Today’s wedding is extra special for me as I have known both Chelsey, Charlie, and their families for a long time. We are all from the same small town and these two were just a grade below me. We had a lot of the same friends and I actually danced with Chelsey for several years!! Since Chelsey and Charlie started dating in high school (nine years ago!!) this day was honestly just SO much fun to photograph!! Aside from being fun and getting to see SO many familiar faces, when I really think about it, wow … what an honor that they would choose Caleb and I to document such a significant day in their lives. You two — we love you and we are SO thankful that we got to be a part of your day : )

In the days leading up to Charlie and Chelsey’s wedding, I think it’s safe to say that everyone was a bit “on edge” — us included! There was a 90% chance of rain the ENTIRE day and with an outdoor ceremony and indoor/outdoor reception planned, we were all a bit nervous about how things would play out! Of course, on the morning of, every backup plan was in play and the team behind this amazing day (Mike, Cara, Jeff, Sue and friends, I’m looking at you!) was ready to take on the rain! We NEVER expected that 30 minutes before the ceremony, the skies would part and the SUN would come out … for the REST of the day!! I think the meteorologists were even shocked!! As Charlie and Chelsey tearfully shared their vows to one another in front of their closest family and friends, the sun was shining down on them : )

Every last detail of Chelsey and Charlie’s day was thought out and executed so perfectly. They got married at a private residence (very close friends of both of theirs!) and when you get married at a private residence, let me tell you, it is NO easy task! You have to think through EVERY single thing … how it’s going to work … who’s going to do what … etc. You have to bring in EVERYTHING yourself — from the chairs to the food to the utensils — you name it!! It is a LOT of work. Headed by Chelsey’s mom, Cara, not a thing was overlooked and the details of this fall wedding were woven together just seamlessly. Hot apple cider, coffee, subtle touches of antler décor (with a nod to Charlie’s love for hunting), s’mores, a beer tent, mason jars for drinks, endless (I mean, endless!!) appetizers and food — it was incredible.

Chels and Charlie — thank you both so much for sharing your day with us. Like I told you during portrait time, your vows to one another are, by FAR, the thing that sticks out the most to me from your day. They were so heartfelt and honest and raw. Charlie, when you told Chelsey that you vow to show your children what respectfully loving your wife looks like … I lost it. That is something that I know you don’t take lightly and something that is SO admirable. I know that you will do this. We wish you two nothing but the absolute BEST in all that the future has in store for you : ) We LOVE you and we hope you love your images!! ENJOY!! <3

I love these little earring holder cards Chelsey got for her bridesmaids! She said she got them from Etsy!

Oh, Chels!!!! <3

Charlie and Chelsey’s sweet pup Archer : )

Love these sisters!!!

What a view!! And the sun!!

I cannot believe we got this shot with Archer … he looks PERFECT!! : )

Chelsey’s mom made all the bouquets!

A favorite!!!

Before proposing to Chelsey, the one thing Charlie knew she wanted was to have the proposal filmed and to have her closest friends and family there. Being able to rewatch such a special moment in their lives and share it with loved ones was SO important to Chelsey. When he actually proposed to her, after all was said and done, he told her that *due to some unforeseen circumstances, he wasn’t able to tape it and their family/friends couldn’t be there.* She was a bit bummed but the excitement of the proposal definitely took over : ) Little did Chelsey know, Charlie had actually taped the proposal and was waiting for their wedding day to share it with her. After their first dance, he had all the guests go outside to watch a “slideshow” he had created for Chelsey. What started off as pictures of them from their nine years of dating turned into the surprise of a lifetime for Chelsey. In front of her closest family and friends, she was able to watch the tape of Charlie proposing to her that he had been keeping a secret for TWO years : ) It was such a special, beautiful, EMOTION-FILLED moment : ) Way to go, Charlie!!!! So, so cool : )

A special shoutout to Chelsey and Charlie’s wedding day team!

DJ: Dorsey Entertainment | Makeup Artist: Beauty by Shellady | Hair Artist: Blue Angel Salon | Wedding and Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Victorian Bridal | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse