This post is extra special to me, and these images will always hold a very special place in my heart. For the last 24 years, I have been able to call this beautiful bride one of my best friends in the world. We’ve known each other since we were toddlers, and lived just a mile from each other. We could see each other’s houses across the cornfield that we rode our bikes through every summer, and considered each other’s families our own. We shared some of our biggest life moments together, and I couldn’t have been more honored to photograph her wedding.
Chelsie and Joel are two of the most honest, down-to-earth people you will ever meet. They are both chefs (well, Chels is a chef, Joel is a pastry chef), and they catered their own reception. It was some of the best food I have ever tasted! I hadn’t met Joel before the wedding since we live so far apart, and I knew instantly that he was perfect for her.
Here are just a few of my favorites from the day. The ceremony was held at Chelsie’s parents’ house in Hedrick, Iowa. Her older sister, Alexie, was married at their house back in Carthage before they moved several years ago. I love this tradition! Tom, their dad, built a little barn to serve as a backdrop for the day.
This is the beautiful family that I will always consider my own!
And finally, a little OCF action at the reception. I love the way Joel is holding her..
by Wendi Riggens
Lisa Walsh - What a great story! LOVE the last shot. LOVE IT!
Kelly - great pics, Wendi. Love the OCF image.. !
looks like a great love story and you caputured it well!
Christina - love the series….
the details are amazing!
John Gaughan - Wendi,
Very nice job. I can see the personal emotion you put into the images. My favorite is #8 (?), where the bride is looking back at the lens and the groom is looking down. Although I am biased toward that type of image!. Well-exposed all around. Neat, I am glad to have found your blog!
John Gaughan - Yes, I love the OCF action, as well. I would like to learn this someday.
John Gaughan - Wait! I love # 9 too with the flowing veil! Did you have a fan, or natural wind?