I don’t even know where to start when it comes to Rachel and Aken aka Moose’s Hawk Ridge Winery wedding. It really is hard to put into words, but here it goes.
If you read my last blog you would know that last week’s couple was connected to the Murdys who I booked two years ago and have shot their wedding and engagement session since. I have also shot their maternity session blog soon to come. These two are also connected to them. Rachel was referred to me by Eric’s cousin Sarah.
Even though Rachel booked me 2 years ago, I still remember our initial phone call. We chatted, we laughed, and clicked immediately. After following Rachel on Instagram I “met” her fiance and found out he was on one of my family’s favorite shows: House Hunters. So I guess you could say this was a celebrity wedding ;).
I started their Hawk Ridge Winery wedding day at the hotel with the girls as they got ready. After me pulling a Monica and finding the perfect space to shoot details the day started and rolled on from there. From the quick first look in the lobby to their first look on the Hawkride Winery stairs.
We got a lot of portrait time, and even though they both hate taking pictures they were troopers. They were even game to hop into the tall grass even though come to find out later that a grasshopper snuck into Rachel’s dress. Now, normally I don’t post behind-the-scenes photos. But since these are a fave for Rachel here ya go:
Following some very windy bridal party, family photos, and photos with their dogs (Biggie, Usher, and Weezie), I was able to get photos of details which included a lot of signs made by the bride who has her own Etsy shop. Fun Fact: I bought one of her signs and it is hanging in my sister’s house. The highlight for me was the wedding cake because one side was girly and the other side was Marvel themed, which is basically me as a person.
The ceremony was kicked off with the flower man Nick who ended up officiating the ceremony as well. That’s a story for another blog. But from what I gathered having someone to step in to officiate the wedding was on theme for them as a couple so it was meant to be.
Thanks to front-loading a lot of portraits to the beginning of the day… They were able to enjoy 80% of their cocktail hour. We were able to get some golden hour photos during the tail end of cocktail hour.
After cocktail hour, we moved into the party section, which was kicked off by a bridal party flash mob and later involved most in attendance (including) singing Non-Stop from Hamilton. Needless to say, it was party where a lot of fun was had.
Hawk Ridge Winery Wedding Photos
Thank you so much to the Musas for having me be a part of your day. It truely is a day I will never forget.
Hawk Ridge Winery Wedding Vendors
Venue: Hawkridge Winery
Planner: A La Carte Events
Hair and Makeup: Neo Beauty
Catering: David Alan Hospitality Group
Florist: Barndoor Blooms
Transportation: First Student and Gateway Limosine
Bakery: Lovely Cakes
Jeweler: Zoland
Stationary: Minted
Dress: Madi Lane
Dress Shop: Vera’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Indochino
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
More From GEM
Rachel took advantage of the GEM Loves Teachers program. If you work in the field of education and you are getting married, or want a special memory documented through photos. Find out info here
These pictures are exquisite! You caught the essence of both Rachel and Moose, as well as their love for each other. We can not wait to see the rest of the pictures!
Ilene Battino MOB
awww thanks thats my goal 🙂