Laura & Ryan | Beavercreek Wedding

I met Laura several years ago when I enrolled my daughter in dance class.  Laura has a certain je ne sais quoi.  She's certainly beautiful, yes, but there's something about her laughter that is honest and warm and infectious.  Once you hear it, you totally take a shine to her.  With grace, infinite patience and joyful laughter, she taught that class of young girls how to dance, emote and feel strong and confident.  Laura inspired my daughter to love the stage.  And let me tell 'ya, when your kid finds their "thing" and that thing is exciting to watch and never gets old, it's pretty amazing.  I found myself photographing the recitals just because I was so enamored with all of those dancers.  So, when Laura asked me if I was interested and available to shoot her wedding, I thought, "Ooh, she's going to be a stunning bride. Yasss!"

Then she told me the wedding is at Kirkmont which has the most gorgeous stained glass windows in this adorable chapel with the oddest layout.  It's a challenge to photograph, but one that I've had my eye on since my youngest began preschool there.

Laura told me that her centerpieces included books, and I remembered that the preschool side had a neat library to use as a bridal room.

Then Laura said, "yeah you actually have met Ryan.  Years ago he coached your daughter's soccer team!  I spotted her in a photo on his parent's fridge!"

It felt like serendipity.

So that's the story how, on a Saturday in July, I spent the day photographing with a stupid grin on my face and wiggly, dancing excitement in my heart because these two freaking adorable people got married.  I don't think I have the words to adequately describe their wedding.  Sure, I could talk about the lace on her dress or the flavor of the cake, but the best way to tell you about the mood is to just show you.

This is Laura & Ryan's story.

If you're still with me after this ridiculous long post, then sit back and enjoy photos from Laura & Ryan's  Kick-Your-Shoes-Off-And-Dance & Laugh-'Til-Your-Belly-Hurts Totally Awesome Reception.

Yep.  It's a Flash Mob.

Yep.  It was awesome.

Fishin' in the Dark Wedding Dance

Vendors:

Ceremony: Kirkmont Presbyterian Church
Reception : Presidential Banquet Center
Hair: JoJo's Salon
Florist: Flowerman
Cake: The Cakery
DJ:  All Occasions by Shawn Kimmet
Catering:  Kohler
Dress:  Henri's Bridal
Tux:  Men's Warehouse
Photographer:  Valerie Hawkins Photography