Whenever possible, I try to meet the bride and groom before their wedding.  I love to hear the story of how they met (both versions), watch for expressions of their love for each other, and let them know what I’m all about.  Since Chris and Emilie live in San Diego, it wasn’t practical for us to meet up ahead of time, and as I drove down that morning, I wondered if it would make our interactions a little less comfortable.

It definitely didn’t.

Chris and I had briefly overlapped at college, and I knew him to be a cool, soft-spoken guy with a great taste in music. I’d never met Emilie, but after spending the day with them, I doubt you would have known that.  Emilie took the time to explain their whole relationship history to me, and at the end of the day, I felt like was leaving a friends’ wedding instead.

Here’s my visual tribute.

A reverse on the usual trend…

Thanks to Heroes for the inspiration for this groomsmen comp…

Seriously, girls.  This is the best “Charlies Angels” pose ever.

They had a custom aisle runner made… “S” for Southward!

Possibly my favorite bouquet toss photo ever.

Congrats, Chris and Emilie!  Thanks so much for inviting me down to SD to be your photographer.  I had a great time being a part of your day.  The rest of the photos will be online here soon!