Laura has known Brian since he was in high school, when she used to be a youth leader for a church while she was in college. Brian went off to college where he met Audra, and would hear from him and their family occasionally over the years, up until last year. You may remember these two’s engagement session, because it’d be impossible to find a couple that were so full of laughter and smiles. Our clients normally take a few minutes to warm up to having two random people take thousands of photos of them… not these two.

Just last week, Brian & Audra got married at The Historic Mankin Mansion on a day expected to thunderstorm, but besides 3 minutes of drizzle, we had almost all sun! Yet, no matter what weather came, it wouldn’t change how precious this day would be for these two. Brian and Audra were getting ready around the corner from each other, and from the beginning with exchanging notes and gifts we could see all the excitement and emotion these two had for each other! When Brian turned to see Audra for the first time on their wedding day at their first look, he teared up, before these two spent a good 10 minutes just hugging, laughing and talking with each other before we jumped into portraits. We love giving this time to our clients because spending a minute or two, or even ten, being able to chat like normal with your future spouse calms everything down. It’s a moment that is not all about the wedding, and instead all about you two. It’s part of why we think first looks are so important. And for those grooms that are more traditional, Brian, like me, still teared up during the ceremony.

By far, the best vows we’ve experienced were Brian and Audra’s. When Brian started his vows with “Audra, We really rushed into this…” I, along with most of the guests, broke out laughing! (Keep in mind they’ve been together for 8 years!). But Audra definitely got the kicker when she said “Brian, thanks for coming.” I just about died after that! Audra even coined a phrase that we are in full support… “Sweatpants Saturday turns into sweatpants Sunday”. This perfectly describes these two’s relationship, full of joy, happiness, humor, and boldness. The afternoon just got better, complete with some crazy awesome dancing from Audra’s parents, especially her father, some crazy loving dancing from Brian’s younger brother and their mother, and even a few moves from grandparents before a perfect sparkler exit as the rain started to drizzle. A perfect wedding day!

Brian & Audra, you guys are exactly why we love being a part of wedding days. The joy you two have is unending, and we wish you all the happiness we know you will have in this world. We love you guys!

The Creative Team