Kara (with a K) and I had never met Mike and Cara (with a C) in person before their wedding day since they reside in California. Yet, from the moment we arrived, they treated us as friends and were extremely gracious and hospitable. No wedding day is about us and how we are treated, but our experience with them just goes to show the kind of quality people they are. Mike and Cara with a C, it was a real pleasure getting to know you guys and to be a part of your wedding day! We really appreciate you choosing to have us along for the ride, and we hope you dig the photos!
We started the day getting ready at the DoubleTree in Cedar Rapids. After hair, makeup and getting dressed, Mike and Cara had their emotional first look together. These two were looking gooooood! Before heading to the ceremony, we spent some time hanging out with their family and wedding party to capture all of their most important people. With the guys being in all black suits, I think we were all thankful that the weather was incredibly reasonable and that we were able to spend the entirety of our photo time in the comfort of shade!
Their wedding ceremony was at Cedar Rapids First. I would describe it as meaningful, refreshing and inspiring. These guys have a passion for the Lord and it was central to their wedding day. That is something that is always encouraging and a delight to photograph. They wrote their own vows, which is something that we highly suggest. They are infinitely more personal and meaningful, and really elevate your ceremony. After the wedding day, I’m a fan of saving your vows as well, and finding a way to creatively store or display them as a way of being mindful of what was spoken on your wedding day. That can serve as a reminder and encouragement to each other days, months and years down the road.
After their ceremony, we headed straight to their wedding reception at Eastbank in downtown Cedar Rapids. Eastbank is always one of our favorite venues to photograph with is clean lines and sophisticated character. Their dinner was unique, as they had an assortment of wood fired pizzas continually refreshed on the buffet table. It smelled delicious up in that piece, and who doesn’t love pizza? If you don’t like pizza, Mike and Cara don’t like you. Mike said as much when he was thanking everyone for coming. 🙂 The toasts that were delivered after dinner were phenomenal, and rarely have I heard such rolling laughter from the guests like we did from their wedding party speeches. There were tears and aching guts, no doubt, from laughing so hard. There were also tears from heartfelt gratitude and well wishes that were shared. Once the dance floor opened up, it stayed busy, especially with pregnant women. 😀 Good times! As evening came upon us, Mike and Cara stepped out of the open dance for some stunning sunset photos that I think were a great way to put an exclamation mark on the story of their day.
Hair & Makeup – Ambellish Salon (Marshalltown)
Flowers – Something to Share
Cake – Hy-Vee (Wilson Ave)
DJ – Twisted Mics
Video – Marathon Videography
Dress – Schaffer’s Bridal
Pizza & Catering – Maggie’s Farm
Photographers – Carter Photography
