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Bob June 27, 2008 2

Bob & Chris Ridge – 6/26/93

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since Chris and I exchanged vows at Whitefish Bay United Methodist Church north of Milwaukee, followed by an awesome reception at Boder’s restaurant on the Milwaukee River in Mequon. We celebrated last night with one of our most amazing dinners ever at the Melting Pot fondue restaurant in Castleton. Reality being what it is, we had to get Matthew to a birthday party at the same time and find something for the twins to do. So I decided to surprise everyone with a limo from Antique Limousines of Indianapolis and let Jack Gambs drive us in style to the restaurant, Matthew to his friend’s party (the limo REALLY upped his coolness factor), and the twins plus their Uncle Todd & Aunt Julie to Chuck E. Cheese. Needless to say, an unforgettable time was had by all. Chris is an incredible wife, mother and friend, and I’m already looking forward to the next 15 years!

Erin & Eric – 6/20/08

Bob June 24, 2008 4

Our busiest weekend yet kicked off Thursday night with Erin & Eric’s rehearsal dinner at Buca Di Beppo’s downtown. Even though the Holmes family has been through so much, this was a weekend of celebration, and it was great to see everybody so upbeat and positive. Friday’s ceremony and reception both took place at Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station, where the couple’s cute little canine attendant Zoe walked down the aisle right before Erin. I loved the showtunes used throughout the ceremony, including a song from one of my favorite musicals, “Little Shop of Horrors,” which the couple had once starred in together onstage.

Another Erin, photographer Erin Hession and I captured a lot of fun moments with the fun-loving couple around the station before and after the ceremony. A dear friend of Erin & Eric who had had married them earlier surprised us by joining the Cool City Swing Band for a performance of their first dance song “Night and Day.” Deborah & Cassie, the mother-daughter team of A Touch of Elegance, did a superb job in a “day of” capacity coordinating the many unique details of the day, and my neighbors at the Florist at Allisonville Nursery provided the tasteful decor.

Photo by Erin Hession Photography

Qin & David – 6/7/08

Bob June 16, 2008 0

Befitting the couple’s married name, Qin & David Joy’s wedding day was full of joy, beginning with a lovely, intimate ceremony at Christ Community Church in Carmel. Afterwards, I accompanied photographer Dave Takayoshi of Line 11 Images and the couple for some fun shots outside the Montage on Allison Pointe. The banquet room inside was beautifully transformed by J.P. Parker Flowers, with the usual outstanding service by Kahn’s Catering. The music provided by DJ Kevin Miller was classy throughout, and a traditional wedding dance by a Chinese dance ensemble was the highlight of the evening. Special thanks to coordinator and former client Shelly Elias for this and many other referrals!

Photo by Line 11 Images

Sarah & John – 5/31/08

Bob June 6, 2008 0

When Sarah & John’s dating siblings introduced them to each other years ago, I’m sure they had no idea at the time that they were creating a match that would one day culminate in last weekend’s beautiful wedding at St. Luke Catholic Church. Some awful overnight weather made things interesting on Saturday morning, but the day couldn’t have turned out any lovelier. It was nice to return to this church for the first time in over ten years.

I tagged along with photographer Kevin Swan and his crew (including Geno, an old friend) for some fun shots at the Ball residence before the ceremony and Meridian Hills Country Club afterwards. My favorite moment was Sarah teeing off on a golf ball – a first for me. Posh Petals filled the ballroom with glorious centerpieces, and DJ Sunny Moon filled the dance floor with an energetic young crowd who seemingly never left the floor. Special thanks to family friend Carlie Oakley for referring this wonderful couple to me!

Photo by Kevin Swan

Aparna & Ajay – 5/31/08

Bob June 4, 2008 0

Aparna & Ajay were married a few months ago in India, but they still had that just-got-married glow at their reception last weekend at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, which Laurie covered. Their introduction was fun, with each one waving from a spotlit turret on either side of the stage before joining on the balcony and entering from the back of the ballroom. I also liked their first dance surprise, starting with a slow song, then surprising their guests with an uptempo Bollywood dance number. There was plenty of elegant decor to match all the colorful clothing, courtesy of Bokay Florist, whose Angela Kenley referred the couple to us.

Heather & Chris – 5/24/08

Bob May 26, 2008 0

Heather & Chris booked us about a month ago, courtesy of consultant Kay Krober‘s referral, and they could not have picked a more picture-perfect day to exchange vows at Second Presbyterian Church. After leaving the church under a deluge of rose petals, Jack Gambs of Antique Limos ushered them off to the Eiteljorg Museum. Heather’s reaction to seeing the room for the first time was priceless, and the best man’s toast song “Thorne & Smitty” was a highlight of the evening. After working together with Joe Husar of Kahn’s Catering, photographers Jim & Lois Wyant and the Endless Summer Band at the same wedding just a month ago, it was a kick to be reunited with all of them for such a fun evening with a beautiful couple.

