Cait + Marshall || A Philadelphia Waterfront Engagement

While walking to meet up with Cait + Marshall in Philadelphia, I passed by the cutest little alleyway. I knew that it had to be our first stop!
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There is something so intimate + inviting about teeny alleyways in the city. They’re like a little hug among all the typically large and bustled city streets. Historical and quaint, they’re just begging you to wander down their path. And so we did!
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Next, we headed towards the waterfront and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Cait had told me she was obsessed with the bridge and we definitely needed photos by it! + I am so glad that we did!!!
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Side note- do you think it a coincidence that Cait’s favorite bridge shares a name with her dog who she is also obsessed with? I so badly wanted Franklin to come to the city for their engagement shoot… but I just found out he will be at the wedding this weekend!!! 🐶❤️ #puppylove

We got a little distracted by nearby flowering trees for their color + beauty…

but eventually found ourselves looking out at the bridge again. Do you blame us?

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C+M Waterfront Philadelphia Engagement Session Bridget Marie120-2C+M Waterfront Philadelphia Engagement Session Bridget Marie121-2So excited to spend all day tomorrow with these cuties for round two as they say I do!  We’re heading to Canandaigua, NY- which holds a special place in my heart since it’s where Mark and I got engaged!  ALL THE LOVE!!!

XO
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Bri + Max || A South Carolina Beach Engagement Session

I met up with Bri + Max near Charleston, South Carolina, where they currently live.  Bri suggested we started at a park that reminded her of Boston Commons- which was perfect considering the two of them had met while attending Boston University!

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My favorite part about South Carolina is definitely the trees!  Can you tell??? 😍😍😍
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Next up, we headed off to the beach!  Which is also fitting… Max literally proposed to Bri with a message in a bottle floating by.  Like what?!  They are a movie.
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We planned on popping a bottle of wine but we got caught up having too much fun running around in the sand and splashing in the water.  (Max was reallly excited about the latter haha)
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B+M Charleston Engagement Session by Bridget Marie54B+M Charleston Engagement Session by Bridget Marie56It’s no surprise the night flew by.  These two were so fun and so sweet.  And I don’t expect anything less this weekend as they make it all official- they gettin’ marrrrried😍

I’m sure I’ll be blogging about their big day soon after, so be on the lookout for that!  And maybe I’ll even pull out some photos from mine and Bri’s younger years… if you’re lucky🙈

XO

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Marisa + Eric || A day at the NYS Fair!

I think we all know what tomorrow is– the start of the New York State Fair!  As a New Yorker, this means two things.  1) The end of summer, and 2) let’s go people watching + sweat our booties off while forgetting what personal space feels like + eat the most obnoxious new fried food concoction + drink wine slushies
I know that probably doesn’t sound that fun.  But I swear, for some strange reason, it really is.

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Last year, as newlyweds, Marisa + Eric showed me what a day at the fair looks like for them.  They are probably the biggest fair lovers that I know, so I would trust their fair expertise and do all of these things!  I’ll also throw in a few of my personal favs!

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Stop #1::  Milk Bar
I don’t even like milk but I always make a stop at the milk bar, first and foremost.  Maybe because I remember doing it as a kid?  They have both chocolate and white milk.  And it’ll be the freshest you’ve ever tasted.

 

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While in the Dairy Building, check out the butter sculpture!  I can’t imagine carving 800 of butter for 80+ hours.  That alone deserves recognition!  But the art and intricacy of each sculpture really is amazing- all 360 degrees!

Stop #2::  FOOD
The buildings and walk ways are packed with all the foods you can think of.  For Marisa + Eric, they chose a blooming onion.  Personally, I always go for the Gianelli’s/Dinosaur BBQ tent.  No matter what you choose, you (almost) can’t go wrong.  If you’re feeling adventurous you can try something thing like alligator meat, or whatever new bacon-topped/deep-fried items they have this year.  Here is a list of favorite foods from last year’s fair.  And a list of new foods you’ll find at this year’s fair (including a deep fried hot-dog chocolate topped creation)

 

Stop #3::  Exhibits
No matter who you are, there is sure to be an exhibit that interests you.  From visiting animals of all kinds, to live art displays…

 

or concerts, parades, NYS Troopers repelling off of a building, experiencing cultures with in the different villages, etc.  Just wandering about while you eat, you’re certain to find a thing or two that catches your eye.

