A July 4th wedding? I’ve been dying to shoot one for quite a while! When I think of July 4th wedding, I think of fireworks, lots of red, white, and blue, and BBQ. I think of music, and laughter, and bright blue skies. Americans observe the 4th of July as a day of Independence, but it is also a celebration of togetherness, of freedom, and after the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, this particular July 4th wedding had lots to celebrate!
I was introduced to Dennis + Ryan through a mutual friend, Carly. She is another ah-mazing photographer, and was looking for someone to capture their wedding day, as she would be in the wedding party. (She captured the proposal, and you just have to read the story here!) Our first meeting was a Skype date. With busy schedules and wedding planning, it was a great way to connect and get to know each other better. Dennis proposed exactly one year before their wedding day, and I admit, I swooned when I heard Dennis + Ryan retelling the story. Then when we started talking about all the details of their wedding day, I couldn’t help but get excited and silently chant in my head, “Pick me! Pick me!” Well, they did, and I could not have wished for a better day for these two!
A Perfect July 4th Wedding Day
The big day started off a little cloudy. It looked like it might rain, so I made a quick detour to Target to buy a couple of extra umbrellas – just in case wedding party portraits got rained on. As I hung out with the girls while they got ready, the sky gradually lightened up – I think it was all the laughter in the hotel room. The sky just couldn’t be gloomy with all these smiles! When Dennis + Ryan joined us in the room, the amount of excitement literally tripled. And they get the award for Best Dressed Grooms in All of History. The navy blue and gray palette for the wedding party was perfect! The details were simple, but none were overlooked! Simple baby’s breath bouquets for the girls, and coordinating boutonnieres for the gentlemen tied everything together. Carly even brought her film camera along and shot some alongside me, which was a ton of fun! (And her film shots are BEAUTIFUL!)
I was a little nervous about taking wedding party photos in downtown Frederick on the July 4th holiday, but as it turned out, we found some of the most amazing locations just outside the hubbub. Dennis + Ryan were all smiles the entire time. Soon, it was time to head to the house for the ceremony and reception! The ceremony made me cry – happy tears. Usually I can hold off until the first dance or parent dances before the tears fall, but seeing these two get their Happily Ever After, and hearing the stories and wishes from their friends and family, I couldn’t help myself. It is pretty obvious how loved these two guys are by everyone they meet! This was probably the first and only time I’ve ever wished I was a videographer instead of a photographer. So many touching moments!
A Themed July 4th Wedding Reception
Then it was time to party! Once more, Dennis + Ryan thought of every detail for their reception. Delish food, beautiful July 4th decor, lots of DIY, a fabulous cake, fun music and backyard games. There were lots of tears and laughter during the toasts and mother-son dances. The life-sized Jenga game was a huge hit! And then the fireworks – the perfect end to the evening!
I’m so thrilled that these two get to spend a lifetime of happiness and love together. Thank you for including me on your day. I love you both!