May 4, 2019…
In America, it is also known as Star Wars Day, Free Comic Book Day, and Herb Day.
From now on, it also goes down as Chantae and Ethan Day…the day they recited vows to each other in front of a room full of people who loved them dearly, most of whom drove from far away to support and celebrate the true, genuine love this beautiful couple shares.
The opportunity to work with these two started with an email, as most of my photography journeys do. After responding with my availability for their wedding date, she emailed back confirmation she wanted to book, and added some words that made me very happy. “Ethan and I know that staged photos are part of a wedding and very important, but we are really interested in having the real and candid moments, too. The photos between the photos. You seem to have an eye for catching those!”
What a way to melt my heart. Best compliment ever, and yes, please!
(By the way Universe, please send me all of the couples who want those. The “photos between the photos”, and I will be one HAPPY girl) Also, shout out to Chantae for the adorable explanation of what my goal is, basically in life. I may or may not be using it from time to time (I feel a future blog post coming on!)
Chantae and I set up a time to chat on the phone shortly after the email exchange. Normally, a phone call is not my preferred way to do business, because let’s face it, if its at a time I’m not in my office it can get pretty awkward when I have a 2 and 3-year-old begging for my attention in the background.
But they sure are cute though…
However, this time it was not that. Instead, I instantly got the vibe that Chantae was a very easy-going, free-spirited person, making it easy to talk to her. As it got closer to their wedding date, we set up a time to meet in person when they came to Sioux Falls. We had great conversation about the plans for their big day. I knew instantly that we were going to work well together, and I started getting so excited to document their love!
Ethan + Chantae // Love Story.
Ethan and Chantae had known who the other was during college, yet even with mutual friends, they had never officially met. That all changed about a year after college graduation, when Chantae was getting off the elevator at her apartment building while looking down at her phone, and accidentally bumped into Ethan in the lobby. After a good laugh, they started talking and learned that he was actually moving into the building, and only four doors down from where Chantae lived! He was also moving in with Chantae’s friend Frank, who she had already known for five years. (Frank the future groomsmen!)
Fast forward to the engagement, which officially happened after a romantic helicopter ride over Chicago. (Chantae’s favorite city!)
“It was very cool to see the city from that perspective. The pilot took us over to Lake Michigan, up the shoreline, and back. When we got back, a gentleman helped us off the helicopter and told us he wanted a picture. And that’s where it happened,” Chantae wrote about the special day.
“I would love to tell you all the sweet nothings Ethan said when he proposed, but as soon as I realized what was happening, I blacked out. I don’t remember any of it, and neither does he! It was such a rush of nerves, adrenaline, and emotions. It also didn’t help that they didn’t shut the helicopter off… I just remember crying, hugging and kissing him, and feeling shaky like I was about to pass out.”
You can read the entire story of getting engaged on Chantae’s blog, http://www.topknotsdoubleshots.com!
Now to the wedding day. Sun shining, blue sky, pleasant breeze. The perfect day for Chantae and Ethan to tie the knot. Decorations in place, chairs in their rows, Icon Events was looking gorgeous. So elegant and simple, with touches of greenery and gold, and carefully prepped for the day of celebration to come.
I didn’t think I could like Chantae any more than I already did, but go ahead… look at the bottom of that program. Amen, sister! Thanks for having a real appreciation for my job. Don’t get me wrong, the occasional iPhone, iPad, consumer camera, or even the “just starting out in photography” camera is expected and welcome to take photos at any wedding in my opinion. However, it should only be done respectfully, and a friendly little reminder that I’m there to do a professional job they hired me to do, (so basically don’t potentially ruin it for them by blocking important shots I’m anticipating of moments that can genuinely only happen once), is always a neat idea.
Chantae and her bridesmaids were getting ready in front of a long window, which is always AWESOME. The room itself was filled with a dramatic mixture of various light, hanging plants, and eclectic patterns on the walls and textiles. It really was a unique space for a bride to get ready in, and I was in my happy place. And let’s just take a moment and appreciate the incredible job Tre Clay did on Chantae’s makeup. Although she needs NONE, he managed to enhance her natural beauty while still keeping it classy and elegant.
Ethan and the boys were nearby in Icon Lounge, casually getting ready for the festivities to begin. Ethan seemed so calm and collected, while beginning to think about that “First Look” he was about to experience. (I’m always a reminder that somebody is about to be in front of a camera).
Are those tears, Ethan? I totally get it. just look at your bride!
Chantae’s bouquet (Bella Rosa Floral) was exquisite, wrapped in her beloved grandma’s blue and white ascot. She wanted to honor both of her grandmothers, so she wore her other grandma’s gold wedding band on her right hand. Her dress (Marie and Marie Bridal) was hands down the most elegant dress I have ever seen in person. She wore it like she was born to wear it, and it looked like it was made just for her.
Ethan’s attire (Tommy Hilfiger) was perfectly put together, with the blue suit and the floral tie, it was right on track with the spring-time month of May.
I am so in love with the bridesmaid dresses being various styles, colors, and patterns within a color palette. Chantae did an amazing job with the options she gave her girls to work with!
The groomsmen also got to wear floral ties… and Blue Steel expressions. (bahaha)
It was May the Fourth…. how could you NOT give your groomsmen epic Star Wars socks to wear on the big day? #maythe4thbewiththeremilys
The ceremony was a touching one, with tears, laughter, and words that will always be cherished.
Now to let loose a little, Ethan can call Chantae his wife, and Chantae can call Ethan her husband (or hubby, other-half, spouse, boo… only time will tell) We walked around Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) for awhile as they let that all sink in.
And to top off the evening, Chantae and two of her girlfriends wanted to carry on a tradition by reenacting an original photo taken a long time ago. (Maybe I’ll work on getting some copies of those to share here for comparison…?)
Thank you, guys, for inviting me into your lives and allowing me to tell your story. May the 4th be with the Remilys!
Some Raves…
Message from Chantae:
“We just wanted to reach out and thank you again for the wonderful day of photos on our wedding day! You made Ethan and I, our entire wedding party, and our families feel so at ease while taking photos (we haven’t stopped getting compliments on you and your second photographer!). In the best way possible, it felt like you guys weren’t even there! It all felt so natural and easy, which is exactly what we were looking for in a photographer. So thank you, thank you, thank you for such a great experience! Best, Chantae & Ethan.”
Ethan’s review on Facebook:
“My wife and I had an absolutely great experience with Jess. Living in Cleveland, OH, we had to plan our Sioux Falls wedding from afar and leading up to our day, Jess was incredibly helpful and responsive to messages, making the planning process so smooth. On our wedding day, she eased any nerves or stress we had and made taking photos around the city feel natural and fun. We laughed all day together! We can’t wait to see our photos! Thank you Jess! You’re the best. Highly recommend!”
(awe, shucks you guys!)
It was a pleasure working alongside these talented individuals and businesses:
Venue and Catering: Icon Lounge & Events
Hair: Abigail Federico-Johnson (bridesmaid, and also works at Poppy Salon in St. Cloud, MN)
Makeup: Tre Clay and Lisa Sawyer
Wedding Dress: Marie and Marie Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Tommy Hilfiger
Groomsmen Attire: Jos A. Bank
Florist: Bella Rosa Floral
Decorations: Icon, and Priceless Events and Weddings
Wedding Planner: Taylor Weiland, Icon
Officiant: Jasser Khairallah
DJ/Entertainment: Pinnacle Productions