We took a break outside of the Horticulture building for a photo opp and some cuteness

 

 

 

Stop #4::  Wine Slushies
As I mentioned before, these are very important.  They’re sweet and refreshing on a hot summer day, and I feel like they’re on every corner!  Not to mention, I credit the alcohol for allowing me to feel better about the crowd of one hundred thousand some-odd people.  TBH this is probably earlier on my list of stops, but we’ll go with it for photo purposes.  So grab those slushies and let’s head down the Midway!

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Stop #5::  Games and Rides
Yay!  One of my favorite parts about the fair- when else do you have an amusement park in your back yard?  Hop on your favorite rides,  play a game for a pet goldfish (RIP Ginny)…

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My favorite ride to end the night is always at the top of the ferris wheel, with all the fair lights lit up- it looks so beautiful!

 

Stop #6::  PIZZE FRITTE
My final stop is always always the Villa for a Pizze Fritte.  The music is always bumping and the frittes are always SO GOOD!

 

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What are your favorite things about the fair?  Anything I missed?  Comment below!
And if you want to see Marisa + Eric’s wedding blog- click here! 🙂

Hannah + Bryce || An Adventurous Utah Couples Session

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Utah is always a favorite place of mine.  And this time was certainly no different!  I met up with Hannah + Bryce, and they had just gotten their new pup Winston! (Yes, he is named after Winston Bishop in New Girl 😍)

To start off, we stopped into Hannah + Bryce’s local favorite Mexican Restaurant for TACOS 😋

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I loved the little touches and the big fun between Bryce + Hannah.  AND the occasional photobomb from the cutest pup, of course!

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Can you find Winston? ^
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I’m so glad to have met Hannah (almost exactly one year ago!) and have this opportunity to photograph her sweet little fam!  Thank you for making my time in Utah so special and hilarious.  Taco ‘bout a good time 🤣  Can’t wait until we do it again!Adventurous Mountain Utah Couple

Carrie + Danny || An In-Home, City, and Nighttime Chicago Engagement Session

What do you get when you combine A LOT of laughs, a bean, Cardi B, and twinkly lights?  This amazing shoot in Chicago with my friends- that’s what!  Okurrrr

But really… Carrie and Danny are one of my favorite couples EVER!  They moved away from Syracuse last year to take on the Chi town life together.  I knew it would be so special to capture what this engaged time looks like for them- them in their new home, just being them.  We started off with some apartment snuggles, before heading out to a few of their favorite sights, and ended on their rooftop with the city lights twinkling all around us.

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Their goofiness is THE best and their hearts are so so good.  They’re the type of people you want to hang out with all day, every day.

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I’m obsessed with these nighttime shots!

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I feel too lucky to call these cuties my friends and am SO happy for them and the life they’ve created in Chicago.  I cannot wait to come back and visit!  Love you guys!

XOXO
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Katie + Eric || New York City Engagement

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Katie and Eric are planning the sweetest hometown backyard wedding and I CANNOT WAITTT!!!  Katie loves Baldwinsville and no matter what venue they visited, nothing seemed quite right until the idea of having it in her parent’s back yard.

When it came to decide the location for their engagement photos, I discovered that Katie is exactly like a Lifetime movie- half hometown, half city girl!  The Big Apple has played a big role in their relationship through the years, and so they took me around to a few of their favorite spots!

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Katie and I had bonded over our love of Gossip Girl, so when she brought me to these places I was low-key (but not so low-key) freaking out.

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VIEWSNYC Intimate Engagement Wedding Session B.Fotographic170When the sun went down and the city lights really began to shine…

NYC Intimate Engagement Wedding Session B.Fotographic182-2Multiple times throughout the day I was in tears from laughing so hard I had to put down my camera.  Katie’s fun is infectious and so dang sweet!  And her smile only grows bigger when she looks at Eric.  Talk about adorable.

I can’t wait for their big day in September!  Thank you for showing me your NYC K+E!

XOXO
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B.Foto’s – Best of 2017 Weddings

What.  A.   Year.  2017 was filled from top to bottom with the most loving couples, unforgettable moments, stunning venues, gorgeous details, and craziest parties.  Read on to hear about all my favorites from 2017!

  1. Jumping for joy with these getting ready moments

Getting ready favorites include: {above} Megan and her daughter, {below} Mackenzie and her bridesmaids, expressing their excitement for each of their big days by jumping on the bed!  But also, Mackenzie getting a McDonalds delivery the morning of her wedding.  Because YES.

