A Winter Wonderland Wedding!

2011 got off to a great start with this incredible winter wonderland wedding! This wedding was special for so many reasons that I am not even sure where to start in describing it. I guess I will start by saying that it is an honor when any bride and groom choose you to be there to document the memories of their wedding day.  We know that there are thousands of photographers out there and we do not take it lightly when we are given the honor. Caitlin and Dave’s wedding came with an extra honor, Caitlin is the 3rd daughter in her family of 5 sisters to get married!  And we have photographed all 3 weddings!! We started with Julie’s wedding in 2009, then Meghan’s in 2010 and now Caitlin’s in 2011!  It has been such a pleasure getting to know this amazing family and being there to document these momentous occasions in their family history!  As you read this post you will see some beautiful traditions created by these 3 lovely sisters and their family.  I think the best tradition these 3  have followed was started by their Mother, they  all married incredible men!

Alright, on to Caitlin and Dave!

Caitlin’s cousin Mairen I think put it all into words perfectly when she saw Caitlin for the first time in her wedding dress and exclaimed “You look like a snow princess!” The whole day from start to finish had such a fairy tale quality to it, so full of love and beauty, it was as if the wedding day took place inside a child’s snow globe.

Caitlin gets prepped by her Mother and 4 sisters!

This elegant purse was created by Caitlin’s twin sister Meghan.  Meghan is a designer for Coach and created this purse for her older sister Julie a few years ago.  Inside she sewed in an Irish blessing.  Julie used it on her wedding day, as did Meghan last year when she got married and now by Caitlin.  A family tradition has started and will be passed down to the next sister to get married and generations to follow I am sure!

I love this picture.  Caitlin rides in the limo to the church with her Mother and Father. They are both overcome with emotions of joy and happiness and some tears too…here Dad has a little cry on his daughters shoulder. I love this family!

Stunning!

I love when a groom steals looks at his bride!

Caitlin is not the only one with a family full of talent, here Dave’s younger brother shocked us all when he sang during the ceremony. His ethereal voice ringing throughout the cathedral was a wedding moment we (and I’m sure everyone present) will never forget.

We LOVE when brides and grooms are the ones who get just as excited to take pictures as we do!  Lots of snow and 20 degrees out…not a problem!  Caitlin kicked off her heels and pulled on her Uggs and was ready to go!  We brought them into the woods outside their reception venue and for over 40 minutes we took pictures!

This gorgeous picture of Caitlin was taken by Greg. I love how he can sneak around and capture moments during portrait sessions that brides and grooms are not even aware of.

I asked Caitlin to put the veil over their heads not only to create a little world for themselves but also to showcase the gorgeous veil that Caitlin’s Mother made!

Honestly, you two made taking pictures so much fun, the love between you two was so inspiring to capture!  Thank you!

I thought this bouquet created by Ann Robertson at Dirt Floral was stunning. It was a great combination of flowers that texturally was so interesting. I loved the color palette and thought it fit beautifully into the theme of the day!

The men!  Looking cool in their Wayfarer sunglasses!

The lovely ladies!  Showing off their boots and their sexy legs!  These ladies were such troopers!!!

The whole crew!

Dave’s Mom needs to get some credit here for joining us outside and holding all the coats!  Thank you for being such a big help!

The reception was held at the charming and quaint Pavilion at Crystal Lake. Dave’s Father made my favorite place card holders to date!  He used White Birch branches to create this display, I thought it was such a clever way to showcase the cards and also nod to the winter wonderland feel of the wedding.

These two families are really so amazing!  Caitlin’s Father has made a table to become a family heirloom for each of his 3 daughters that have gotten married. The tables hold images from all the of the family’s weddings.

Surrounded by family and friends, Caitlin and Dave have their first dance.

A touching moment between the twin sisters.

Yes you are seeing this correctly, the twins and their baby blankets!  And no they don’t still carry them around!  During a very moving speech given by Caitlin’s Father,  he presented to the twins their baby blankets and other tokens of childhood!

Caitlin shares a dance with her Father as her groom looks on.

I love the look on Dave’s face as he has a dance with his Mother. The parent dances were very beautiful, full of love and tenderness.

To get the party into full swing, Caitlin’s little sister performed an Irish Step dance routine!  This one is too quick for us and we are lucky to capture one or two images of her as she flys across the dance floor doing her thing!

Ending on a dip!  Caitlin and Dave, thank you for being so incredible to work with from start to finish! We loved being a part of your day and being surrounded by your friends and talented family too!