To say that 2014 was an amazing year for SweetCheeks Photography would be an understatement. Looking back on the year, I'm overcome with the emotions I feel. Each wedding brought so much, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for such a wonderful year. Here are a few of my favorites, it's hard to pick so few but I did my best. Thank you in advance to whomever actually reads my little stories before the photo, I appreciate it!
The Rings
Okay, I know I know…this photo might be just a bit more about the flowers than it is about the rings. But that succulent framed and held up the rings in the most sturdy and glorious way. I can't tell you how many times I'm working with the rings and realize I'm not breathing. Some rings are so hard to stack, you seriously can't take a breath without dropping them.
The Dress
I loved everything about this dress - the details around the bottom, the lacework, the perfect bow in the back…simply elegant. She looked amazing in it, as though it was made just for her. I loved being able to capture her in the most perfect moments before her wedding, when everything is just right.
 |  |
The Flowers
Only one thing to say: #dreambouquet
The Shoes
Talk about some wedding day bling! This bride ordered these gems and to her dismay they were on back order. While in hopes she wouldn't have to wear her back up shoes, they came in time and she rocked these Badgley Mischka's all day long (she was an inspiration to me as I paraded around in my plain black ballet flats). She was a true pro in heels and totally deserved all the glory that these shoes bring.
 |  |
The Men
Scotch, ties and sports playing on the tube...yep, this sums up the guys "getting ready time". Love this one snagged by one of my fabulous second shooters, Tara.
The Exit
Dried lavender covered them as they left the church to greet their guests for the first time as husband and wife. The lavender may have gotten caught in the bride's hair (which lead to myself and some bridesmaids picking at her head like a monkey) but it was all so worth it for a shot like this.
The Veil
It is now my belief, that all brides who wear a long and amazing veil - get a glorious veil shot. It has been written in stone. Can't promise this amazing church's red door, but I can make your veil soar!
The Kiddos
Some of my favorite wedding photos of all time are actually of people who are under 3 feet tall. I get such a kick out of watching kids navigate the adult landscape of weddings. These few gems came to top of mind this year. Those bow ties, that "funny face" and little miss giggles below warm my heart through to the core.
 |  |
Most Pinteresting
The moment I met this bride, I knew I was in for a photographic treat for her wedding. I learned she had a degree in photography and was currently a photo stylist. I just didn't realize it was going to be THIS SPECTACULAR. She made all the chalkboards, conceptualized a to-die-for sweets table and had the cutest gifts for her guests. I loved it, every single part.
 |  |
Glorious Sunlight
I find myself chasing sunlight quite often. Whether before it goes down over buildings, a field or on the tops of a tree line. Moments like this, where the light is is just right - make all the time I spend gazing up at the sky worth it. The warmth that came across the field takes me back to the feeling of sheer luck to have the sun bless us that evening, because just moments later, it was gone.
The Hidden Gem
Cruising around a golf course in our sweet rides (golf carts), I saw this spot. Far removed from the rolling green fairways (which I typically find uninspiring), we happened upon this spot and I got super giddy. I saw that sweet little tree in the distance and couldn't help to get a little poetic: "It symbolizes your union as one." I know, sappy! But seriously, precious moments like this are the reasons I do this work, for the love.
The Essence of Fall
The colors of fall! Oh my goodness, I died and went to fall heaven. After walking around the premises to find the perfect spot, this tree whispered "Hey, check me out"…and I knew there couldn't have been a better place for this late October wedding photo. I love fall so very much, and this is what all fall weddings should look like (well, at least one can hope).
The Couple
I love when a bride and groom glade over at each other, just like this. Even more, the brick with vines running through it is just so beautiful to me. Her bright pop of pink sets it all off.
The Coldest
It may have been January 25th and the windchill may have been in the single digits...but I just couldn't pass up shooting outside. I'm so glad they were troopers, because these images made our freezing well worth it (well, at least I hope).
The Ceremony
In the middle of nowhere is this sweet place called Chapel in the Pines. It's the perfect outdoor wedding location with sweeping fields and farms surrounding the gazebo. It was a tad windy that day, but this tucked away corner was calm and beautiful. It was such a great spot to promise your new lives as Mr. & Mrs.
Ode to the Farm
What do you do when your parents have friends that not only own a barn, but own a real live farm? Well, you get married there, and that's just want they did. This bride achieved her desires to get married in a barn, and the farm offered up such fantastic spots for us to capture their day. Love the silos, the farm equipment wheel and oh yeah, those two love birds aren't too shabby to have smack dab in the middle of it all.
The Cake
Cakes are getting smaller, and sweets tables, bigger. I loved this almond coated, strawberry topped cake. The gold sequined table cloth really made this cake stand out in a big way. It's no secret, I love cake and I think I was lucky to snag a few bites this year in between clicks - score!
End of The Night
There's this moment just after the sun goes down over the horizon that the sky becomes the most brilliant blue. During this mid-reception get away shot we hit that sweet spot when the blue was deep and luxurious. I love these moments that we can sneak away with the bride a groom for one more moment of quiet as they take in the day.
Thank you SO very much, from the bottom and top of my heart for sharing such important days with little old me - and more importantly, trusting me to capture your day. I take this job seriously and enjoy being able to peak into your lives with every click of the shutter. Here's to an amazing 2014 and to an even better 2015!
RSS Feed