2.  Let’s in-VEST-igate this groom’s style

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Eric‘s style was all his own. He skipped the traditional suit/tux and instead opted for a wool vest and hunter green khakis. All tied together with a pocket watch from his bride-to-be.

3. Saying yes to these bride’s dresses:

Speaking of Eric’s bride-to-be… Marisa knocked it out of the park too with her BHLDN dress!

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Another favorite dress from this year was Mallory’s. From the SLEEVES to the layers in the skirt, I was alllll about it.

4. Unbelie-veil-ble:

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Marlee‘s cathedral veil had me wishing that every bride had one.

5. Love this old, borrowed, AND blue

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Anna wore her grandmother’s wedding dress to her rehearsal and I still can’t get over it.  What a beautiful and special way to honor your loved ones and bring history to your big day.

6. Here comes the bridal portrait:

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This portrait of Emma just gives me some serious feels.  So very soft, yet strong, at the very same time.

7.  [Flower] girls just wanna have fun!

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I wanted to join in and twirl around the room in a princess dress, too.

8. Ring Bear-er:

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Emma and Mike put a spin on the traditional ring bearer- and instead had a ring bear!

9.  Bridesbabes, dressed to the fines:

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I love the skirts with mismatched white tops for Anna‘s bridesmaids.

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This one reminds me of Beyonce’s ‘Bow Down’.  And if you can take your eyes off of Steph‘s train… I love the slate-blue color in the bridesmaid dresses!

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Last but not least, how cute are these twirling bridesmaids!

10.  Best Man’s style

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Navy blue was definitely the color of the year for groomsmen in 2017.  From tuxes…

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to suits, with burgundy accents.

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Some even chose navy blue for their football unis.

11. Father shows best:

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Marlee‘s dad had the best reaction to seeing his daughter all ready to walk down the aisle.

12. First look [what you made me do]

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So I’m not a fan of TSwift’s song, but Brandon‘s reaction to first seeing Steph is literally what dreams are made of.

13.  First look alternative

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Jeff and Mallory didn’t want to actually see one another before their ceremony, so instead they opted for some hand-holding and a talk to calm their nerves.  (Look for more of this wedding being blogged soon!!!)

14.  Love at first sight:

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When Jeff finally did see Mal coming down the aisle…. UGHHH my heart

15.  Cere-MONEY

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Marisa + Eric‘s ceremony still has me crying.  A surprise flash-mob style song took my heart.

16.  Arbor flower power:

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Arbors have become more popular with the rise in outdoor weddings.  And this one takes the cake.

17. The sweetest love:

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I know I’ve said it before, but this shot of Elaina + Steve seriously makes me melt.

18. Wild at heart:

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Jamie + Anna running through the wildflowers, surrounded by towering mountains is why I’m counting down the minutes until I get to go back to Utah.

19.  Over the moon:

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Brian + Kate ft. the moon.  Can there be a full moon for every wedding???  Plz?

20.  So Syracuse:

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After Jennifer + Joe said “I Do” we wandered the streets of Syracuse.

21. Location, location, location:

John Joseph Inn in Ithaca, NY  had everything from a beautiful manor, a lush garden, an apple orchard, farm land and animals, (I could go on and on).  There was so much variety and photo opportunities at this venue- it was a photographer’s dream land.

22. Decor galore:

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Lanterns and flowers dripping from the Sky, and the simple greenery on the table.  Perfection.

23. Introducing:

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Although this isn’t the bride and groom, I thought that their originality deserved a spot on the lineup.

24.  First danc-ing with the stars:

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Loved the emotion in the room during Anna + Jamie‘s first dance- and then the fun song that followed (which I was certain was choreographed).

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It’s magic when moments like this fall together.  Emma + Mike framed by each of their parents during their first dance.

25.  #HashtagGameStrong

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#KissTheCooks for the new Mr. and Mrs. Cook- not only was there a chef hat dance party, but their card box was a cooking pot and Hershey kisses were at the door for guests as they left.

26.  DESSERT:

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Marisa + Eric had an ice cream truck at their wedding as a refreshing night-time snack.

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Courtney + Brett’s Donut Bar was perfect for the late-fall, a warm and sweet treat with ALL the toppings you could ask for.

27. Just DANCE:

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Marisa + Eric‘s wedding came complete with several dance performances on the loft/stage.

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Jamie + Anna‘s wedding was non-stop dancing, and even continued for (more than a few) encore songs.

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So very, VERY thankful to each and every one of my couples that made this year incredible!  I am so happy for you and your love!  I could go on and on about favorite things from each wedding, but I’m all punned out.  SO from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU times a million for your support and friendship and for being you!

