Lori Line Photography: The Blog: Chris and Melissa Married!

As the sun disappeared over the horizon, I sat on the hill that had once been filled with wedding guests. It had been a long day and I didn't care to sit in the grass and just be for awhile. The view of the blue lake amongst the green mountains reminded me of Neverland from Disney's Peter Pan. It seemed strange to me that in front of what looked like Neverland, where kids never grow up, a marriage ceremony had commenced. Melissa was no longer the girlfriend of my sister that threw birthday sleepovers at the Super 8 Motel. And I was no longer the annoying younger sister who begged to come along. Time had made us older, shaping us into what we are today.

Melissa was beautiful for the day she had been dreaming of. The sky was blue with white puffy clouds. The grass was green and luscious. The entire day seemed filled with a vibrance that matched Melissa's personality. And, as is his character, Chris was floating around the ceremony and reception sight making sure the details were perfect for his bride.

Chris and Melissa decided to have a private "first look" before the ceremony, which I LOVED! I was able to get far more pictures of the bride and groom than usual. Melissa and Chris had been on the fence whether to see each other or not before the ceremony. Luckily, they decided to trust me, allowing me more time to capture some creative images. Here are a few favorites from the day. To see more from their wedding, click here for the SLIDESHOW.

Melissa putting on her Maggie Sottero dress.

I love how pleased Melissa looks in this picture. She's like, "Yeah, I make this dress look good." hahaha! :)

Gotta get some details!

Melissa putting on her garter.

I love this next shot! The shadow of the blinds makes it look like there are rays of light radiating from Melissa's body.

Melissa adding on some finishing touches to her hair.

Not gonna lie . . . rocked the ring shot! Am I allowed to say that about my own work?! I've been practicing detail shots so it's nice when they turn out right.

Melissa's bouquet.

Ok, I am really starting to see a pattern of differences between males and females when it comes to group shots. I get so tickled thinking about how we are as women. My directions for this picture were to get in a line, link arms with the bride, walk towards me, and look like you're having fun. After 20 minutes and multiple questions from uncertainty, this is the picture that finally surfaces. Hooray! We did it!

Now, I move on to photographing the guys. The scenario went as follows: "Ok guys, I'm looking to get a group shot of all of you but I don't want it to look too posed. I'm looking for something relaxed, a little GQ, and on the count of 3 I want you to strike a pose. Any questions?"

Cricket, cricket.

"Good. On the count of 3 . . . 1, 2, 3!"

Guys strike pose. Camera clicks.

"Awesome. See you at the ceremony!"

Look at how they get down to business :) LOL!

I am in love with the next 3 pictures! This is the result from having a "first look" between bride and groom. The sky would have not looked like this after the ceremony and group shots. So glad they chose to see each other before!

Ceremony site!

Chris is saying his vows to Melissa. Her face is precious as she listens :)

An overview.

First kiss as man and wife! Love the blue lagoon/lake in the background. The ceremony site was at a private residence in Rock Harbor Subdivision in New Tazewell, TN.

I finally got everyone to GQ it!

Got some more time with the bride and groom around sunset! By seeing each other before and knocking out a majority of their pictures, Melissa and Chris were able to mingle with their guests right away, keeping a nice flow of events at their reception. When the "sweet light" hit, we were able to grab a few more pictures.