Well this is sure going to be a special blog post (aka long)….because it’s not just that I got to photograph a beautiful bride in a gorgeous location….it’s because it’s my sister’s wedding!
It’s hard to know where to start on this one, because it was a day (or days) full of so many wonderful emotions, and lots and lots of happy tears. Some of us are criers anyway, this was just a reason to cry even more.
This very intimate wedding was planned at a private residence just outside of Las Vegas proper, so we got the Las Vegas weather & experience without being on the “Strip” the whole time. Most of us stayed in this house (19 of us!), and while not everyone slept there, it’s where we stayed and played for the three days we were all together. It was so relaxing, having a pool all to ourselves, and plenty of adults to keep an eye on all the young ones running around – and by running around, I mean playing in the pool the entire time!
The day before the wedding a little surprise happened…well, a big one. A lot of planning (down to the last minute when Dan was making up excuses to talk to Mindy about decorations) brought us to the moment when our four Aunties arrived to surprise Mindy – Ramsey was on the organizing side of this, so he wasn’t all that surprised. In fact, Mindy was the only one who was…but that didn’t stop pretty much everyone from having to wipe away a tear or two as she was greeted by her loving Aunts – Chris, Trix, Ruth & Lil. The ladies settled into a night of dinner and conversation, while the boys went out for the bachelor party (we had our turn the night before).
The day of the wedding was a flurry of activity as Canna Lily Catering, hair & makeup – Makeup in the 702 – arrived to get our show on the road. Soon 4 pm approached, and we were all ready to go!
As my brother walked my sister down the aisle, I realized that here it goes, my baby sister is going to be forever united with her love. Honestly, if I had the ability to create from scratch the perfect man for my sister, I would create Ramsey. He loves her truly, he supports her strongly, he understands her completely, and is everything a big sister wants for her sister & best friend. And his family – well, they are such an amazing crew, and we not only gained some extended family – we gained some new friends.
Being both a maid of honor and a photographer is a bit of a challenge, so I decided (wisely) to hand the reins over to Dan for the ceremony, and simply hold the beautiful bouquet my sister made for me, and be the witness and supporter of this beautiful ceremony. The officiant, Wanda, was such a special part of the ceremony, and really provided a beautiful touch to the event. If you are planning a Vegas wedding – contact Wanda! You won’t be disappointed in how special she makes the day.
So back to the crying, I mean, the ceremony. If you know my sister, you know she’s not a crier…and this day was no exception, as she was radiant and smiling the entire time. I’ve never seen her so happy, and I pray that smile lasts forever. The whole day was like that – full of laughter and happy tears. If you know me, you know I’ve got a wealth of tears at my disposal, and I clearly remember thinking “Hold it together, Shooks, or you’ll have ugly face in all the photos.”
Immediately after the ceremony we all gathered for a quick champagne (and sparkling juice) toast, and then Mindy, Ramsey, Dan and I took off for Red Rock Canyon for their formal photos, which I must say are a little more of a challenge in a bridesmaids dress & shoes. We were so blessed that day to have 85 degree weather, and overcast sky. The day after – 100+ and sunny…..phew! It was the perfect day for a wedding!
After a quick trip to the desert, we joined the rest of the family & friends who had been enjoying cocktails and appetizers for a tasty dinner in the back yard. And it wasn’t just a back yard reception – Mindy had a vision for what she wanted, and I had a great time planning out the details. Although they weren’t there, I want to thank Dee Mitchell of Elements of Elegance for help in finding the linens, and Abbey @ 62.5 Paper studio for her help with the dinner menus. They turned out perfect!
After dinner, there was a little dancing (long story), and a lot of fun time with family.
I think the perfect end to the night was when Mindy & Ramsey led the charge by jumping into the pool, fully dressed. They were quickly followed by all of us still there. Ending the day with laughter was the perfect way to sum up this wedding – one filled with love & laughter, and a lot of splashing in the pool.
Today marks their two week anniversary – and yes, I’ll probably call and congratulate her and giggle and say “you’re MARRIED.”
I am fortunate to be a part of so many beautiful celebrations – and apologies to all my other brides, but this one has to be my favorite. Mindy, I love you. You are so much more than my sister….you are my best friend.
Finally, I want to give a shout out to Dan, who did a GREAT job on the ceremony, and again, just assisting me in general. Thanks, babe!
Mindy & Ramsey – CONGRATS – we love you both!
– Lynell & Dan
