Arriving at the groomsmen's getting ready location (an absolutely stunning piece of architecture owned by family friends), Brady greets me with his usual easy smile. He, the groomsmen, and ushers are watching football and relaxing, and my arrival signals that it's time to start putting on the gear. While I take a customary look around, I'm surprised to find that his best man is in an office space, concentrating while diligently writing...something. He's hard at work so I turn my attention instead to a ring of glasses and a bottle of Maker's Mark, set out for a toast. Bottoms up, and they get to unpacking pocket squares, suspenders, and bowties (and a pair of Pizza Shuttle socks I forgot to ask about!).
As the guys are getting their finishing touches in place, it's time to pack up and drive to the bridal getting ready suite. Noelle has an Airbnb in the lofts directly east of Cider Gallery, and I arrive in time to get photos of the crew in their matching robes (even the flower girls! Get out of here.)
It's no surprise that Noelle is absolutely stunning in her dress. We met many (...many...) years ago when we sang together in the choir program at KU, and I always admired her sense of style. When I go to check on her, I audibly gasp at what a vision she is. I ask her if she thinks Brady will cry at the First Look and she laughs and says "Definitely."
Just between the two venues is a tiny putting green of all things, with absolutely massive arborvitae. I'm a sucker for a lush green background, so I get Brady in position and run back to the Airbnb to let Noelle know it's time.
As her skirt is being properly fluffed, she has the greatest smile on her face. Brady, who minutes before had been laughing and joking around with me, hears Noelle behind him and his face softens with the emotion of the moment. Final adjustments are taking a bit of time, and I ask Brady if the anticipation is killing him. He and Noelle burst out laughing.
Baby Hazel is an absolute champ and she comes to do a first look with mom and dad, wearing a baby-sized reproduction of the dress that Noelle wore when she and Brady tied the knot a year ago in an intimate gathering, while Hazel was still in her tummy.
After photos with the wedding party, guests are arriving and it's time for everyone to get into place. Their Cider Gallery wedding is in the courtyard and it's shaping up to be a beautiful afternoon. A violinist and pianist are providing a gorgeous duet of songs from musical theatre productions, and soon the officiant walks down the aisle with Brady following. The procession is perfect, with nary a guest able to hold back laughs of adoration when the mothers of the bride and groom come down the aisle pulling a wagon behind them, with little Hazy making her way down.
When it's time for Noelle to approach, she rounds the corner on her dad's arm. Coming to a pause, her usual smiling face holds back tears of absolute joy, and as Brady watches her, he too is overcome once again with this glorious moment.
A great officiant really makes the ceremony, and Noelle and Brady chose well. He is a showman of the highest degree, hyping up the crowd while making everyone laugh, the bride and groom included. Vows and rings are exchanged (just barely though, Noelle had some hilarious issues getting Brady's ring on), and they are pronounced husband and wife. Walking down the aisle to a piano/violin duet of "Dancing Queen," they pause at the end and Brady dips Noelle back for a kiss.
As the cocktail hour begins, we take some time for family photos and the couple also takes some well-deserved downtime. We capture some beautiful portraits where Noelle and Brady proved once again that they can't keep a straight face without bursting into laughter (which I love), and then they stopped at the courtyard bar for a cocktail before getting ready for their entrance into the reception.
When it came time for toasts, the great mystery of what the heck the best man was writing at the beginning of the day, was finally revealed. In his toast, Max said that Noelle asked him if he was prepared to speak at the wedding, and it was the first he had heard of it! When he was writing earlier, he was not only writing a toast, but composing an incredible poem. Noelle's sister, Nicole, followed with a beautiful tribute, and Noelle's dad rounded out the toast part of the evening.
It was now time for first dances: Noelle and Brady, followed by the mother/groom dance, and finally a really special father/daughter dance where first Noelle danced with her dad, and then Brady brought Hazel up to applause and cheers while they danced to "Isn't She Lovely?". She really is.
The dance floor officially opened and Noelle reappeared in her reception dress, white sneakers, and a white hat proclaiming "Wife of the Party." This crowd came to dance, and the DJ brought hit after hit (some notables: Brady's sister, mom, and dad, going nuts to Cher's "Believe," and an ecstatic group yell-singing Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club).
It was a night to remember, and an incredible wedding to photograph. I am so happy for Noelle, Brady, and Hazel, and can't wait to see what life brings them next!
Vendor List:
Venue: Cider Gallery
Photographer: Emily Henry Photography
Catering: Maceli's
DJ: Professional DJ Services
Bartending: Cider Gallery
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