Hello friends!
Today's blog features Jamie and Shelby. You might remember this couple because we photographed their family photo session turned surprise proposal last summer.
If you didn't, let's catch you up.
Jamie reached out to us asking if we would be a part of his elaborate plan to ask Shelby to marry him. Shelby and Jamie live in Missouri, but he had already taken one secret trip out to her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico to ask her father for his approval so he could propose. He then began to plan the proposal. Working with Shelby's family, the idea of having family photos was developed. Shelby loves the Sandia Mountains, so these photos HAD to take place with that backdrop.
That's where we came in. We went along with the plan of family photos (which Shelby thought her parents had arranged to take place since both she and her sister, Shea would be in town), knowing all along what the REAL plan was.
It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. And one we were so honored to be a part of. You can see a glimpse of the family session/proposal in the below video.
The Secret Proposal-A Surprise Proposal Photographed by Matt Blasing Photography
Fast forward to exactly one year later, and we were photographing Jamie and Shelby's wedding at the Santa Ana Golf Course's beautiful Prairie Star Restaurant.
And once again, we felt honored to be present with this couple and their families during such an incredible event. Even before the ceremony, there were tears shed during two "first looks": one between Shelby and her dad, and one between the Bride and Groom.
We absolutely love moments like this. It's hard not to get caught up in the emotion, even as a silent observer.
And so began Shelby and Jamie's wedding day. People came from all over the country to witness this event. They had perfectly planned their day, with colors of vibrant purples paired with the greens in the succulent-accented floral which worked so well with the gray men's attire. Shelby was a stunning bride, her dress, makeup, hair and veil all summed up classic beauty.
There were many personal touches added throughout the day. Shelby had both her Mother's original engagement ring and Jamie's Grandmother's wedding ring attached to her bouquet. Each reception table was named after a place that held significance to the couple, with a story about why it was special to them. The toasting flutes Jamie and Shelby used had originally been used by late family members as their own wedding flutes.
And the venue was amazing. Shelby's beloved Sandias were the backdrop. Could you ask for a more beautiful setting? Even though the ceremony was delayed for a while due to heavy rain, it was so worth it. We were all rewarded for our patience with amazing dramatic skies and just at the right moment, a rainbow.
It was truly a perfect day. Here are some of our favorites in a highlight of this love-filled wedding.
Shelby's exquisite ring was right at home in her gorgeous bouquet.
Some couples might worry about rain on their wedding day, but for this couple, we know it will bring nothing but good fortune. One of our favorite expressions is, "no rain, no rainbows", and on this day the brief delay was so worth the dramatic skies and the beautiful rainbow we had once the storm lifted. The perfect touch nature added to this thoughtfully planned wedding.
Jamie and Shelby-we couldn't be happier for you both. We are honored to have been present in such wonderful moments in your lives. We look forward to see what your future holds.
Our best,
Matt and Amy Blasing
Photography: Matt Blasing Photography
Venue (Getting Ready Photos): Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort
Venue (Ceremony and Reception): Prairie Star Restaurant and Wine Bar, Santa Ana Golf Course, Santa Ana Pueblo
Wedding Coordinator: Rebecca Chaney, Prairie Star Restaurant and Wine Bar, Santa Ana Golf Course, Santa Ana Pueblo
Floral: Albuquerque Florist
DJ: Complete Weddings and Events, DJ Tom
Videography: JAK Media, LLC
Hair and Makeup: Angie Pavioni
Officiant: Andrew Rellman
Cake: Bittersweets Bakery
2 Comments
Aug 23, 2016, 9:32:58 PM
Matt Blasing - It was our pleasure, Mary! Truly. Jamie and Shelby's engagement and wedding were like none that we've ever done, and we feel privileged to have been a part of it.
Aug 23, 2016, 1:57:20 PM
Mary Leiper - thanks for the beautiful pictures of a wonderful day!