My first wedding of 2013 was with Aileen and Al at Salvage One. I began the day with Al and his groomsmen in the courtyard. Well… most of the groomsmen, anyway…
…some of them were having a blast exploring the grounds.
Al, in the center, was having a good time hanging out with his guys.
The day was off to a great start and got even better when Aileen met up with Al for their first meeting.
They took a few minutes to admire Aileen’s wedding day style…
…and then we set out to take wedding day portraits.
Our first round of pictures was done entirely in Salvage One’s beautiful courtyard…
…and was wrapped up with a photo of the entire group.
Then everyone jumped on the trolley for some around town pictures.
Champagne was popped…
…and beers were shared. A good time was had by all!
Our first stop was near Salvage One.
Al and his groomsmen lined up for a group shot…
…followed by Aileen and her girls.
Aileen looked gorgeous and positively beamed in her amazing Monique Lhuillier dress. Her make-up artist, Nika Vaughan, and hair stylist, Michelle Tucker, completed Aileen’s perfect bridal look.
Aileen and Al under the street…
…and on top of the bridge!
We kept things moving right along, being sure not to stay out in the chilly January weather.
We would jump out of the trolley every now and then for photos…
…before arriving back, safe and warm, at Salvage One.
Al’s niece was all dolled up and waiting patiently for the ceremony to begin. What a cutie!
Finally, the big moment had arrive. Al took his place at the ceremony site and lit up when Aileen took her first step onto the aisle.
His niece led the way with the biggest, happiest smile on her face.
Aileen joined Al…
…and the ceremony began.
Aileen’s mom became a little misty-eyed as she watched her daughter.
A friend of Aileen and Al’s gave a reading…
…and then the couple shared their wedding vows with each other.
The vows were accepted and the rings exchanged…
…and the deal was sealed with a kiss.
Congratulations!
Aileen and Al spent a few moments alone together as guests congregated together for drinks.
Meanwhile, I set out to take pictures of the day’s details. Here’s the dining room, looking perfect and waiting for the delicious meal to be served by Hearty Boys.
Aileen’s bouquet, which was designed by Elizabeth at Asrai Garden, was absolutely perfect. Elizabeth and her Asrai Garden team did all the floral design work for the day.
This board served as a guest book for the day. Partygoers took turns signing their names to the individual paper hearts.
The drinks were topped off and guests headed upstairs for dinner…
…where Aileen’s dad began the speeches by thanking the guests for their support.
Al’s Best Man took the microphone with his toast in honor of the couple.
And Aileen’s sister, who was also her Maid of Honor, had some loving words for her sister and new brother-in-law.
The speeches were wrapped up by Aileen’s side of the family, who observed the long-standing tradition of singing a song in honor of the wedding couple. This extended side of Aileen’s family wrote the song themselves, and it featured lyrics specific to Aileen and Al.
A big finish…
…and then the newlyweds took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.
The first dance was immediately followed by the parent dances.
And then everyone hit the dance floor. And boy, was this crew ready to party. Rachel and Kate from Toast & Jam were at the DJ booth and their mission was to keep the guests on their feet.
The guests enjoyed each other’s company…
…and the open bar!
A fantastic time was had by all!
I took this shot of the wedding rings before saying my good-byes.
Congratulations, Aileen and Al! I can’t think of a better party with which to begin your marriage!