Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of working again with the ultra talented Nick and Aleah Valley of Fine Line Management & Events at the venue of my first ever wedding, Leifer Manor.  The lucky couple?  Melanie and Sidney, one of the most wonderfully complementary couples I’ve come to know.

After a few quick snapshots of everyone arriving and hugging, I headed into the dressing room with Melanie and her bridesmaids.  Melanie arrived with hair and makeup done, but she wanted a couple of photos of her getting into her dress.  The tiny dressing room was packed, but I’m a pro at clambering and balancing on furniture!

The light was beastly in there – a mixture of tungsten, florescent and daylight, all pretty much on one side of the room – but the fixtures were very cute!

We headed outside under the willow tree for their first look.  I grabbed a couple of shots of Sidney waiting patiently for his bride – doesn’t he look handsome?

They were all smiles and giggles – it was very cute to watch!

After a little while, we started on the wedding party photos – as well as the main set-up shots I also use this time to get some candids and details.

I just LOVE the colors Melanie chose – so fresh and happy!

Sidney had to take a call while we were doing the big group shots – it made for a great photo opp for me.

Before the ceremony, I had some time to photograph the reception area as Aleah and Nick were making the final touches.  It looked fantastic – I love the little jellybean favor jars, and the gorgeous bright green and pink accents.

After my fill of details, it was back to taking candids as guests arrived for the ceremony.  I love how happy Melanie’s dad looks here, all ready to walk his daughter down the aisle.

Sidney was beaming pretty much all day:

I love that Melanie’s pink shoes peeked out with every step.  Colored shoes are one of my favorite summer trends.

The ceremony was beautiful – and I loved that the officiants were Sidney’s uncle and cousin.

The gorgeous cake: simple but perfect.

The food by Seasoned in Seattle, passed hors d’oeuvres and a very high end buffet, was amazing, as always.  Fine Line knows the BEST vendors.

I couldn’t resist setting up a ring shot with the favor jars:

And the classic bouquet-ring shot:

After dinner, they opened up the chocolate fountain.  I asked a couple of the kids if this was their favorite part of the wedding day, to which I got the unanimous response, “oh, YEAH!”

I caught Sidney gazing at his ring, and showing it off to friends and family.  It’s rare to catch a groom doing this, so I was really happy that I caught this moment.

The speeches were fun, heartfelt and emotional.  There were definitely some shed tears …

Towards the end of the evening, I took a few more couple shots of Sidney and Melanie.  This one was Melanie’s idea – and it’s one of my favorites of the day:

DJ Mike Garcia worked some magic on the dance floor – everyone was loving the tunes!

Congratulations to Melanie and Sidney on a beautiful wedding, and I hope you’re enjoying your honeymoon!