Evan & Aleasha {Wedding}

In the middle of June, I photographed Evan and Aleasha's wedding. It was a gorgeous day. We began at the Coralville Marriott where Aleasha and her bridesmaids were getting ready for the day. Once she was ready, she met Evan downstairs for their first look. I have said it before and it is still true today, I love doing a first look between the bride and groom. I know tradition denotes that the bride and groom should not see each other before the wedding ceremony, but a first look is something so special. It allows the bride and groom time with just each other before the day is in full swing. They get the surprise of seeing each other for the first time in their wedding finest and gives them time to talk, share kisses, and just be with each other. This is something that is not replicated by seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. At the ceremony, you have 100+ guests watching you and a ceremony to participate in. There is little room for the hugs and whispered words of love that a first look allows.
But I digress, back to Evan and Aleasha's day. After their first look, we took a few moments around the Marriott before heading to their ceremony and reception location, South Slope in North Liberty. Their ceremony was beautiful, facing the pond. After the ceremony, we finished our formal session of family and the bridal party. Just as we finished with the bridal party, the looming clouds began to let down their rain. Thankfully the bride, groom, and everyone else was able to get inside before the downpour. Their reception was beautiful. Filled with wonderful toasts, dancing, and the couple being surrounded by family and friends. After the special dances, we ventured to sneak a peak at the sunset and it was beyond perfect. To the east, a rainbow crossed the entire sky (the first I've seen at any wedding I've had the pleasure to photograph). To the west, the clouds were beautifully illuminated by the evening sun. I am so glad Evan and Aleasha were willing to brave the soggy ground for a few more photos before the sun set.