Best-of-the-Best Wedding Party

For an explanation of best-of-the-best click here.

Aaron's Picks:

I know this post is out of order but Heather has been a little slow getting me her last few picks for the Grooms (shame).

Wedding Parties definitely provide for the most variety. You just never know what you're going to get. Sometimes it's a big party, calm and somber, small, huge, you get the idea. Because of the variety I could talk forever so lets just get to it.

This is one of my favorite shots of the year just because it's an attention getter. It's great when we go to bridal shows as it stops so many people that walk by. It's funny though because everyone asks how much photoshop went in to it. I'm here to say that it is almost completely a straight shot, I only blurred the background a little bit. I also love it just because it just fits Gabe & Courtney so well. Photographer: Aaron Hawes


It's great when the we get help from the group. This shot was completely thought up by the guys, I was just lucky enough to get to take the picture. It works though. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

It's amazing how much of a difference a little bit of snow can make in a picture. It completely changed the mood here. If I had my choice every winter wedding would have snow, just my opinion. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Heather's Picks:

This takes our “bad ass” shot to a whole new level! My favorite thing about this picture is the reaction most people have when we show it to them. Everyone seems drawn to it. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

I love how the editing on this shot brought out jewel-tone colors. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Photographer: Aaron Hawes

David & Kim's Wedding

I know it's a little late but this was actually our last wedding from 2007. We had a computer crash right after the first of the year and I lost 2 weeks of processing time trying to get it going again. Don't worry though, no pictures were lost in the death of the PC. R.I.P.

David and Kim were really a ton of fun. The girls especially really just know how to have a good time. The day was filled with tons of emotion and you can really tell in the pictures. It was really cold out but everyone was great about braving the elements to get some great photos. Kim really looked the part of a beautiful snow princess. I'm not sure how it happened but I got a little carried away with the picture posts for these guys, I guess we just enjoyed the pictures! Enjoy.

Best-of-the-best Brides

For an explanation of best-of-the-best click here.

Aaron's Picks:

Shooting our brides is another of our favorite parts of the day. It's almost too easy. When you have beautiful women that are looking their best and having fun the pictures just roll. It is definitely our pleasure to help make these wonderful brides look the part.

Since I took this picture it has instantly become the most requested shot by brides. Everyone wants to look like this. I'll be honest, it's a little more contrived then I typically like to shoot but the results are stunning. This is by far the best capture of this shot we've ever taken. Thanks for being you Stephanie! Photo by: Aaron Hawes

For me this shot really encompasses our style. A beautiful bride just having fun, showing wonderful personality and emotion, and captured with a fashion flare. Kim was one of our easiest brides to photograph this year and we're honored to call her a friend. Photo by: Aaron Hawes

This pick is kind of funny for me. It's not one of my favorite set-ups to do, it is typically on request and not usually a favorite of mine. This one is different though. Just look at those eyes, I don't need to say anything else. Photo by: Aaron Hawes

Heather's Picks:

This category was really hard – by far the hardest for me! I honestly think all of our brides are so gorgeous on their wedding day so it was hard to narrow down my favorites.

Stephanie was a bride who would look good next to the simplest of backgrounds as we prove here. I think this picture is so elegant and simple. Photo by: Aaron Hawes

This picture completely captures Berlice. She has a vibrant personality and is very outgoing. Photo by: Aaron Hawes

Something about this portrait is just so fresh. It almost feels like Gretchen just finished a sentence and is waiting for your reply, like you are the best of friends. Photo by: Matt Frye

Best-of-the-best The Couple

For an explanation of best-of-the-best click here.


First I want to apologize. I just realized that I haven't been giving photo credit on this series. Most of the images were taken by Aaron but there are quite a few by Heather and Matt too so be sure to go back through the posts and see the real photographer.

Aaron's Picks:

This was a very hard category as you all can imagine. If you've worked with us you know that the time we get to work with our couples is by far our favorite part of the day. We take tons of pictures and we usually get to capture lots of love and great moments. I finally picked 3 favorites but there could easily have been 3-4 more.


