Summer + Carter: April 22, 2023

Summer + Carter’s love story is about as close to a real life fairytale as you can get, and their wedding day was nothing short of magical. I’ve been photographing this sweet couple since they were high school seniors, and it was so special to be able to capture their big day after all this time. Their day was full of personal details, something I always love seeing at the weddings I photograph. And after all the planning, DIY-ing, stress and chaos, their perfect day came to life on April 22nd. I’m so excited to share this colorful, joyful day with yall, so sit back and enjoy!

Carter’s wedding band was made using koa wood, from a type of tree found only in Hawaii, where the couple are spending their honeymoon. I also loved the detail on Summer’s dress hanger, which included their wedding date in addition to her new last name.

This beautiful group of ladies includes several of my past and current clients, as well as one future KC Photo Bride! I love walking into a room full of bridesmaids and being greeted by familiar faces.

Summer’s first look with her dad was so sweet! Her mom also presented her with her “something borrowed” which included her own original wedding band, to be added to Summer’s bridal bouquet. Before Summer + Carter’s first look, Summer’s parents prayed with her, and as we were setting up we saw Carter’s dad doing the same with him. These unscripted, private moments are what make wedding days so amazing.

Those smiles of relief right after a first look are one of my favorite parts of every wedding day! Their faces just say “okay. you’re here. let’s do this.”

Summer’s cathedral length veil was covered in tiny pearls, and made such a beautiful compliment to her lace dress.

Isn’t this the most perfect spring bouquet? I love the mix of pastel shades with bright pops of color.

I’m telling you guys– she is a literal fairytale princess.

These chapel window shots are becoming some of my favorites at Dry Creek Chapel. It’s a great way to incorporate the actual ceremony space, without just standing at the altar.

How great does this wedding party look? I love that Summer chose linen suits for the guys and various shades of blue for her bridesmaids’ dresses.

Can you tell this group knew how to have a good time? They made portrait time so easy and fun!

Summer requested the viral “flower halo” shot, and she and her girls absolutely nailed it!

Get ready for one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen– Summer teaches pre-k, and her class colored pictures of what they thought she should wear for her wedding day. Suggestions included “a purple dress” and “makeup.”

Summer + Carter surprised their guest with a special appearance from three “flower bros” who showered them with rose petals and sweet dance moves to match their Napoleon Dynamite entrance music.

I love these shots of Summer + Carter seeing each other for the first time as she walked down the aisle. You can just feel the emotions!

Another surprise came when a recorded prayer from Carter’s grandfather was played during the ceremony. He was unable to attend the wedding as he recovers from a liver transplant and quadruple bypass in Ohio. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house (including my own) as his voice played through the speakers.

One of my favorites photos from the entire day! We were able to grab a picture of Summer + Carter “together” with his grandparents who couldn’t make it. Love seeing their big smiles and knowing they were still able to play a part in this day.

Carter is a musician, and he surprised Summer by releasing a new song just for her on the day of their wedding. The reception included a slideshow with images of them throughout the years, and his new song, With You (stream it on Spotify like I did, asap!)

Summer + Carter, it has been an absolute joy to capture so many special moments in your lives, but this one might be my favorite so far. I hope you’re reading this blog somewhere on a beach in Hawaii, and for your next big anniversary, I’ll come with and we’ll get some epic portraits 😉 Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Pridmore!