Sometimes you never know how the smallest connections will lead to big things. I met Nancy years ago at a friend’s bon fire. She has literally watched my career grow, Nancy met me right when I made the plunge into the great big ocean that is wedding photography. Fast forward to last summer, I get the sweetest phone call from her asking if I would shoot her wedding! Of course I was thrilled and we chatted and laughed about the plans to come.
When I met Jason, it was clear that the only girl for him was Nancy. The way he looked at her melted my heart. Then to see them interact at their You + Me session, there was no doubt in my mind that they were the perfect match!
On their wedding day it was like the whole world was celebrating their marriage. Not because they invited a lot of people, but because everyone shouted their love from the roof tops! There were stories, hugs, kisses, lanterns, S’mores, sparklers, and FIREWORKS! Every time you thought that they had reached the top of the celebration something else would come along that would bring the joy higher! Lets just say that this couple knows how to throw a party and deserved every bit of it! Thank you so much to Nancy & Jason for choosing me to capture your FANTASTIC day! It was so much fun and I’m so excited for this next chapter in your life!
XOXOXO,
Mabyn
How did your fiance propose? Thanksgiving 2011, we traveled to Syracuse. Jason and Nancy’s dad were outside with their beers, cooking a turkey in the smoker. Jason asked him for permission to marry his only daughter. Christmas morning 2011, Jason and Nancy were celebrating at Jason’s mother’s house in Virginia. After a morning of opening gifts, Jason announced that he had one more gift, reached in his pocket, and got on his knee. The diamond in the ring is a family stone passed down to Jason from his grandmother and his Aunt. It had been part of a brooch that belonged to Jason’s great-great grandmother and had been passed down to his grandmother and later his Aunt.
Tell me a bit about the planning process for your wedding (how did you pick the venue, colors, funny stories, etc..): Everything was VERY easy. We felt really confident that every vendor we chose would do a good job, so it helped with our stress factor. It helped, too, because we live in DC and we were planning long distance. I would say some family and friends (and trying to make everyone happy) were the most stressful part of planning – making sure everybody was included on the guest list, helping them with accommodations and arrangements, food choices, etc. We really liked hydrangeas and they come in light blue, so that’s how we picked colors. We only looked at one venue (The Lodge) and went with that. Really – everything was easy for us.
What was the most memorable moment(s) of your day? The most memorable moment of our day is likely our first look, first dance, and our firework/lantern display. For us as a couple, getting off the bus at the end of the night at the Sherwood, all of our friends wishing us goodbye, and then eating our take home cupcakes in bed. Man, we wish our wedding was every weekend.
Funniest memory from your wedding day? For the bride, it had to be getting ready in the kitchen of the Willard Chapel …. didn’t realize there were no private places to get your dress on! and when we were in the limo and when my 86-year-old grandmother made a comment (driving to the ceremony in the limo) along the lines of “this limo ride reminds me of when the policemen take all of the criminals to jail.”… really grandma?
If you had to do it all over again would you change anything? No. Not a thing.
Any advice for future bride & grooms? Make sure you are planning BEYOND the wedding. Don’t look at it as an ending point, but as beginning part of your journey together – because it’s going to be a long, awesome one. We are also glad that our honeymoon is 1-2 months after the wedding so we won’t be as tired and are really looking forward to it. Don’t register for stupid stuff that you don’t need. I would also recommend doing a “first look” to ANYBODY that is not afraid to go against tradition. We did one with Mabyn and it was so stress reliving. We were able to have an intimate moment without everybody watching and it allowed us to get through the ceremony without being overly emotional… just excited! Make sure you EAT at your reception – it’s okay to take time for yourself even if people are there to see you. And don’t sweat it – you’re just getting married.
What was your favorite part about working with Mabyn Ludke Photography? Mabyn and her partner are true professionals. They both brought a fun, calming energy when we needed it most. They were also like sneaky little photo ninjas.. there were everywhere and did anything to get the perfect shot – but you never saw them… they just blended right in. Mabyn is also very friendly, flexible and easy to work with. We were so lucky to have found her!
Hair: Michele Lennox//Makeup Artist: Mollie Palmisano//Dress Designer & Store Location: “Heidi” by Maggie Sottero – Bobbie’s Bridal in Fairfax, VA//Jewelry: Designs by Kara (Etsy)//Veil or Hair accessories: Flower made by Joliejye Vendome, Centre France (Etsy)//Shoes: Ivory Glitter Women’s Wedges by Toms (Nordstorm)//Bridesmaids Dresses: Vary (Target, for sure)//Grooms Attire: Vary (Men’s Warehouse for sure)//Ceremony Venue: The Willard Chapel in Auburn, NY//Reception Venue: The Lodge at Welch Allyn in Skanateles, NY//Florist: The Backyard Garden Florist//Transportation: Student First bus service, American Limousine//DJ: Vice Versa Entertainment//Caterer: The Lodge at Welch Allyn//Cake: Sweet Endings Bakeshop in Jamesville, NY//Event Designer: Nancy!//Wedding Coordinator: Megan Coe//Lighting: Vice Versa Entertainment//Other: Fireworks by The Lodge at Welch Allen
