Maria & Kirk are married!
Sometimes it feels like we’re a broken record… first looks are the best. They allow couples to maximize their time together (isn’t that what you want to do on your wedding day?), they let you enjoy your own cocktail hour (you should have some drinks and see your friends!) and the moment is so much more intimate than “down the aisle”. However, in our 14 years of photographing weddings, we’ve found that emotions are emotions. I know, really groundbreaking stuff here.
Maria & Kirk structured their day so they could do a First Look early, enjoy some drinks on the shuttle with their family and friends and do most of their portraits before the ceremony. Seeing Maria before the ceremony didn’t take any of the excitement away from Kirk. He said:
Waiting for (Maria) to come down the aisle is a moment I will never forget. I was equal parts emotional, excited, and nervous.
Maria’s favorite part of the day was exchanging vows during the ceremony.
I had never felt such a sense of peace or belonging in my life, it was absolutely perfect. I also LOVED our dance floor. The pure happiness and love that surrounded us is still palpable.
Planning a wedding in normal times isn’t easy. Maria & Kirk made pandemic wedding planning look like a breeze. Their advice for future couples is: “When making your timeline for the day of, don’t forget to plan time for moments that keep you grounded so you can stay present all day! For us that included time to journal, meditate, and reflect. Advice from Kirk, drink just enough the night before so you sleep well!”
Congratulations Maria & Kirk!
All the sweet details
Photography: TJ & Shannon of Uttke Photography
Maria’s gown: Grace Loves Lace Showroom
Kirk’s suit: Tom James
Hair: Lexi Lee Hair
Makeup Artist: Amanda Kurger Makeup
Floral: La Terre Market
Music & lighting: Sound by Design
Catering: Birch + Butcher
Desserts: Manderfield’s Bakery