KRIS & SUE - 24 YEARS IN THE MAKING - CAPTURING A CLASSIC LOVE STORY

After 24 years of waiting for same-sex marriage to be legalized in the USA, this wedding ceremony was not only a celebration of love and spontaneous jubilation but it symbolizes progress, equality, the art of patience and a smashingly good reason for a grandiose party. 2013 an iconic year for this extraordinary couple. What a pleasure it was to photograph history in the making.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, Blooming Creations (http://www.bloomingcreationsmn.com)  did a fantastic job of keeping everyone cozy inside the tent amidst 3 degree celsius temperatures 

After years of waiting, anxious moments of contemplation quickly turn into butterflies the size of elephants, and before you knew it, their moment has finally arrived.

Kris wore a stylish outfit by Israeli designer Elie Tahari (http://www.elietahari.com) complimented by Sue's garb coming from House/Black Market (http://whitehouseblackmarket.com) and her glittery silver shoes by Guess - 'sexy without question' (www.guess.com)

Thanks to Tim Brown creations for all the thought and attention to detail, including the special placement of the heirloom lanterns and evergreens in honor of Sue and Kris lost parents

Enjoying their magic moment to the fullest. Hair and make-up thanks to Sandy Bettin from Salon Bella Vita - their hairstylists for the past 25years (http://salon-bellavita.com).  Interestingly in a recent survey done in the United Kingdom, they found that the average woman in the UK keeps her hairstylist for longer than her marriage lasts (11years), so by all account Kris and Sue look like they are a 'cut above' the rest :)

             The romance of raindrops 

              Yes ….finally!

And then the celebrations began--for a split moment as I shadowed the couples dance moves up and down the isle, I thought I was appearing on Ellen TV live.

The family photo session was done amidst bursts of drizzle droplets---but nothing could stop this couples enthusiasm 

The image on the right reminds me of the famous Simon and Garfunkel song - 'Still crazy after all these years' - it also epitomizes my 'passionately playful' style of shooting.

        You are my world

Eagle Trace Golf and Event Center in Clearwater, providing the perfectly lit backdrop with all its vibrant colors (www.eagletracegolf.com)

                                                                The sensuality of silhouettes

Eagle Trace stylish event center, rich in mahogany tones, and table decorations

Matt Imdieke (matt@eagletracegolf.com)

Welcome newlyweds!

Caters 'Russell's on the Lake' did a magical job of blending in their floral arrangements with touches of tropical sweetness (http://www.russellsonthelake.com)

A poignant and touching 'open-mike' session for Kris and Sue

The tradition of 'clinking' of glasses until the bridal couple kiss originated in medieval days when wine was often spiked with poison, and hence a way of the host proving his innocence and ultimately a sign of trust, honesty and a toast to good health (www.westchestermagazine.com/Blogs/The-Wedding-Guru/)

Dashing and creative table and flower designs thanks to Foley Country Floral  (http://foleycountryfloral.com)

DJ Mary and David Marx from North Country doing a delightful job of getting everyone in the party vibe (http://www.northcountrydj.com)

Love this image of Sue dancing with her mom in the top left-hand side--generations apart, partying together.

Sue showing that its time for 'lift-off' 

Everyone getting down to some serious boogie

       Light painting is a photographic technique in which exposures are made by moving a hand-held light source (we used extra long sparklers). This image was inspired by the couples love of spirals---seems like their love is spiraling out of control.

       For the love of light

Cheers from our magical day!