XOXO
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Marisa + Eric || A rustic glam Mandana Barn wedding in Skaneateles, NY

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I remember talking with Marisa on the phone when she first reached out about photographing her wedding, and she kept coming back to this idea that she had of the wedding having a “community feel.”  It was less about the wedding, and more about them actually getting married (YES!!!) and being surrounded by all the important and special people in their lives (AMEN).  Can we just take a moment to appreciate this… THIS is the way weddings should be.

So the morning started as any other would.  Hair and makeup with the girls at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel.

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Marisa and Eric decided to not have a traditional bridal party.  Instead, they invited their closest friends and family to be a part of their day, get ready with them, and wear whatever they wanted!

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We sent the girls back inside, and I caught up with the guys

Then everyone headed to the Mandana Barn in Skaneateles for the ceremony and reception.

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Much of the ceremony was a surprise to Marisa + Eric.  They asked friends and family to speak or sing, but didn’t necessarily request particular songs or words.  My favorite part of their day was watching Marisa, as what started off as just a few friends singing, turn into at least 20 people… and then the entire audience with little egg shakers, singing and shaking to the beat.  She had no idea!  It truly felt like a moment out of a movie.

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Marisa + Eric’s Favorite Part of the Day:  “It’s hard to choose, but we would probably say the ceremony. We spent a lot of time creating a ceremony that felt like “us.” From the vows, the music; having someone close to us as the officiant, the rings, etc. it was really incredible to see it all come together.”

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Inside the couple shared their first dance in the sunlit spot-light before heading to the tent for dinner.

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Marisa and Eric’s wedding day advice:  “Ask for what you need. Don’t be afraid to ask friends & family to help! My cousin did my flowers, my aunts made the cookies, my best friend’s parents cooked for the dinner, our friend Megan and my sister Marie did all of the decor. Everyone felt invested and part of the day in a special way – and were happy to help. My mom and I made the seating mirror and table names. It felt so amazing to look around and experience the personal touches and community aspect. It felt so personal and touching.
This also helped us “splurge” on a few things – like Gannon’s icecream truck or an open bar the entire night.”

During the speeches, an unexpected letter was read.  Written by her late father, there was a note for Marisa and her new husband on their wedding day.  I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.  This was such a beautiful gift and moment, I don’t ever think I could put into words.

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As if you needed more reasons to love this wedding, they had an ice cream stand out front from Gannon’s Ice Cream!

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This wedding might forever be one of the most heartfelt and emotional wedding I ever attend.  So much raw emotion, and thoughtful gifts of song/word (and dance!), such authentic love, a real sense of community, coming together to celebrate this couple on their big day.  My heart is so full for you two!

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XOXO
Bridget

Photographer:  Bridget of B.Fotographic
Videographer: Ashley Morrell of Moved By You Videography
Venue: The Mandana Barn
Hotel: Sheraton Syracuse University
Hair: Jennifer Bersani of Frederick Anthony’s Salon
Make-Up: Christina Samuels of Christina Samuels LifeStylist
Dress: BHLDN
Flowers + Decor: Krystal Parizot + Megan Hopp
Rings:
Eric- Wedding Band: Anna Rei Jewellery UK,
Marisa- Engagement Ring: Arik Kastan, Wedding Band: Bride’s Mother’s
DJ: Ryan Dixon
Cookies: Homemade Italian cookies from bride and groom’s families
Ice Cream: Gannon’s Isle Ice Cream

Anna + Jamie || A Summer Wedding in the Mountains of Alta, Utah

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Anna and Jamie kicked off their wedding weekend at rehearsal (where Anna was wearing her grandmother’s wedding dress!  UGH) and then we all headed to their old high school for rehearsal dinner.  I was shocked when we arrived and so jealous of the views- I cannot imagine looking out the window of C.W. Baker (my high school in Baldwinsville, NY) and seeing mountains!

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The next morning, I headed to the house to meet up with the girls, and Mark went to meet the guys at the Alta Peruvian Lodge (where we would later be returning, for the reception).

(p.s. Anna’s dad made their rings- what?!)

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We all headed down the mountain to the St. Thomas More Catholic Church for Jamie and Anna to say “I do!”

I’m going to go ahead and say that this is the best form of transportation I have ever seen on a wedding day.  It’s part bus, part convertible!

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Then back up the mountain for bridal party photos.  What an unbelievable backdrop!

