It was love at first sight - right there in the 7th grade. That's how long Lance and Uyen have had eyes for each other. One can only imagine their happiness as they finally tied the knot just over a week ago at the Villa Siena in Gilbert, AZ.
When Uyen contacted me a few months ago about shooting their wedding, I was ecstatic- not only because I love to travel (and I love photography, so naturally, destination weddings thrill me!), but because they are gorgeous people. Little did I know at that time that they're equally as beautiful on the inside. Both Lance and Uyen were kind and welcoming and I truly feel as though I've known them for years, rather than having just met them face to face 10 days ago.
I'm not going to lie-- the day was hot. Like, really, really, really hot. Because it WAS the end of August in the Phoenix valley, mind you. But then, halfway through the suffocating heat was a deluge- a true flash-flood. (See this post) The weather was nuts-o, but it didn't put a damper on the excitement and happiness that was radiating from this sweet couple. They were a joy to work with, and their bridal party could not have been more fun or spontaneous.
(Let me tell you a little secret about Uyen's amazing wedding dress..... she MADE IT! So fabulous!)
Let me tell you another secret:: TRADITIONAL is out! I love it when the Bride and Groom choose to see each other before the ceremony. It's so personal and often calms the nerves before the ceremony begins. Lance and Uyen opted for a "first look", and I loved watching this big manly firefighter tear-up when he saw his gorgeous bride.
A huge thank you to my girl, Jen, for her help as my 2nd shooter (another perk to shooting weddings in Arizona!). The following two images are Jen's view of the "first look".
Uyen, you're a knockout!!
Scroll through the next five really fast! I adore this series.
Lance is the baby of the family, and it's clear that he and his Mom have a special bond. I loved this image the moment I saw it...
Another fantastic shot of the boys taken by Jen. She was kind enough to photograph the groomsmen in the blaring heat while I shot Uyen getting ready in the bridal suite (Jen, I owe you one!).
These girls knew how to rock the camera, let me tell you.
And while I'm sorry to say this shot wasn't my idea, I'm grateful for the groomsman who thought of it (they ARE a bunch of firefighters, remember)...
One more secret: Uyen is a professional iceskater (thus, an amazing dancer), and Lance isn't too bad himself! They were truly impressive as they worked it on the dance floor during their first dance ::
To Lance and Uyen: I feel as though I have two wonderful new friends. Thank you for asking me to be a part of your day. I enjoyed every minute (except for that $169 locksmith fee retrieving my keys from the dang rental car!!), and I wish you all the best. Congratulations, and lots of love to you both!Cake:: La Dolce Pesca
DJ Service:: Banda Brothers DJ's
Florist:: Special Event Designs
Wow - Wow - WOW!!! Rachel, what an AWESOME job! You ROCK!
(09.07.10 @ 12:41 AM)Rachel these are amazing!!! First, how cute are they? I mean really!! Love the dress, the shoes and her flowers....love!!! You did a great job!!
(09.07.10 @ 12:50 AM)These photos are great! What an amazingly gorgeous couple. How fun!
(09.07.10 @ 02:42 AM)So beautiful! It's people like this and photographers like you that make me want to go back and redo my entire wedding day! They are so gorgeous and I LOVE her shoes and the dress is amazing and that looks like it was such a great party! Fabulous work!
(09.07.10 @ 08:40 AM)GORGEOUS!!!! I love them all... the shoes? the bench? they are all fabulous. Great job!
(09.07.10 @ 08:42 AM)OH MY WORD, so so AMAZING!! You were made to do wedding photography, my friend!!
(09.07.10 @ 08:49 AM)Yeehaw! What a fun day it was!! Gorgeous images of WONDERFUL people. Thank you for letting me be a part of it!!
(09.07.10 @ 08:52 AM)These are so beautiful, awesome job. I know they must love them!
(09.07.10 @ 09:12 AM)In love love love
(09.07.10 @ 09:26 AM)In love love love
(09.07.10 @ 09:29 AM)I love it all so much.....the shot of him crying....I was totally tearing up....stunning photos but truthfully I am not surprised you do this MORE than well! Fabulous my friend, totally fabulous!
(09.07.10 @ 09:31 AM)wowzers!!!! what a beautiful wedding ... beautifully captured!! (but then, I expect nothing less from the fabulously talented duo of you & Jen!!)
(09.07.10 @ 10:09 AM)gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. love them!! the one of him and his momma kills me!
(09.07.10 @ 10:15 AM)Oh my goodness!!! Rachel these photos are amazing!! what beautiful people!
(09.07.10 @ 12:09 PM)Sister, these images have it going on! GORGEOUS doesn't even begin describe them! They are out of this world beautiful. You did such an amazing job!!
(09.07.10 @ 12:26 PM)BRILLIANT!
(09.07.10 @ 01:33 PM)GORGEOUS! My favourite wedding of yours :)
(09.07.10 @ 01:39 PM)speechless.
(09.08.10 @ 12:18 AM)these. are. unbelievable. you are incredible!!!!!!!
you are an inspiration, rachel clare!!!
love. love. and love.
These are AMAZING, FUN, full of LOVE! This couple must be over the moon! GREAT job!!!!!
(09.08.10 @ 09:01 AM)Beautiful! :)
(09.08.10 @ 02:12 PM)Jaw dropping, amazing, spectacular, beautiful, lovely, gorgeous, etc. There are not enough words to describe these FANTASTIC images!!! Gorgeous bride and groom, gorgeous wedding party, and the BEST two photographers that anyone could ask for!
(09.08.10 @ 10:31 PM)WowZa! those two are going to make gorgeous kids. weddings are definitely YOU! every one of these shots is perfection!
(09.09.10 @ 05:28 AM)Weddings are your thing sister. I absolutely love each one of them. I'm in LOVE with one of him and his mom and the last shot! you and Jen rocked it.
(09.09.10 @ 01:16 PM)FANTASTIC!!! I love how full of character and fun these are. You did awesome my friend. ;)
(09.15.10 @ 07:20 PM)