Tre and Becky are married! We were blessed to spend the day with them to capture all the details of their big day. The setting was the HarMac, which is an industrial gem in downtown Cedar Rapids. We started the day at the HarMac. We finished the day at the HarMac. And every moment in between was at the HarMac. That’s one of the great things about that venue—no travel instantly makes your day a whole lot better.
We started the day with the girls getting their hair and makeup done. As they finished up, it was time for Becky to don her regal wedding dress, and as she did, she turned into a legit princess. Both in appearance and swagger. Becky’s mom buttoned up the dress and helped her with jewelry as the neon sign glowed overhead most appropriately—‘And so it begins’.
It was time for a first look with the two most important men in her life. First with her dad. Emotions ran high as he turned around, and though tears developed, they didn’t fall. It is always such a privilege to be able to be a fly on the wall for these rich moments!
Next was Becky’s first look with Tre. He told me he was ‘pretty nervous’ for their first look. I knew it was going to be a special moment and that Becky was going to absolutely wreck him. As she hugged him from behind, he was already crying by the time he was turning around to see his bride. He fell into her arms in a heap, overwhelmed by the moment and his beautiful wife-to-be.
It was cold and windy out, so we spent most of our photo time indoors, which is not a disappointment at the HarMac, where photo ops abound. We did try to give the rooftop a whirl with their massive wedding party, and a whirl it was, as the wind made things especially difficult and uncomfortable! We ended up taking cover from the wind behind a wall for the ladies, and had to punt wedding party photos until after the ceremony. As we tried to go upstairs a second time later in the evening for nighttime photos, we were again reminded that the wind was still angry!
The time for the ceremony came upon us all at once, and before we knew it, guests were piling into the Harper Room seats. As the music began to play, Becky’s father walked her down the aisle and Tre’s lips began to quiver. But wait. Was something missing? As Becky was fiddling with her dress pockets as she walked (yes, her dress had pockets!), her mom whispered behind me, “She doesn’t have her bouquet!” Oh well. Becky was most excited to have a ring placed on her finger, emphatically extending her arm when it was time for Tre to put a ring on it. The two shared a kiss (or 3) to seal the deal and the Harper Room erupted with a raucous ovation.
After the ceremony, we finished up family photos and the wedding party as the skies darkened and set the mood for the evening’s festivities. The HarMac glows at night with its sweeping view of the twinkling city lights. Peppercorn Food Co served the guests a wonderful meal, and heartfelt toasts were given by both dads, the best man and matron of honor. There were lots of tears, both from too much laughter and heartfelt moments.
Since we weren’t able to conveniently fit in more portraits at night, we spent extra time capturing the vibrant dance floor. And vibrant it was! There was passionate singing, confident dancing and even dangerous stunts performed. A good time was had by all as the celebration carried on into the night.
Tre and Becky, thank you guys for choosing to have us be a part of your wedding day! We hope it was the best day ever and that these photos will keep those fond memories fresh forever. May you guys be blessed with a lifetime of love and happiness together!
Hair & Makeup – Kyn & Co
Decor/Rentals – Unique Events
Cheesecake – The Cheesecake Lady
Dress – Jocelyn Taylor Bridal
Suits – Men’s Wearhouse
Catering – Peppercorn Food Co
Photographers – Carter Photography