Introducing Utah’s State starting line…

And to the Lodge in time for cocktail hour on the back patio.

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We were welcomed inside by speeches from both of their dads… definitely a highlight of the day!

We snuck the bride and groom out for some photos in the wildflowers.  I literally had to keep pinching myself.  UGH SO BEAUTIFUL!

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Inside- everyone danced the night away!

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Anna’s favorite part of the day:  “Our first dance. Spending those special moments just being with my new husband and then turning around to being completely surrounded by all of our family and friends.”

Jamie’s favorite part of the day: “Standing in the middle of the dance floor, sweaty, smiling, and looking around at all the friends and family there celebrating with us then looking at my new wife smiling and laughing and realizing that I get to have fun with her for the rest of my life.”

Jamie’s advice: “Don’t try and stand around and talk to everyone. Let people come to you and make your way around in a fun and adventurous way. Dance when you want to dance and don’t let the “planned” activities get in the way of having fun!”

Anna’s advice:  “Enjoy the day to the fullest. Don’t worry about pleasing others. Just remember that at the end of the day the most important detail is that you are married. And always always dance!”

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And dance they did!  I don’t think Jamie or Anna left the dance floor all night.  AND they definitely had many, many encore songs haha!

The next morning, we rode the tram at Snowbird Mountain, up a 1.6 mile cable to 2,900 vertical feet for a few more photos of the couple!  And I am so glad that we did!

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With a group like this, where family is so important to them, it means SO much for us to be included and welcomed as if we were a part of their own.  We didn’t want the weekend to end!  A huge thank you to Anna and Jamie for the dreamiest wedding weekend ever!

XOXO
Bridget and Mark

Photographer:  Bridget and Mark of B.Fotographic
Venue: The Alta Peruvian Lodge
Church: St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Hair: Chelsea Brennan
Make-Up: Larissa
Dress:  Bridal Closet
Flowers: Potted Pansy
Rings:  Bride’s Dad, Phil Jung
Bus: US Bus Utah
DJ:  John Franco of DJ Remix
Cake: Flour and Flourish

The importance of a photograph

So today I’m sitting here with a huge cup of coffee, and 3 page to-do list, and I just got completely overwhelmed with an idea and thought I NEED to write about this.

The importance of a photograph.

So obviously, I’m a photographer so I love photos, I love taking them, I love looking at them, etc.  But.  These last few years I have been dissecting what the photographs in my life, mean to me.

As you might already know, I love to travel.  There is honestly so much in this world to see, experience, love, encounter.  When you return home, the photos are the only real evidence that you were there.  I mean, I could photoshop myself into scenes from around the world and probably convince myself that I had been there.  That’s how powerful a photo is to me.
Joshua Tree, Laguna Beach, Sequoia and Yosemite California Roadtrip 2015 1271 - Version 2
However, when you have that photograph, you can almost remember the way your lungs felt when you got to the top of the cliff.  Or it being so cold, you were clinging to one another to steal some warmth.  Or how crisp and fresh the air felt, and the sun upon your face.  Photos can freeze time.  They allow you to revisit a place- a feeling.

On a more personal note, I’m going to dive into this idea of photos being a feeling.  Warning, this is going to get a little sappy…

Right before I got into photography, my grandfather (Papa) got sick.  He had kicked cancer’s butt before, but this time it wasn’t looking so good.  His birthday was coming up so we decided to get a family photo.  I was ‘taking a digital photography class’ and had ‘a $300 camera’ so I set up a tripod and took the group photo.  Regardless of how awful my photography skills were at this time, this is the best picture I have ever taken.  It’s the best gift I have ever given myself.

Photos of Papa 016
Please don’t judge my photography based on this photo.  Clearly I didn’t understand lighting and was very into heavy vignettes at this time lol  *Hire a professional, it makes all the difference*

Since my Papa has passed, I’ve held onto this photo (and this day) so tightly.  I wish so badly that I had taken more photos of him, and truly captured his spirit and heart.  I wish we had more photos together (regardless of the acne on my face that caused me to run the other way).  He means so much to me, and every photo we do have together is my favorite.  It’s a reminder of how safe his hugs felt, the jokes he made, and the joy he brought to my life.  So please, take way too many pictures with those you love.

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
Aaron Siskind

So to me, photos are more than just an image.  Tied together, they tell my story, where I’ve been, the things I’ve felt.  They are able to take me back to a place, a person, a moment.   What a beautiful thing.

XOXO
B