As promised, The Introduction was just a preview of what is to come. Today, I give you a few of my candids from the ceremony and the toast. Beautiful (hopefully, you’ll agree) tidbits of raw emotion from throughout Megen and Matt’s day!

Strings filled the air…

Laughter with tears of joy filled the hearts…

A speechless groom glimpses his bride-to-be…

Hands were held and emotions arose…

Joy was brought forth…

Compassionate and quiet moments in the small Danforth chapel…

The love and bond of sisters united…

The Eldridge, filled with warm wishes…

And a small preview of what is to come tomorrow…Can you guess?

Be sure to visit these Photographers’ blogs to see more, including some really cool video and amazing photo style.

LemonLime Photography (Eric Linebarger & Neal Troester)
Domingues Photography (Jason & Allison Domingues)
PhotoMementos (Marco & Jan Simonelli)

There is a unique responsibility to being a Wedding Photographer. We are asked to come into the lives our clients even for the briefest of moments and capture their most intimate relationships. We cherish this responsibility, and embrace the unique opportunities that arise from it.

Last fall, a unique opportunity presented itself when Megen and Matt contacted LemonLime Photography for what was supposed to be a typical client interview. The newly engaged couple came to LemonLime with an open mind. Neal & Eric with LemonLime saw an amazing opportunity before them …an opportunity to both participate in a random act of kindness, and to allow unrestricted creative thought by multiple photographers as a learning experience for everyone involved. We are humbled that Megen and Matt gave us full creative freedom.

The Photographers

LemonLime Photography (Eric Linebarger & Neal Troester)
Domingues Photography (Jason & Allison Domingues)
PhotoMementos (Marco & Jan Simonelli)
Steller Photography (Dustin Steller)

Over the course of the last few months these four studios have selflessly worked together to create a plan for the day that would allow each photographer the freedom to explore their ideas and focus on a specific portion of the wedding day while maintaining a photojournalistic flow that documented the day.

In addition, we took it one step further and contacted a local florist and cake designer to see if they too would like to take part, and with Megen and Matt’s blessing they joined forces with us to contribute their time and talents for this unique opportunity.

Florist – Ornamental Petal (Bridget Kelly)
Cake – Cakes by Joe (Joe Schutz)

Over the next week and a half all four studios will display their contributions to this project. We hope this project shows the power of teamwork within our industry, compels you to find new ways to challenge yourself, and inspires you to make a difference in someone’s life. A special thank you to everyone who gave selfless of themselves to make this project come together.

Three more posts will follow over the next week with the rest of my contribution to the project. Check out the other photographers above for their individual contributions.

Today, two abstracts.

The brilliant moon that night. Hand-held shot on a 200mm.

Jake and Ashley’s day was awesome! It was a wonderful, windy day in Independence that kicked off at the Hilton Garden Inn. The whole crew was there getting ready for the day and soon we were rolling out the door and into the stretch Hummer to head off for photos and the ceremony and reception at The Rhapsody off 23rd street in Independence, MO. I always love shooting pretty couples and these two were smoking hot!

I had very special help from Katie Mae, whom I know from her Flickr. Check out her views of the day on her blog. Thank you, Katie (and her awesome husband, Evan)!!

You all just have to let Ashley and Jake know how you feel about their photos and their day. Leave a comment with some love for them, you all.

I loved this look. So pretty.

Looooong Hummer.

Look at that pretty group! Rock on!

Wow….WOW!

Isn’t she so pretty?

One of my favs from the day. It was nearly dark when we shot this, but I got lucky.

I did another version of this one that I will surprise you all with later.

This was my absolute favorite from the day.

Happy, happy bride to be, in just a few more minutes!

Stoic daddy with his little girl.

The noisy, windy tent was flapping and a stormin’, but the ceremony was beautiful nonetheless.

See what I mean??!

I was digging the details of the day!

Sticking your tongue out always helps. I know it does with me.

The couple’s first dance was joined in by one of the beautiful little nieces.

Open up the floor and everybody was dancing!

….and rocking out!

Hot couple and hot rings!

Whoa!