This wedding was definitely one for the books!  Ashley and Jessica booked us a year and a half ago because photography was at the top of their list of importance (I knew I loved them then! haha)  When planning their wedding, Jessica knew she wanted to do a "first touch"....

(A little background for those not in the wedding industry:  A first "look" is where the bride and groom see each other before the wedding in a private setting.  We're still able to capture their reactions, and the couple is able to share some sweet time together alone before the whirlwind of the day starts.  This also allows more photos to be taken beforehand, so there's less chaos between the ceremony and reception.  A first "touch" is similar, where the couple is perhaps back to back, or has a door between them so that they don't see each other, but they can hold hands, talk to each other (or even pray together) to hopefully calm some pre-wedding jitters.)

Back to the story... knowing that Jessica wanted this, Ashley contacted me about a week before the wedding and told me he wanted to do something fun b/c he knew his bride might be nervous, and wanted to help her relax.  (It came out later in the wedding toasts exactly how different these two are and how much they compliment each other... looking back it is SO TRUE!)  Coincidently John and I had been seeing these videos online recently of "t-rex" doing different mundane things that are hilarious because well... it was a trex) I mentioned it to Ashley, but thinking that he would think I was nuts, I also kind of brushed it off and told him I would look around for some ideas.  His next email to me was one word:   "ORDERED :)"

I was immediately excited and terrified at the same time! haha  What if Jessica hated it?!  She had this beautiful, elegant wedding planned and was expecting this sweet, low-key, first "touch" moment with her groom.  Their planner, also Jessica, (the other half of Cracker Jack Sound Decision, who Ashley is a DJ with) was in on it, and helped us set it up on the day of the wedding.  As Jessica (bride) was facing us (planner Jessica and I) and John was walking this giant T-rex down the path behind us, (little arms waving at us and all!)  I have to tell you how proud I am of all of us for not laughing...I literally had tears in my eyes holding it back!  

Jessica's face when she first opened her eyes was awesome (you'll know the exact one when you see it below!).  I think it even scared her for a split second!  haha... When she realized Ashley was in there, the smile that spread across her face made it totally worth it.  I should have trusted Ashley all along.. he knows his bride better than anyone :)  

That's mostly the reason I wanted to share the story, it tells so much about this couple!  They love life, laughter and having fun, but most of all each other.  The venue, Morning Glory Farms, was gorgeous, and it was so much fun exploring it with them.  

A great job to these other vendors that helped pull off a great event: 

DJ and Planning:  Cracker Jack Sound Decisions

Flowers:  Nectar (Charlotte)

Catering:  Best Impressions

Cake:  Icing on the Edge

Photo Booth:  Shutterhutch

I hope you two had the time of your lives in Hawaii!  Thank you so much for the privilege to document this wonderful day!