Shannon Holt is one of my longest running photography clients. She hired me to photograph her family back when I was just starting out, turned a TON of people in Lexington into fans of my work, and even after moving back home to Elizabethtown, she’s continued to spread the word about me. That’s how my name popped up on Leeann’s and Mark’s radar when they were searching for a wedding photographer. Shannon, I can’t thank you enough. I loved every second of this experience with Leeann, Mark, their family and friends. It’s made me a BIG, BIG fan of Elizabethtown. Was that your plan? Trying to get us to move there?    You’ve gotta know that Katie and I adore you, John, Jackson, and Cooper. We miss you so much!

Leeann and Mark had THE LARGEST wedding party I’ve ever worked with. 31 awesome people. The day couldn’t have gone any smoother, though. We started off at 8AM with hair and makeup at Head Liners Salon & Spa in E-town. The staff there handled that huge group of girls super-smoothly, and they hooked me up with plenty of coffee (MAJOR photographer points earned).  Next, the girls got ready at Leeann’s parent’s house and we grabbed some sweet shots of everyone outside before racing off to St. James Catholic Church to meet up with the fellas.

My fave shots from the ceremony:

After a lovely ceremony, the wedding party climbed in the party bus, and we headed on over to the Pritchard Community Center’s arboretum (gorgeous, btw) for some fun shots of all the guys and girls.

We then let the groomsmen and bridesmaids get back to their a/c and beverages so that I could spend a bit of time with Leeann and Mark alone. I have to say, this is my favorite part of the day. It’s the part where I feel the closest with my wedding couples. By now, we’ve gone through the engagement session, planning, the rehearsal, hair, makeup, formals, the ceremony and more formals. Like an enormous vacuum, all of the day’s anxiety falls quickly away, and there they are. Married. Alone. This is where I let couples know that it’s okay just to slow down for a bit and soak in the moments. I’m there, too, of course, but I’d like to think that I’m just there to document something amazing unfolding in front of me. No pressure, right? lol

The reception was at the Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville, where, funny enough, a few parts of the 2005 movie Elizabethtown were filmed. 

Leeann’s veil started blowing around wildly.  I LOVE this shot of her laughing!

I’ve shot engagement sessions in downtown Louisville a few times, so I was already pretty familiar with the Brown, but I had NO IDEA that it was so breathtaking inside. Many thanks to the Brown Hotel’s catering manager Jeri Stewart and the following vendors who made the reception flawless:

Flowers: Beth White

Video: Dana Burress

D.J.: Sounds Unlimited Productions (SUP)

Cake: Desserts by Helen

Here are my fave shots from the reception:

To Leeann and Mark-  Best of wishes to you two. You’re phenomenal individuals, but you’re even better together.   I’m glad we’re connected now. I’m going to look forward to staying in touch.

To my assistants Scott Hicks and Betsy Whiteman- Thanks for being great assistants and friends! I love working with you!

To everyone else?  You keep in touch with me, too, okay? 

Ready to see the slideshow? Just click on the play button below for over 200 of my favorite shots from the wedding day. When it’s over, I’d love for you to leave a comment below in the box. Then, you can preregister HERE to see all of the images once I’m finished editing them down here in a couple weeks.  Oh, and don’t forget to add me on Facebook and Twitter! Thanks for stopping by! Talk to you soon, y’all!  -shaun