I’ll be the first one to tell you that my favorite weddings are the weddings of people I’ve known at some point in my life. There’s just something about seeing someone I know be happy and in love. Honestly, it gives me goosebumps. And makes me tear up.

It’s the reason I have to contain a huge smile and a lump in my throat whenever family or friends ask Toby and I to photograph their wedding. Not only do I have to contain my excitement, but I allow myself a millisecond to take a deep breath and realize that this is why I do what I do. Not just to meet new people and make new friends and get to know people through their special days… But to capture the special moments in the lives of the people who are already dear to me.

Ironically, I had no idea that this would be one of those weddings when we first booked Casie and Brandon’s wedding. Casie was referred to us through a friend of mine and it wasn’t until much later that I realized that I was photographing Brandon’s wedding.

Brandon and I went to grade school together and grew up side-by-side (often too literally). Since both of us had names beginning with “sch”, we were kind of stuck next to each other whenever alphabetical order was involved. As luck would have it, he was also the next door neighbor to one of my best friends while we were growing up. Brandon was what I would call a “worthy adversary”. We got on each others’ nerves and trash-talked over his fence, but in all honesty, I’ve always liked Brandon. He’s a good guy and he has been ever since I’ve known him – it’s as simple as that. And I think that’s something you just know, even if you’re only eight years old.

Admittedly, I was a little bit nervous to shoot his wedding since the last time we really had a conversation was… well, almost never if only grown-up conversations count. I shouldn’t have worried at all – I knew that everything would be great from the moment I met Brandon at Twin Oaks just moments before he’d see his bride for the first time that day. He was as relaxed as ever and when I asked him his opinion about some of the shots we’d be getting that day, his response was simple: “Annie, you’re in charge. You just tell me what I need to do.” A typical groom response to be sure, but he said it with the same nonchalant smile that I remember from grade school. And in that moment, I realized that this was going to be one of those weddings… One of the great ones.

I was right. From the moment Casie and Brandon had their first look, it was wonderful. They are so incredibly head-over-heels in love and it was abundantly clear every time they looked at each other. Not only did I get to see someone I’ve known for years marry the perfect woman for him (Casie, you’re amazing!!!), but I got to see glimpses of the kid that I remember throughout the whole day. I saw it in things like the way that he and Casie sang their first dance song to each other and the way he interacted with his siblings… but mostly I saw it in the same cheesy smile that I remember from all the yearbooks that I have sitting in my basement. And it was all an awesome reminder of why I love my job as much as I do.

Brandon and Casie :: It was wonderful working with you guys! Casie, you were by far one of the most adventurous brides I’ve had and I LOVE it! I think I’ll remember you poised on the edge of that hill fighting back that red plant every time I see those pictures. Thanks to you both for choosing us to be a part of your wedding – I’m so glad you did.

- Annie

First look!

Love this. My view:

Toby’s view:

Casie, you’re gorgeous!

I was super happy to see that not every tree had lost its color!

Did I mention Casie’s shoes? No? Well, they were amazing.

Brandon and his siblings!

Beautiful flowers!

I loved Casie’s headband!

Casie, you rocked these!!!

First kiss! My view:

Toby’s view:

This moment right after they walk back down the aisle… it’s one of my favorites.

L.O.V.E.

This is the cheesy smile!!!! I was so psyched that I caught it!

The band, Weezy Jefferson, was fabulous!!! I’d highly recommend them!

Nice bunny ears, Katelyn!

Happy Birthday, Brian!

Last, but not least, the ring shots! While we were walking around taking photos of Casie and Brandon, Casie was telling us how much she love our ring shots and that those were her favorite shots! So when she mentioned how much she loved Lacy’s ring shots with the sprinkles, I knew Toby or I would have to make a quick trip to Walgreens at the end of the night. I hope you like them, Casie!

Band- Weezy Jefferson
Cake- Jeana’s Great Cakes
Catering/Reception- Twin Oaks
Church- St. Therese Southgate
Dress – Fabulous Bridal
Flowers- Bella Flora
Hair- D-zynes by Laura
Makeup- Andrea Flannery
Rings- Schwartz Jewelers
Shoes- DSW