Not all who wander are lost, but they might have blown away. It was an 85 degree in late October for Sean and Morgenne’s wedding, so you had to expect there was quite a strong southerly wind keeping those degrees up. Those leaves, hairs, hats and veils were sure blowing. I’m sure Sean was a bit warm in his winter grade suit, especially considering it was of the all black variety, however, I’m sure we will all take the wind and warmth we were dealt over 45 and rainy, which it certainly could have been.
We started the day capturing the finishing details of the bride and groom getting ready. We sought alternative locations for that, which were indeed far more photogenic than YMCA locker rooms, functional as those may have been otherwise. Window light is everything with getting ready photos. Once they were both dressed and ready to go, we took a hike through the Wellman City Park to set up their first look together. They wanted their first look to be ‘a double first look’ where neither of them were able to get a glimpse of the other until they turned around together. It took a number of assistants to help guide, carry and direct so that Morgenne could make her way 150 yards through the park without catching a glimpse of Sean. When we finally got them back-to-back, they savored the drama of the moment for a minute before turning to see the person they would be marrying that afternoon. It was probably about at that moment when a gust of wind came through, blew off Sean’s hat and flung Morgenne’s hair in her face. 🙂 We let the wind beat on us for a while as we captured some portraits of them and the wedding party in the colorful park.
Their ceremony and reception were both at the Parkside Banquet Hall in Wellman, Iowa. Sean and Morgenne “wrote” their own vows for the ceremony . . . or at least Sean wrote his vows. Morgenne . . . didn’t quite make it around to that in time. After Sean read his vows to her, she went off the cuff a little and spoke some vows that she had been thinking about. 😆 I know I’m much more of a prepare in advance, read paper in the moment kind of person, but if you can pull off an impromptu speech, more power to you! I will always take something genuine and authentic over a script that you are asked to repeat. Also encouraging on this day was that the gospel was clearly presented and cherished by the couple and their family. It was apparent that there was a legacy of faith in the family, as a prayer of blessing written by Morgenne’s late grandfather was read by her dad to close out the ceremony.
After the ceremony, all the guests enjoyed a nice dinner and a cake made with lots of love. The reception banquet hall was decorated in a very unique fantasy, middle ages kind of vibe, reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. It was generally very chill and was much more about socializing and enjoying each other’s company rather than perhaps the typical get crazy and dance one’s face off.
Sean and Morgenne, your wedding day was a great encouragement and we appreciate you guys choosing to have us capture the story of your day! May you guys be blessed with a lifetime of love and happiness together!
