The Most GORGEous

With 2017 now over, I'm thinking of potentially having my own version of "The Dundies" for my clients. Maybe "The Jillies"? Each event is it's own breed of individual and each one has perfect, beautiful, emotional moments, and all are down right unforgettable. So why not express how much I love my clients originality by digitally copying a fake award ceremony! But before we spill which award Carly and Ryan will be taking for the year, I have to share some of our past encounters with you all. I've known Carly for a long time. Maybe even more years than some of my readers are old, which mind you, is kind of a terrifying revelation. Also, that toddler below is basically an adult now... 

I knew of Carly well before we ever met face to face. We had dated the same guy when we were teenagers. I lived in a northern Cincy burb, she was in an eastern Cincy burb, and this guy was from Northern Kentucky. There was no reason for us to ever cross paths... The internet has always been an amazing thing, even way back in 2003. When we finally met face to face, it was an instant friendship. Our life paths  intertwined, we both walked difficult roads, and we have remained steadfast throughout the bad decisions, bad relationships, and even worse jobs. (Can I get a "ROME" nod Carly?) So of course, I wasn't going to miss a huge moment in Carly's life. 

The first time I saw her and Ryan together I knew that she was going to break her "I'm never getting married again" stance. He is perfect for her. She is perfect for him. Carly and Ryan have both been married before and this time around, they both wanted something simple, easy, non-traditional (duh), but memorable. They chose a campground around the beautiful Red River Gorge and invited close family and friends to spend an evening in the woods with them. Camping is something they do as a family all the time, so it was a natural fit. I was chatting with Carly a couple weeks before her wedding and I found out that she didn't hire a photographer. I immediately said "Sorry about your luck, but I'm not going to allow you to not have photos on your wedding day." 

I've been wanting to shoot at The Gorge for a long time, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to make some beautiful memories for a good friend while also scouting locations for future shoots and explorations. Boy, did this place impress. It was October, just before Halloween and the leaves were just starting to really turn for us. The color and texture of this area of the world are unlike anything I've seen, plus I had two real swanky lovebirds to make everything look even better!

Without further delay, Carly and Ryan absolutely without hesitation have earned "Most Epic Walk" for their entrance music choice of "Ghuleh/Zombie Queen" by Ghost. A cheer from the small crowd in attendance as the line "Zombie Queen" was sang, a small arm movement of success was thrown, and Carly made her way to her groom. Their ceremony was short and sweet and Ryan's heartfelt vows had everyone jealous of the connection they very obviously have together. The smile on officiant Dad's face says it all. 

After the ceremony, we took a few family photos and moved immediately into toasts so the evening of relaxing could begin. We got to see Ryan and Carly's physical dominance take over as a rip roaring game of catch began. Not everyone was amused with this game (see Lil), but it provided a ton of incredible action shots. The music was playing loud and proud, families laughed and danced together, the crisp autumn air had started to begin to set over the campground, and darkness was upon us swiftly. I stayed for a few more hours after the sun had set and observed my friend amongst her new family. I said it in the beginning of this post, I say it again. They are perfect for each other. Cheers friends. Thank you for allowing me to boss you around in the woods while essentially throwing fireworks at you! <3