This past October, my best friend got married! Lindy and I met in eighth grade. This is going to sound nerdy, but we met because we were in the same bagpipe band. (Fun fact, I play the bagpipes… I know I’m super cool!) We went to high school and college together. There were many sleepovers, days hanging out at each others’ houses, and talking about boys…you know, best friend stuff. I could fill I thousand blog posts of memories I have with this lady, but this one in particular is about her wedding day.

 

After she got engaged to her boyfriend Jim, I instantly wanted to start talking about wedding plans. I made her promise me that she wouldn’t book a photographer without talking to me first. I asked her all the questions about what she was looking for, but in the end I had to ask if she would consider me. She said, “We just didn’t know if it’s something you wanted to do.” Heck yes I wanted to photograph her wedding day! Many people have heard me talk about why I enjoy photographing the weddings of friends and family. For me, being able to be there for those people in such a special way throughout their day making sure that everything is perfect and they have gorgeous images to remember it by is such a special gift. When it came to my best friend’s wedding, she was only going to have her sister as a bridesmaid so if I wasn’t her photographer I wouldn’t have been able to be with her during some of the most special moments throughout the day. I couldn’t have been more excited (and simultaneously anxious) when they told me they decided to pick me as their wedding photographer.

 

These two love birds met in law school. As lawyers tend to be, they are very analytical and practical.  I had moved away from my hometown when they met, so I’d only gotten the chance to hang out with Jim a couple of times before they got engaged but it was clear to me that he truly and deeply cared about her. He thought I was loud (but that it was obvious we were very close). During their engagement session (which you can check out here) it was such a joy for me to be able to watch my oldest friend be so head over heels in love with someone I knew was going to care for her in the best way.

 

Jim and Lindy got married in downtown Omaha Nebraska. After hair and make up at the salon, both the bride and groom got ready at the hotel across the street from the venue. This historic house, turned event venue, set the perfect backdrop for their small and intimate wedding. Their ceremony was held in the garden, and after portraits were done they joined their guests inside for dinner and drinks. They finished off the day with a private first dance under the twinkling lights in the garden. It was a simple but beautiful and touching day.

 

 

When I talked about this day to my photographer friends they all said, “How are you going to shoot your best friend’s wedding and still be able to enjoy the day?” Well, I planned far in advance with the couple the timeline, and I hired a great second shooter who could take over for me when I wanted to be a part of the moment. I still got my hair done, I still wore a pretty dress, and I still really enjoyed the day. Because this was such a special day for someone so special to me, I also wanted a lot of behind the scenes images of me shooting and spending time with Jim & Lindy: here are a few of my favorites!

 

 

Photography – Spencer Studios  |  Getting Ready Location – Embassy Suites Omaha Downtown  |  Ceremony & Reception Venue – Lucille’s Old Market  |  Floral Design – Piccolo’s Florist  |  Catering – Abraham Catering  |  Cake – Cake Creations Omaha  |  Invitations – Porridge Papers  |  Bridal Gown – Blush Bridal  |  Jewelry & Hair Piece – Esty  |  Bridesmaid’s Dress – Macy’s  |  Hair & Make-up – Garbo’s Salon  |  Second Photographer – Daniel Dunlap (thanks!)