Lori Line Photography: The Blog: Emi and Franklin

Well, here I am awake at almost 2 am. I am quite determined to get this blog post finished today, which is actually tomorrow . . . which makes me a day late. I have been sifting through LOTS of pictures ALL day trying to decide what I want to post. Emi and Franklin's wedding was absolutely FABULOUS! In fact, once the night was over, I couldn't sleep (shocker) because I was on such a high!

First of all, this was probably one of the most creative, "do-it-yourself" weddings I have seen. There's something very appealing about a "homemade" wedding. Emi's grandmother made all the bouquets and flower arrangements! The bridesmaids were told to where a yellow or blue dress of their choice. Yep, no designated bridesmaids' dresses. Hairstylist . . . friend. Emi's veil . . . her grandmother's. Wedding coordinator . . . friend. Music . . . ipod. Live music . . . friends. And the Smith's provided their home and farm (Living Hope Farm) for the wedding site . . . absolutely beautiful and well-maintained! It was GREAT! Being the hired help, I felt honored to be part of it all!

I have been going on and on about how moving Emi and Franklin's ceremony was for the last few weeks. The ceremony is held outside under the blue sky. Emi makes her way over the grassy green hill. Standing at the aisle are her two fathers (biological and step) ready to give her away. Emotions are running high. Franklin's face beams the moment he set eyes on his bride-to-be. And as Emi's fathers give her away, tears roll down her mother and grandfather's face. Emi and Franklin join hands and the ceremony begins. Guests have been prepared to sing a few worship songs with Emi and Franklin. As the singing begins, the wind blows, carrying the Spirit through the audience. Hands are in the air! As I walk around the ceremony site, trying to get as many angles as possible, I find myself singing the words to a song that I don't even know. The ceremony continues to the moment Franklin lifts up Emi's veil. She falls into his arms and Franklin romantically kisses Emi. Sigh . . .

All guests then make their way to the tent for some BBQ and fun! I urge everyone to check out the slideshow! Here are a few favorites from the day:

Emi . . . getting ready. I love the quiet moment.

Emi's grandmother's veil

So happy . . .

The cows joined the guys for some pre-ceremony pics! haha!

Nathan took the following picture as I hitched a ride over to the ceremony site with the guys!

This was a seriously bumpy ride but the guys made it fun!

The flowergirl and ring-bearer . . . he was carrying a bird's nest. TOO CUTE!

Can't get enough of them!

Emi's majestic entrance over the hill!

Emi's grandfather's reaction as she is given away : ( Made me think of my own papaw who watches over me from heaven now.

I loved that I caught this moment! There's such a peace and comfort in this picture.

Man and wife baby!

If they were a boy band . . . this would be the album cover. LOL! So much fun!

I loved watching these girls get ready. It was like they were all four years old, getting ready for a tea party! They all had fishnet gloves, little veils, and chunky jewelry. Such DIVAS!!! :)

First dance . . .

Grandmom needs to party! LOL! She's been workin' hard on those flowers!

Best man caught the garter! Hilarious!

The ceremony site after fireworks and sparklers!

I have to admit that I had not met Emi or Franklin before this shoot. We were referred to each other by a mutual friend. Gotta love those referrals! I had only spoken on the phone with Emi a few times. When I finally met her for the shoot, she was the same sweet optimist in person. From the moment I arrived, Emi and Franklin were upbeat, ready to hit the road, or rather grass, on their tandem bike! Spending an evening with these two was like playing outside with my neighborhood friends after school when I was younger. It was nothing but fun, silliness, and exploration until the sun went down. Emi and Franklin have such a playful friendship and undying devotion to one another, it's exactly what you hope for in a relationship. I can't wait to see what life brings them as they continue their journey together as husband and wife! Also, a HUGE thanks to the Smith's for allowing us to use their farm for this shoot and for their upcoming wedding in a MONTH! It's almost here!