Ellingsen Photography

I should know better than to say “I’ll be back tomorrow”. I really should. Because what happens is I get struck down by a terrible migraine for the better part of a week! But enough Woe Is Me, what I really want to share is the yumminess of the rest of Erin and Chris’ wedding! (You can see Part I here.)

We had so much fun with the formals! I just love how expressive and awesome this bunch can be.

The flower girl dog was soooo cute! And so well behaved too!

Party time!

What is it that makes every father-daughter dance so emotional and beautiful? Oh, I know! It’s that the bride picks a song like You Raise Me Up. Yeah, we were all sniffling.

At the end of the matron of honor’s speech her husband (who was also the officiant) came out with his a capella group and sang “The Longest Time.” They were awesome! Except now I get the dang song in my head every time I go through these photos.

It was basically pitch black when I took this photo, but I just had to share the sweetness of Erin’s parents dancing.

Hurray for backyard weddings!

xoxo

Although it may not be my usual gig, when an old friend calls and says they’re putting on a small backyard wedding and would love to have you document it, the only possible response is “yes”.

Yes, yes, yes! Because Erin and Chris are so. in. love. They’ve been together for five years, and as we sat around a table at Starbucks and went over the details, the comfort and respect and laughter they have with each other came through in waves. And it doesn’t hurt that Erin’s laugh is so contagious.

Erin and I met waaay back when I was a freshman in high school – we were in choir together and bonded after spending a day at Disneyland with mutual friends. I’ll never forget her saying “Hey, you’re pretty cool, for a soprano” (my fellow choir nerds will understand).My BFF Nikki and I have kept in touch with her ever since.

Their small backyard wedding took place at her parent’s house a few weeks ago and it really couldn’t have been more charming. They had all the right ingredients: friends and family, good food, drinks and music. Oh, and twinkly lights, naturally.

Please enjoy. I’ve broken this into two parts to spare your mouse scrolly fingers.

Watch out for hairspray!

Erin and Chris have a big love for all things Disney, and Chris actually works for them (it?), so it was easy when it came to choosing a theme. I really loved the teal and red combo, it popped so beautifully against the whites and greens of the backyard! Also, this may be one of the cutest cake toppers I’ve ever seen.

This was the sweetest detail – Erin wrote a letter to her dad and Chris, then had the words screen printed onto fabric and made into boutonnieres for them both.

Waiting to take The Walk – and spying on everyone as they took their seats.

I just loved what a family affair it was – Chris’ brother was his best man, Erin’s BFF Marlinda was the matron of honor and her hubby John was their officiant.

They had a ring bearer and flower girl puppy!

Speak now or forever hold your peace:

I’ll be back to share the rest of the night tomorrow!

xoxo

{Updated to add: click here for Part II}