From the moment I heard from Karleen and Jonathan, I was SO excited to be a part of their day! I had already met the two of them in 2014 at Jonathan’s sister’s wedding, and if you know the Fino’s, they are a big, friendly and all inclusive bunch! I already felt like a part of the family!
As soon as I arrived, it felt like deja-vu but even better! There were so many of the same fabulous faces, the same getting ready locations and even a similar format to the day! Although there were so many similarities, they were each special in their own way and with this being my second wedding for the family, it was purely fantastic to get to spend time with everyone again!
Take a peek at the details and some moments during the getting ready part of the day…
Fantastic hangers – I need to get the exact website from Karleen because she said they were a great deal too! Love photos of setting spray:) Love this selection of colorful robes too! Not too far away, my second shooter for the day, Sharon Reiley, was helping me photograph the guys! She was the photographer for Ashley and Brian and also went to the same house back in 2014 too! These cuties have grown so much in two year – just as cute (if not even cuter) but just a big taller:)! Back with the girls, Karleen’s sisters and sister-in-law-to-be (Ashley), helped her get ready! Such an awesome group of ladies!! Sharon and I both did a few photos before heading out to the ceremony.. Jonathan rode to the church in his father’s car – top down:) These two girls were SO excited for this day – they were two peas in a pod – giggling and loving each other the whole day! The crazy thing is that you would think that they are cousins – but one is from Karleen’s side and one if from Jonathans’!Fourth of July weekend is when their wedding took place:)! This cutie was a bit upset back at the getting ready house, but as soon as she sat down in the church, her day turned right around! She was my new BFF and OH-SO-Adorable:)! First kiss from Sharon’s position, and then from mine! I just loved how the priest said “and kiss” with his hands too:) Once everyone was on the trolley, we headed to take formals…Jonathan’s parents were following us for a bit too! The cutes part of the photo below is my new BFF on the right side. She didn’t want to be IN these pictures, she just wanted to sprint over to me all giggling and smiling and stand at my feet:) It was adorable! We did better during family photo time:) This was probably one of my favorite moments of the day…As I was talking to the girls and asking Karleen to take a few steps forwards, she came out of nowhere with, “It’s Mrs. Fino now”!! We all almost fell over! It was the most adorable and hysterical moments!! Karleen is just so sweet that she instantly started saying that she was only kidding – which is what is happening in this photo below.
A moment Sharon captured while I was photographing groups:) Back on the trolley, one little one fell asleep and Ashley and her family were sitting in almost the EXACT same position that they sat in on their wedding day. another deja-vu moment!When we arrived at Lakeview Pavilion, Sharon captured the room and details, while I photographed the families and a few more of Karleen and Jonathan! Love this sibling photo! That is their wedding invitation (which were actually printed handkerchiefs), wrapped around Karleen’s bouquet! The reception kicked off with their first dance, was followed by their parent dances right away:) Toasts followed the parent dances and there was even a surprise appearance from a childhood toy:) This sweet girl was belting out, “Let it Go” as it played during dinner. Between her dress, the white room and her movements – it was perfect:)! Party time arrived and the huge floor was packed! We snuck outside for a few night shots before I headed out! Just as I was leaving – the late night snacks arrived – I loved the delivery too:)Karleen and Jonathan – thank you so much for having me! I was honored to be a part of your day! I wish you two the best and both of your fabulous families too!
Details
flowers | Jay Lane from Golden Gate Studios
dress | Allegria Bridal
bridesmaid dresses | Allegria Bridal
hair | Kayla Resends
cake | Montilio’s
band/dj | DJ Nook
videographer | Ron Van Dam
officiant | Father Raymond Theroux
Songs
introductions | I Gotta Feeling (tonight’s gonna be a good night) – The Black Eyed Peas……..Karleen and Jonathan Entrance *Danza Kuduro – Don Omar ft. Lucenzo
first Dance | From This Moment On – Shania Twain ft. Bryan White
father/Daughter | I Loved Her First – Heartland
mother/son | That’s What Mama’s Do – Jason Matthews
last dance | When You Got a Good Thing – Lady Antebellum
Bride & Groom Questions
Q. What was the most memorable moment of your day?
A. Both – When we saw each other for the first time when I was walking down the isle and he was waiting for me at the alter 🙂
Q. Funniest memory from your wedding day?
A. Both – When I sneakily grabbed Jonathan’s butt during a photo while we were taking pictures together 😉
Q. What was your favorite detail?
A. ….Both – (Aside from seeing the Gobo we had displayed with ours names and wedding date)*Jonathan – Karleen’s headpiece
*Karleen – the flowers! From mine and my bridemaids bouquets to the the flower girls crowns, displays, boutonnieres and centerpieces…the flowers truly added to make all of the details come together.
Q. Any advice for future brides/grooms?
A. Both – Make sure you stop and really take moments in throughout your wedding day. Take time together to appreciate all of your family and friends who came near and far to celebrate your love. It is definitely worth all of the planning in the end.
Q. If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
A. Both- Not one thing 🙂
Q. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
A. Honolulu, Hawaii for one week….then a quick trip to Las Vegas for 2 days on our way back home!!