A picture of quiet radiance and contained excitement was what met me at the door to her parents house. Liz was itching to get into her dress and waiting for me before putting it on. Even though it was her wedding day some of the first words out of her mouth were to inquire about how I was feeling and how the baby was. See, we were both pulling for the same thing – that I get through September 5th without going into labour! Doing a wedding 9 months pregnant was crazy – fun – tiring – joyful and emotional. I could not have done it without my amazing team of papparazzos – Sam, Bryan and another fulltime photog; Rick Denham. I have second shot for Rick before so it was fun to have him come a long on this side of things and he was a HUGE help!

I am so terribly late in blogging this wedding but I still want to tell the story from their day. I first met Liz and Ryan through Caitlin – one of Liz’s co-workers and very good friend. Caitlin and I had worked together on a few weddings at Hernder’s back when she was doing her placement for college there. So when Liz and Ryan came in for their first meeting they mentioned not wanting to be too long because they had their puppy at home so they had to limit their time. Well, knowing that I talk a lot (yes, despite my awful blogging habits in person I am a little miss chatterbox) I knew that we would probably run over and well I love animals anyways – so I invited them to bring their Jack Russell – Eddie along. What a perfect play date for my Freddie and even if they decided not to book me Freddie would make a new friend and work out some energy. I am so glad that they brought Eddie with them because we definitely ran over and by the end of it I knew that we would be working together!

Through all the planning, the engagement shoot, and the wedding the thing that struck me the most about these two was their complete ease. WHO plans a wedding and isn’t stressed about it? Well I guess having one of your close friends as your wedding planner helps but more than that they had a great attitude about the day. Both of them couldn’t wait to be married and in fact Liz drew more than a few giggles during the ceremony as she was practically dancing around as Father John announced them – she just wanted to get to the kiss – because she missed Ryan and couldn’t wait to walk hand in hand down the aisle with him.

It was so awesome to be there and witness two best friends and soulmates celebrate their relationship, love, families and characters together in such a special way. Thanks again reading my panicked e-mail in February and listening to the fact that my due date was a mere 2 and half weeks from your wedding day and sticking it out with me. I know I had a backup plan just in case but your faith in me is priceless. On that note – on to the photos!

Liz’s gorgeous dress

A gorgeous photo of the rings by Rick – these two are avid baseball players

Liz snuck in from the side and surprised everyone – doesn’t her face just look so excited!

So in love

Happy little family

Yup – the entire wedding party played baseball in formal attire at the botanical gardens – photo by Sam

Pretty picture by me of the girls

Awesome picture of the guys by Rick

so at ease with each other

yes – i climbed down a small ravine while 9 months pregnant to get this shot! So happy Bryan had disappeared back to the hall at this point

and I’ll finish off with a fantastic capture by Rick during the first dance

Wishing you friendship and love,

Amanda