Michelle & Ryan- Married!

They met in the Cottage Grove Firemen's Festival Beer Tent.. and depending on who you ask the story sounds a little different. What remains the same in both versions is their immediate attraction to one another. Ryan even took it a step further by programming Michelle's number into his phone as 'Cute Michelle'. Perhaps it was destiny and he had a feeling even then that Cute Michelle just may become a permanent fixture in his life. Whether he knew it then or not.... it's clear that these two are on a flight course that will take them to many new and exciting places. Together your love makes everyone around you want to stand up and cheer "Bon Voyage" and "Best Wishes"  They wish; as I do... for nothing but wonderful adventures together in your future. 

Michelle and Ryan thank you for being two of the sweetest, most easy going people I could have photographed. When you put so much planning and effort into your wedding day it's disheartening when things don't go according to plan. The two of you never lost sight of each other and traversed the unexpected hiccups with such grace. Quietly I was doing my own cheering for you both from the sidelines. May you never loose site of your flight destination.

Another beautiful creation by Daffodil Parker

 

Pilot's uniform?? Nothing sharper then a man in a tux.

Except maybe his beautiful bride...

Love this capture Rob (my second shooter) took of Michelle just before going down the aisle. 

Can't help but wonder what these two were talking about during the service....

Can I just revert quickly back to my inner 10 year old for a moment.... Photographing a wedding at the airport? How ridiculously excited was I!! The only problem I learned with photographing weddings at airports is the unexpected fly bys.

 

This may just be one of my all time favorite wedding images... EVER.

Another great Rob capture....

LOVE....

We snuck out briefly at the reception to enjoy some cool air and the setting sun.. so glad we did. One of my FAVs.

What was the most memorable part of your day?

Michelle: Seeing Ryan at the front of the church waiting for me!

What is your funniest memory from your wedding day?

Michelle: It’s a tie!!  One would have to be when the entire wedding party was teasing my new husband, who is a pilot, about the incorrect use of a particular airport term. (“Hey Jennifer, wouldn't this spot on the tarmac make for a great picture?”)  My other funniest memory is when Ryan and I were trying to reenact some of the complicated kiss sequences that our guests wanted us to do.  Let’s just say we have some very creative friends and family!    

Any advice you’d share for future couples getting married?

Don’t sweat the small stuff.  No matter how much planning you put into the day, there are bound to be things that don’t go quite right.  Our day was far from “perfect,” but at the end of the day I had married my best friend and that is all that matters! 

What songs did you use for your:

First Dance – One Republic’s All This Time

Father/Daughter Dance- Lady Antebellum's Never Alone

Mother/Son Dance- Lady Antebellum's Never Alone

Grand March- Top Gun Theme

Where did you go (or are you going) for your Honeymoon?

We aren't quite sure yet, but we can’t wait to start planning one for this fall.

How did you two meet?

We were introduced at the Cottage Grove beer tent in June of 2008.  Thanks Jesica!  ;) 

Who were your Vendors?

Florist – Daffodil Parker 

Cake Baker – Karen the Cake Lady

DJ or Band – DJ Magic

Videographer – Our dear friends Mike and Gina Heine

Reception Site – Cherokee Country Club

Ceremony Site – Messiah Lutheran Church

Any great vendor experiences to share?

Matt, our DJ for the evening, did a phenomenal job!! There were a lot of challenges that came up throughout the evening and Matt was an asset in helping us through it all.  He adjusted our timeline accordingly and had the dance floor packed almost the entire night.  Plus, he REALLY took a lot of time and effort to personalize our reception. I especially love that when he introduced our best man and maid of honor he even said how long we have known them, where they are from, who they are dating and some other fun facts about each.  We absolutely could not have picked a better DJ!

Jennifer and Rob, you both were such a pleasure to work with!  Although some of the guys may have thought the picture taking portion of the day was going to drag on I think they quickly realized it would be one of the highlights of the day.  Thank you for making it fun!  Ryan and I, along with our entire wedding party, had such a blast during our photo shoots at the airport and Erin’s Snug Irish Pub!