It was so fun to be able to shoot a wedding as Monica’s second photographer. Last year I spent a week in Colorado being mentored by Monica. Monica has been my mentor for a couple of years, but we go way back. Like, 20 years ago back. That’s right! We’re from the Mallard Landing hood! Boo ya! Rep-ru-zent’n! Just kidding! I’m a nerd. Anyway… Seriously, we grew up a couple of houses down from each other but as I mentioned in my last post, we didn’t really hang out because her sister, who is my age, is my best friend and kids who are 4 years older than you don’t hang out with you! That’s just how it works!

Before I go into anything further, please go check out Monica’s blog by clicking here!

I have a TON of funny stories I could tell you from the wedding. From the groom’s mom shakin’ her thang to Baby Got Back, to the beautiful tears of the bride’s father right before he walked her down the aisle and during the father/daughter dance, to our equipment malfunctions, etc. We had a blast! Here’s my favorite photo of the bride and her father during their dance. Just the raw emotion is so beautiful.

This wedding was top notch. Every detail was carefully planned. The wedding took place at First Christian Church of the Beaches and the reception took place at none other than the fabulous Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.

When I met Kristen on her wedding day, I was surprised at how calm she was. She was such a sweetheart and even on her wedding day, was totally selfless. She was glowing with anticipation of marrying her best friend. Here is my favorite of her getting ready.

As we got the church and all of the girls changed into their dresses and the guys changed into their tuxedos, Monica and I were told of the very strict limitations of the church on photography during a wedding. Basically, we had to stay in the back 1/4th of the church. I saw a baptismal up front and off to the side and asked if I could shoot from in there if I was discrete because if we had to stay in the back of the church, we wouldn’t be able to get any shots of their faces. She said no one had ever asked to do that before so she’d have to ask the pastor that was coming in to do the ceremony but she never got back to me. So… When the ceremony started, I put on my “photo-journalist pants” and didn’t ask questions. I just high tailed it to the baptismal. This is a view from the balcony. You see the baptismal off to the left side of that large cross window? It kinda looks like a framed painting on the wall? Yup. That’s where I was. The funny thing was that I wanted to get a couple of different perspectives, so I had to crawl back and forth on my hands and knees on the floor of the baptismal between the two sides so as not to be seen as I crossed. I almost cracked myself up doing that. Monica has better gear than I do, so she shot from the aisle. Anyway, so instead of seeing this view the whole time, you got to see….. (scroll down)

… this one! Ta dah!

And I’m pretty sure no one ever knew… That’s a pretty awesome story eh? lol!

All in all, I had a fabulous time. I also caught a shot of Monica in action. Have a look below. She’s soooo good at what she does and I appreciate her sooo much! I know I always gush about her, but seriously, she has such a giving heart and has helped me with so much that I owe her sooo much!

So, without further ado, here are all 66 photos that I couldn’t choose between narrowing down further for my blog. So… Enjoy!

Jen Shannon Photography

Jen Shannon Photography

Jen Shannon Photography, Chicago Wedding Photographer