I love Mark & Stephanie’s story because it’s so unimaginably amazing, it’s almost like it’s out of a movie! They met at their best friends’ wedding (Marcus & Stephanie). And those best friends met because of ANOTHER friends’ dating and wedding (Derek & Simone – I photographed their engagement session ages ago!). And each half of the three couples all went to Grinnell College together, which is how I got to know them! I feel like these types of crazy stories only happen for Grinnellians, but I love it!
When Stephanie returned from her best friend’s wedding over a year ago, she kept talking about this guy named Mark, who was the best man at the wedding. She mentioned they had been chatting online and emailing. But here’s the catch: while Stephanie was in Iowa, Mark was on a completely different continent, Australia! So here Stephanie was trying to figure out when she could talk to him because of the time difference, and all I could think was that she must really like this guy 🙂 Fast forward a few more months, and they are solidly dating long distance and Mark has come to Iowa to visit Stephanie. I clearly remember having a very brief lunch with the two of them and not so gently encouraging them to think about getting married. Little did I know that Mark had plans to propose on that very trip!!! I could not have been MORE excited for these two! The only sad part? A dear friend of mine would be moving far far away. But on the plus side, I was so incredibly blessed to travel to Stephanie’s hometown in Las Cruces, New Mexico and capture their wedding day. It was truly an honor!
Stephanie & Mark, this was one of the most special days for me. I always ALWAYS love photographing the wedding of a friend, because there’s nothing more special than capturing a friend’s love. You guys are amazing, and I wish you all the best!
I was able to photograph Stephanie’s dress and most of her details the day before their wedding, taking full advantage of the beautiful New Mexican surroundings.
Stephanie got ready with her bridesmaids at the rental house I was staying at, which was absolutely PERFECT!
Stephanie, you were such a beautiful bride!
Beautiful wedding invatations and lots of succulants – my favorites!
We headed to the church for their morning wedding, and this gorgeous collanade was the perfect spot for a few more bridal photos and then their first look!
I am in love with blush and gold for wedding colors. It ALWAYS looks good!
Meet Stephanie & Marcus (she’s the best friend of the bride, he’s the best friend of the groom— i.e. the best friends’ wedding) on the left, and Derek & Simone on the right. All the Aussie-Grinnell couples!
Wedding time!
Quite the backdrop, right?
One thing happened at this wedding that’s never happened to me before in all the 7 years I’ve been photographing weddings…the bride fainted! Poor Stephanie! She was totally okay, maybe a tad embarassed, but I doubt any of us will forget that!
Yay!
Marks family, mostly from Australia I believe!
They had a casual brunch for friends and family following their ceremony, with a few toasts and waffles!
After a bit of an afternoon break, we met up in Old Mesilla for photos of the bride and groom, as well as the bridal party. These are my favorites!
I loved their bridal party 🙂
A few of Old Mesilla at night…
Congratulations once again!!!!