I really just love everything about this picture. The expression, tones, light, everything. One of my favorites of the year for sure. Photographer: Aaron Hawes



This is my odd ball pick. It's very simple but I think there is still lots of emotion here. I love that you are led through the image with the lines. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

This is more of a "power" image than we usually do. Lot's of strength with the pose and colors but still very genuine. It just works. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Heather's Picks:
This category was a challenge. Working with our couples is one of my favorite parts of the whole wedding day.

Nathan and Rachel are two of the most genuinely nice people you could hope to meet and they are so obviously in love. On top of that they were up for just about anything, including laying on the grass in their wedding attire. Throw in a perfect sunburst and you have a great picture. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

I just think this picture is classic and stunning. The black and white conversion of this picture really highlights the couple and the historic location. Photographer: Matt Frye

Kim and Nathan’s wedding was in a fantastic old church in downtown St. Joe. I wouldn’t be surprised if the balcony was haunted because it had such an old feel. The light coming through the window was just amazing. I think this shot captures what a good kiss feels like – frozen in time with a warm glow. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Best-of-the-Best Receptions

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Aaron's Picks:

Receptions are definitely one of the most interesting aspects of our job. The variety is immense. We see everything from passed out bridal parties & break dancing Uncle Bob to Grandma sleeping in the corner to organized swing lessons. There are also receptions that seem to drag on forever and those that are a knock-down drag-out party. Regardless, they can be tons of fun and the highlight for every bridal party.

This is my favorite moment at any reception. When the bride realizes that the garter is coming off with teeth. This is the best capture of that moment this year. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Just a great angle that really captured the essence of their reception. Photographer: Matt Frye

Every couple loves the dollar dance, but she really knows what to do with the money. I can't help it, I love everything about this picture. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Heather's Picks:

So apparently I haven’t been writing enough – or picking enough pics (which for the record, I picked 4 in a few categories so I figured it would even out. Aaron has informed me that he will only post 3 for category so I’m revising appropriately).

I think getting awesome reception shots can be a challenge. Most people run the other way when they see you coming with a huge flash or give you a cheesy smile when you just wanted them to act normal. So when you get a good shot it feels awesome. Here are a few of my favorite ones from this year.

You know it’s a party when someone requests “Thriller” – it’s even better when the DJ does the dance with the bride. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Jesse and Lauren were so much fun to shoot! They have engaging personalities and I think that is really captured here. Photographer: Matt Frye

Nathan is the A&W fan but Kim lovingly let it invade her reception. They had personalized mugs, a keg of root beer and the groom’s cake was adorned with the logo. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

KC Bridal Spectacular

This last Saturday we got to work our second bridal show. The KC Bridal Spectacular. Even though this was only our second show we have realized that we really enjoy them. We get to meets tons of great new couples and some great vendors as well.

Thanks to everyone that stopped by the booth and we look forward to talking with many of you again.

Here are a couple of pictures of our booth. Unfortunately we forgot our camera (photographers without a camera, what a crime). So these are pictures from the first show, it looks pretty much the same, just a few different background pictures.

Best-of-the-Best Details

For an explanation of best-of-the-best click here.

Aaron's Picks:

Sorry, this will probably be the least exciting category for everyone. Not that the pictures are boring but because Heather and I agreed on the first 2 (I promise it won't happen again). These were also pretty easy choices for us, they just seem to stand out in our mind. Simple is the theme.

Like I said; simplicity. Just great color and depth here. Photographer: Aaron Hawes


Also very simple. Great tones and texture in the shoes, nice focus as well. Photographer: Heather Hawes

A little more fun with this one. I just liked the custom flip-flops for these really laid-back girls. Fun colors too. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Heather's Picks:

I love the pop of color in these flowers. Photographer: Aaron Hawes

Photographer: Heather Hawes

Photographer: Aaron Hawes