We had so much fun with this awesome wedding party.
John and Virginia did something very unique. They didn't want to see each other before the ceremony, but they did want to be able to touch and talk for a moment. We cleared out the dressing room and hallway and the bride & groom got to comfort each other and share their joy. It was a moment that made me smile and cry at the same time, it was so beautiful.
I wanted to take the two flower girls home, they were so cute!
And this little one too...
The moment they laid eyes on each other...
The ceremony was perfect, and Father Tony was funny & kind.
Finally, the kiss!!
And the celebratory hug!
The wedding party braved the weather and headed out on the party bus for pictures in downtown Rockford. You can see how hard the snow was coming down, but they were such troopers!
John & Virginia had a few moments alone for some photos.
Our last stop was a neat old railroad bridge where the bridal party used some attitude to keep warm...
Then on to the reception with some simply gorgeous details.
The new Mr. & Mrs! Notice the classy cape on John and the nice jacket on Virginia.
More teal & black details.
As you can imagine, the speeches were incredibly touching. What a wedding.
Then it was on to the first dance as husband and wife.
And the parent dances...
Finally, the guests got their groove on!
Virginia and John, it was such a pleasure to be a part of your day. Your families and friends were incredible, and I'm so thrilled I was there to capture the beginning of your lives together. Don't forget to view your slideshow here!