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Jeff and I started at The Platinum Salon 8 a.m. where Jessica along with some of her bridesmaids and mother got their hair done. When arriving, Jessica was surprised to see Stephanie with Fat Cat Productions (FCP) there to document. At the time of booking FCP she didn’t have salon coverage in her package. As Janet, Jessica’s mother, knew it was very important for her so she made it a surprise to her daughter and paid a little extra. Janet also made sure breakfast was there that she made- breakfast casserole. A previous bride, from the Close-Wilbert wedding last July, was the make-up artist for the ladies. As people finished or were waiting to get their hair done Melissa applied make-up. Jace, Melissa’s husband, is a cousin to Jessica. While the ladies were all preparing, Jeff and Barry were back at the church as the guys got ready. With an early start to the day the guys got their pictures done first.
Jessica had a beautiful up do with rhinestone barrette that was placed just above where the veil went in the back. After all the ladies had up do’s they headed over to St. Francis of Assisi where the ceremony would later take place and where the ladies finished getting ready. Jessica’s dress was strapless with lots of beadwork on the bodice to the hips and sprinkled the train. There was diamond shaped jewels on it- one was in the back and one in the front where the satin swooped around on the hips. The bridesmaids wore black fitted floor length skirts with a lace bodice.
The shoes for all the ladies were all specially picked. Jessica had seen on our website one of the photos Jeff took while in California of a bride that wore red shoes. After seeing those photos she said that she had to do the same for her wedding day. Not only did she make sure she had red shoes but all her bridesmaids wore red shoes also. The two little flower girls wore red sparkling slippers as well. The guys all wore black tuxes with red ties and vests. All the fresh flowers were arranged by Jessica’s mom. They were all done in deep reds with a hint of orange and yellow.
Jessica was very excited all morning and described how excited she was that the day was finally here and that she was getting married!!! She couldn’t wait to see Andy. They had chosen to see each other for the first time before the ceremony so they get all the pictures done beforehand. They both were filled with excitement and joy. Andy even told Jessica’s dad before Jessica came and tapped him on his shoulder that he was a “tiny bit” nervous. It almost always brings me to happy tears when I see our couples see each other. It is also very rewarding to know the memories we capture and it is a privilege to document. After their first viewing we took them around the church and outside for some shots before coming back to the sanctuary to finish up the group shots.
The ceremony began at 1:00 with the groomsmen ushering in the bridesmaids, 2 flower girls following, then Jessica and her dad. It was a traditional Catholic wedding with a mass. The bride’s father Gino shared the readings and a string quartet performed along with the organist. After the ceremony, the wedding party along with Jeff, Steph with FCP and myself hopped onto the trolley and it took us to Sedgwick Co. Park where we were able to get some shots of Jessica and Andy with the wedding party and some more shots of just the two of them.
We then headed back to the church where the reception was being held in the hall. The room was very well decorated by Janet, Jessica’s mom, and Audra, Jessica’s sister, who also helped. All the tables had beautiful arrangements of flowers and the family tables had unique lamps on them. The burgundy lamps were battery operated and the pedestal to it was a glass vase with more flowers and fish swimming in them. Chocolate Cascades was there to run the chocolate fountain and they also had a snack bar that consisted of chex mix, cheesy puff balls and gold fish crackers. Steve Walsh was the DJ who did a great job keeping people out on the dance floor.
A surprise to Jessica’s parents was a gift that was a shadow box with their wedding memorabilia, for it was their wedding anniversary on the same day.
Jessica and Andy are going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for their honeymoon. Take lots of photos and we would love to have you share some with us when you get back. You guys are a great couple and we had fun documenting your special day. Remember to stay in touch! One of the many comments from Jessica on her wedding day was, “Why only wear the dress once?” One good reason to wear it again would be an extreme session! 
Just a thought.
Tyff and Jeff
