The title for today’s featured post refers not only to the love story of the bride and groom but also to the song of country pop singer, Taylor Swift, whose concert, coincidentally, is where our couple met. Justin is a back-up dancer for the singer while Emily just so happened to attend that certain concert, and the rest is ‘love story’. Emily & Justin had a very intimate ceremony where the only people invited are J’s best friend (who officiated), the photographer and her husband. It was almost casual, minus Emily’s dress, but it did not lessen the importance and formality of this special unity. Congratulations Emily & Justin!
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said… “Marry me, Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone. I love you, and that’s all I really know… … it’s a love story, baby just say “Yes” – Love Story by Taylor Swift
What do you think is the overall story for this album?
Emily & Justin met at a Taylor Swift concert; he was working as a back up dancer and Emily was just there to see the show but it was love at first sight! These two just go together like bread and butter. I first met them when they called for a maternity session and was shocked to hear they wanted to have me photograph their elopement in the Sequoia Forest, three states away! But photographers love a good adventure, so I was in for the trip, even if it meant off-road driving and lots of hiking just to get to their ceremony spot which was a giant boulder overlooking a river valley in the forest.
What inspired the wedding day outfits?
Traditional wedding wear. They mostly wanted to keep the cost low but maintain a traditional look without needing to worry about wrinkles since the outfits had to be packed into bags for the hike up.
What was your favorite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day was the elation we all felt after their ceremony was done. Aside from their best friend who officiated, my husband and I were the only guests to their most sacred milestone together! It was pure magic!
What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?
Two kids professing their love and literally yelling it from the mountaintops when pronounced man & wife. There was no reception, just a hike in, a ceremony, a few formal shots and the hike out. We completed a few more formals at the custom cottage they’d rented for the week in Three Rivers.
What part of the ceremonies do you think was the most memorable for the bride and groom? Guests?
The most memorable part was when we had finished the formals at the cottage, Emily and Justin were standing by the stream and Justin splashed Emily; she promptly took off after him and planted a big kiss on him.
Vendors
Photographer: Trademark Photos by Tami McKenney
Beauty:Swagger Salon