Before I get to these off the charts photos of Drew and Valerie's wedding on the dock in Fish Creek, Wisconsin - I need to give you some background info. Not to make this wedding post about me, but this story is important. And yes, it involves me. So yes, I did just make this wedding post about me. The bride in question (Valerie) and I met years ago on the blogosphere. We were single, pessimistic, quasi-bitter, unapologetically sarcastic twenty-somethings writing about our tumultuous relationships and post-college life confusion. Neither of us ever thought marriage or any of that stuff was for us - and we both hated weddings. We were actually both quite non-girly with the exception of owning half of Sephora. I'm not entirely sure how the stars aligned but commenting led to texting and the next thing I knew, she was driving through my town "on her way home from a job." Which is, of course, what any creepy felon trolling the Internet trying to meet unassuming twenty year-olds would say to meet up and talk kidnap one of them. So we met in a public place because my mom, if anything, has instilled in me a great deal of paranoia regarding the general public but especially the internet. Although meeting in a public place is only the first line of defense... she also suggested I wear a baseball hat, no makeup, and look as ugly as possible. But I decided to tempt fate, live on the edge, and show up normal.
I remember, that night I was toting around my first big girl camera because I had just gotten it and I had no clue how to use it. We live relatively close to each other but just far enough that we only saw each other a few more times. Fast forward a couple years and we both sort of quit blogging because our lives got all happy and uninteresting. I ended up getting married in 2013, and in an ironic twist, decided to thrust myself into the world of pink and poofy things by launching my wedding business. Shortly thereafter, I got a text from Valerie asking if I'd take pictures for her upcoming wedding. I may or may not have said yes. I'll leave that up to you and Sherlock Holmes to figure out. But hint: these are her wedding photos.
That being said, I'm so glad she wasn't a dude with a fake blog just trying to kidnap me. Because then I wouldn't have been able to photograph this wedding. Or really, do anything, since I'd be kidnapped.
Aside from the fact that I was deathly ill on her wedding day, I can tell you that it was perfect. Amazing weather. Happy people. A well-coordinated family with great eyes. What more could a photographer ask for? I don't know. Immortality? If I'm being forced to answer. Oh. Well there is one more thing... It's not really my style (or Valerie's) to be all mushygushylovey with words, but I get to watch a lot of couples and wedding days, and it's easy to see when a couple is really, truly happy. And Drew and Valerie are really, truly, genuinely happy... and as a long distance virtual friend, I was pretty excited to see that.
Cole and I had such a great time with you guys and your amazing friends and family - I hope you informed them that we'll be crashing all of your family events from here on out.
The first thing this family has going for it - is their eyes. Just. Ridiculous.
This is where I'm going to begin a personal count of pictures of Mark Anderko, Valerie's brother. He was a little bit stressed out about the fact that we might not have gotten enough pictures of him throughout the day. Just ignore these comments. #1.
Still counts.
The Fam (plus Mark).
Oh, hi Mark!
We call this Prom Pose Fail.
Mark Anderko. #546
Not much going on here. Just Valerie, her sister, and MARK.
The eyes. EYES. Reeeeeally.
I don't know if you've caught on yet, but this entire day was just full of ugliness. Horrible weather. Boring landscape. A photographer's nightmare, if I'm being honest.
Mark.
Not to ruin the moment, but Mark + mom.
Mark drinking something.
Mark talking.
And no, I didn't realize the boat said "Say Yes." It just worked out that way since this day was pretty much perfect.
Don't worry, Mark is in there somewhere.
Congrats Drew and Valerie!!