Megan + Garrett | The Apiary Wedding in Lexington, KY

The whole family was in that room — all of them, together — when Megan walked through the door in her dress for the first time. I've been in a lot of getting-ready rooms. Usually it's the bridal party, maybe a mom or two, a close inner circle. This one was different. Bridesmaids and Megan’s Mom in moss green, groomsmen and her Dad already in their suits, parents, siblings, cousins — everyone together in one space. And when Megan appeared in the doorway, the whole room just went.

Some were laughing, and others were already close to tears. Nobody told them what to do when that door opened. The emotions and reactions are real. Seeing faces light up and feeling the warmth and love in that room told me everything I needed to know about this family, and I'd been there less than an hour.

As I usually do, I began not with a camera in hand but with conversation. After catching up a little with Megan and meeting everyone, I started with photographing some of the details that were important to Megan and Garrett. I’m not huge on details, but they can be an important part of the story. So if the couple wants them photographed, you bet I’ll make it happen.

Photographing details first gives everyone in the room a chance to become comfortable with having a camera around, and I use that time to get a feel for the energy of the day. This slower entry into the day is part of my process, and I find it to be equally as important for me as it is for everyone I’ll be photographing; the real emotions and expressions on Megan and her Mom are proof enough to me that this slower approach works.

The Florals

It rained off and on all day. But you'd never know it looking at the florals. The arrangement on that cocktail table — locally grown and expertly arranged by Drury Floral — wasn't apologizing for the weather.

Neither was Megan's bouquet. Against a gray sky, the color absolutely popped, and it landed beautifully all day long.

The Ceremony

I love photographing the moments right before the ceremony. The nerves. The energy. And then, when bride and groom stand face-to-face, holding hands, it’s like a mini-crescendo.

Megan and Garrett’s ceremony featured readings from both Moms and plenty of joyful tears.

The ceremony was punctuated by a dip under the gorgeous hanging floral arrangement during the recessional.

Portraits, But Be Quick

It’s a common misunderstanding that because I’m a documentary wedding photographer I don’t do portraits. That’s absolutely not the case; but I admit I do portraits a little differently.

Instead of stealing Megan and Garrett away for an hour of stiff posing, I guided them around The Apiary’s grounds for some natural feeling, yet creative portraits. All told, I got the happy couple back to cocktail hour and their guests in 15 minutes.

Private Cake Cutting

I loved Megan and Garrett’s private cake cutting in front of a big bay window looking out onto the garden path. Just them and their closest family. No performance … at least not inside.

I could hear kids running back and forth on the other side of the glass. Megan and Garrett heard it too — and just smiled, laughed, and went right back to the moment.

I kept my eye on the window. One of them stopped to tie his shoe right there on the path. I pulled focus to him and let Megan and Garrett stay soft in the foreground. It's a frame that feels like the whole day in miniature — surrounded by family, life moving all around them, and the two of them completely unbothered and happy right in the middle of it.

When photographing something like a cake cutting, it’s really easy to get fixated on what’s happening in front of you; it’s the bride and groom, after all, and they’re doing something important! But as a veteran photojournalist, I learned some of the most powerful photographs come from turning away from the obvious action and looking for the reactions. This image of Megan’s Mom and Dad speaks so loudly, Mom’s raw emotion and Dad’s pride.

Party Time

Before Megan and Garrett made their grand entrance, I caught a glimpse of them practicing their dance in a hallway off to the side. I don’t know if it was truly necessary because they gave a truly impressive dance performance!

Their first dance gave way to an amazing plated dinner, followed by the toasts, speeches, and special dances. The toasts and speeches were so heartfelt and warm, reflecting the vibe of the day so beautifully, and I loved seeing the tenderness in the Mother/Son and Father/Daughter dances.

When open dancing kicked off, Megan and Garrett did not shy away! They were right there in the thick of it!

At one point, Megan joined some family and friends in taking advantage of a break in the rain and stepped outside. The evening was so humid you swim in the air — and the rain didn’t hold off for long — but it didn’t stifle the good times, jokes, and laughter.

By the end of the night, the rain had returned with a vengeance. Not even the rain could put a damper on Megan and Garrett’s beautiful wedding! They made their way through all their friends and family, out through the rain and to a waiting vintage car that whisked them away.

The Vendor Team

• Planner: Christina Burton Events

• Venue, Catering & Bar: The Apiary

• Florals: Drury Floral

• Cake baker: Caramandas

• Dress: Jenny Yoo

• Hair and Makeup: Glamlex Events

• DJ: MAC Events

• Vintage Car: Gold Shield Cars

• Rentals: Bryant's Rent-All