Elizabeth + Douglas | Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa Wedding

July 9, 2013 Elizabeth + Douglas | Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa Wedding

Several months ago a fellow photographer, Michelle Zahn, posted in a forum that I belong to asking if anyone was available on June 15th and was willing to serve as a second shooter as a possible back up primary photographer for one of her couples weddings as she had recently found out she was pregnant and due close to their wedding date. She compiled a list of many talented photographers and her clients chose me to be their second/back up. We met, and I thought they were totally sweet and I was happy to fill an open date working with them and Michelle! We knew that Michelle was going to be very pregnant and that I may need to take over as primary, but the intention was always for her to be there, even if she wasn’t shooting– unless of course, she was in labor.

Fast forward the Tuesday before their wedding. There was an accident. Thankfully, and most importantly, Michelle and the baby were okay, but she was no longer able to photograph the wedding on Saturday. What went from a very scary beginning, with a major turn of events, turned into another one of my favorite weddings ever with a couple that I absolutely adore. I’m so glad I got to be a part of their day and build an amazing relationship with them– and I couldn’t be more excited to share their images today!

Beware: There are A LOT of pictures here. I really loved this one ;)

I started the day off at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa to photograph the guys getting ready. Doug is OBSESSED with Spiderman… and I think that’s awesome.

How cool are the super hero shirts?

Doug had the groomsmen grow out their beards before the wedding so they could all shave together… I don’t get it, Elizabeth didn’t get it, I’m guessing it’s just a guy thing.

I went out with the dudes to get some shots on the docks before I headed to Elizabeth and the girls.

LOVE.

How cool is this?

I loved Elizabeth’s hair style choice. She was so nervous before the wedding, it was really sweet.

After a few shots of her getting dolled up at the salon I headed up to the room to get detail shots. The cross necklace holds her dad’s ashes. Although he wasn’t there with her, he was still able to walk her down the aisle and was with her all day.

I may have taken too many photos of her shoes. I’m obsessed.

She also had TOMS to change into after the ceremony. As a lover of TOMS (they’re the only shoe I’ll wear to photograph a wedding!) I totally approve.

Her dress was a serious stunner. When I met with her and Douglas a couple of days before the wedding to go over everything she showed me a photo of her in it at the bridal shop and I got teary… keep in mind this was only the second time I had met her and I hardly knew her and I was on the verge of tears!! Seriously amazing.

Douglas wrote her two letters to read on the wedding day. One while she was getting ready and one for the drive to the church.

Her something blue!

Her momma put the necklace with her dad’s ashes on her and we all lost it, myself included in that “we”.

And it was off to St. John’s Vianney Catholic Church–a really beautiful church, for a very beautiful ceremony.

Before the ceremony they chose to pray together, without seeing each other. It was a very sweet moment to witness.

I love this shot on the left just after the first kiss, so sweet.

When we got back at the venue it was time for bridal party and bride and groom portraits. I LOVE this bridal party!

Haha, prior to this one I asked them all to be really enthusiastic. The guys all stood there and yelled. I told them “my camera can’t hear you, you need to SHOW your enthusiasm!” This is what ensued. Perfection.

Elizabeth was such a stunning bride.

We got a few portraits of the two of them before heading inside to start the reception. I grabbed them again around sunset for even more!

I loved the nautical feel to the reception set up. The color scheme and decor were perfect.

Georgetown Cupcakes provided the delicious dessert, and they were gorgeous too!

The bride and groom entered the reception and went straight into their first dance: “God gave me you.” I got chills watching them dance and sing to each other.

Then it was time for the parent dances. Elizabeth danced a lovely and emotional dance with her momma.

And then it was Doug’s turn. You can just feel the love that their families have for them.

After the beautiful and emotional dances it was time for a long and hysterical and long and long speech from the Best man. He started it off by joking that you should never give an Irishman a microphone because they’ll just go on forever. He wasn’t kidding. Haha. Lucky for us, it was funny and totally worth it.

And then Elizabeth gave a beautiful and emotional speech to Elizabeth and Doug. Yep, the Maid of Honor was also Elizabeth. Best friends and Soulmates :)

PARTYTIME!

I love that even Doug’s grandma got up and danced!

There was a cupcake cutting and smash… much to Elizabeth’s dismay. I egged her on to get him back, and she obliged ;)

I took them back out for more portraits around sunset and I just love this entire series.

When I asked if there was anything else they wanted to do on the docks, Doug said, “Actually, yes!” and this was what he had planned. Love it.

Elizabeth and Doug, Thank you so much for choosing me to be Michelle’s back up. I couldn’t be happier to have gotten to know the both of you and spend such an important day with you. I wish you all the best in your lives and love together.

xoxo,
Brea

Vendors
Ceremony Venue: Saint John’s Vianney Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa
Coordinator: Jayna Garner with CBRS
Photography: Photography by Brea for Michelle Zahn
DJ: Electric Entertainment, Blake Motter
Florist: Creative Floral Design
Bakery: Georgetown Cupcake
Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bari Jay
Tuxedos: Jos A. Bank

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