hilary & josh {married}

the first time i met hilary was when i walked into her dressing room the afternoon of her wedding, but it instantly felt like i'd known her for years. even though she was buzzing around doing make-up and dressing and toasting with her nearest & dearest, she bounded over to hug me! she and josh are just such warm, genuine people with huge hearts for their family and friends, and they made my job really fantastic that day:) their wedding was held on a perfect missouri day: bright, sunny, always a chance of rain (which held off til the reception! yahoo!), and greener than green. i loved being a part of their beautiful celebration, where they laughed and cried and teased each other endlessly....and promised forever.

thank you, thank you guys for welcoming me in and for being SO MUCH FUN! xoxo

** and special thanks to the lovely, most awesome shawn haley for shooting with me!!

possibly my most fave ring shots ever:

and okay, y'all KNOW i loved the pink shoes!! fab dress shot by shawn on the right...

hilary was surrounded all day by her mom and her girls, who were such amazing bridesmaids i just wanted to take them home with me ;)

i totally laughed outloud at her cute mimosa-holder on the left...and hilary works the mary kay biz so she was all about doing fabulous make-up for herself and her girls! i paid close attention to gather any tips for myself ;)

cute emily helped josh with his hair before the first look ;)

always love the moment they first see each other...

fave!!

these two were something else...totally up for anything and so at ease with each other. they just laugh constantly, and josh teases hilary relentlessly, and it's SO cute to watch! the grounds at alpine gardens are amazing...and the light was gorgeous as we wandered around.

beautiful background music provided by one of the groomsmen:

even with a first look, that moment a groom first sees his bride walking down the aisle is so powerful and the emotion was palpable.

i was so moved by how tenderly they look at each other...

and how much they make each other laugh:)

great shot, shawn!

hilary & josh chose a different location for their ceremony than the usual at alpine gardens...in fact, i think they said they were the first to get married by this waterfall. i don't think they'll be the last though, because it's GORGEOUS and the trickling water provides such beautiful background noise!

after the ceremony the guests headed up for cocktail hour while we snuck away for a few more portraits in the awesome early evening light...

and oh my, the reception was amazing! i loved the little white lights everywhere, the exposed wood beams and the billowing white fabric. so pretty and romantic.

some great toasts were had...

and then the dancing began!

beautiful, quiet moment...

you know i love the father-daughter stuff ;) i love how her dad is looking at her here.

and how hilary looks up to him.

then it was josh's turn with his sweet mom:

okay and then, the best part of the evening! right as it started to lightly sprinkle, the alpine gardens staff presented an amazing fireworks show over the lake and everyone gathered outside to watch. it was SO COOL!

back inside for more fun with the girls...

and some super-sweet moments with the bridesmaids & their men. swoon!

LOVED that grandpa got out on the floor a few times!

and the floor stayed packed as everyone had a blast!

i'll end with one of my favorites from the reception. i love how in the midst of loud music and dancing and friends & family surrounding them, hilary & josh took a moment to breath it all in. that this was their day, and they could not be happier to have found each other to share life with.

**check back to see a full online gallery in 4-6 weeks {HERE}!