Photo by Wyant Photography

Pooneh & Matthew – 5/10/08

Bob May 13, 2008 0

In a spring full of unique events, the prize goes to Pooneh & Matt’s Iranian wedding and reception at the Omni Severin Hotel, my first Persian event. The beautiful traditions and special touches were too numerous to mention. Many of them were in one place – on the Sofreh-ye Aghd, a spread on a huge “table” at the couple’s feet on which was placed a wide variety of symbolic spices, breads, fruits, confections, coins and a mirror in which the groom sees his bride’s reflection for the first time after her unveiling.

The most fun tradition had to be the knife dance prior to the cake-cutting at the reception, in which each bridesmaid took a turn dancing and keeping the knife away from Matt while he tried to bribe them for it with flowers. The rest of the evening was filled with hypnotic music, lively dancing, and a very sweet couple surrounded by the warmth of the their family and friends. Maureen and the rest of the Omni staff did their usual superb job running the show, and photographer Andrew Scalini was a fun companion as always throughout the day who undoubtedly had some great images to shoot.

Special thanks for the referral goes to Carrie Sprague, formerly of the Omni, who’s now rockin’ it at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego and is missed much by yours truly!

Photo by Andrew Scalini

Chanda & Jeffery – 4/26/08

Bob May 7, 2008 0

Just a few months after covering Chanda’s sister Jamie’s 1/5/08 wedding, I had the pleasure of capturing Chanda & Jeff’s big weekend. This was probably the most comprehensive coverage I’ve ever provided, starting Friday afternoon with the bridal luncheon at the Columbia Club, and continuing through the rehearsal that evening and then the rehearsal dinner afterwards at the Rathskellar.

I joined the guys Saturday morning at the Omni Severin Hotel, where Jeff gave everyone the coolest gifts ever (which for legal reasons I probably shouldn’t describe) while the ladies got ready in the bridal suite. After a gorgeous ceremony at St. Mary Catholic Church, we hopped on a trolley with the Altamira Photography crew for some fun photos around the World War I Memorial.

The reception back at the Omni was a gorgeous affair, with decor by Kathy’s Kloset. DJ Brian Jones of Indy Sounds (we were all basically the same vendors from Jamie’s wedding) presided over the most hilarious intros I’ve ever seen, and everyone had a great time from there on out. Their gift boxes of cake for the guests were a nice touch that enabled me to surprise my twins late on their birthday.

Jennifer & Patrick – 4/12/08

Bob April 16, 2008 1

Jennifer & Pat’s coverage started at The Westin downtown the night before, where in addition to the typical happenings, the bride’s sisters entertained the crowd with a funny remake of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The next day’s ceremony brought me back to the Irvington area where I grew up, as they exchanged vows at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Jennifer’s cousin arranged all of the beautiful music prior to and throughout the ceremony, and I’m glad that the couple will now be able to enjoy hearing on the video some of what they missed that day.

The reception was held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, tastefully designed by Petal Peddlers and Antonia’s great IRB staff. The Flip Miller Band (whose namesake referred the couple to me – thanks, Flip!) rocked the house and did what few bands can do – keep the dance floor full despite its huge size and the lure of an awesome bar at the other end of the ballroom. It was a treat to finally work with Bill Collins of ProWeddingPhotos.com, after spotting him atop the Google rankings for many years.

Photo by ProWeddingPhotos.com

Lauren & Matt – 3/29/08

Bob April 1, 2008 0

Nine months after Laurie covered Krista & Phil’s wedding, we were fortunate to be a part of the wedding of Phil’s sister Lauren and Matt. I started behind the scenes at Crowne Plaza Union Station, where the gals surprised Lauren with a nice card and beautiful necklace, while the guys were hilariously wagering on exactly how long the Catholic ceremony (with full mass) would last. I offered to ruin their game by telling them exactly how long it would be, having shot a couple dozen there over the years, but they understandably declined.

Laurie helped me cover the beautiful ceremony at SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral and then took over for the remainder of the day. She followed the group in their trolley to the canal for some fun photos on a gorgeous day with photographer and friend Angela Talley. Then it was back to Union Station’s Grand Hall for the reception, stunningly decked out by the folks at Enflora, where the two-member Paul Otten Band did a remarkable job of keeping the huge dance floor packed the whole time. I rejoined the festivities near the end just in time to witness this sea of humanity and snag a couple of “favors” I’d never seen before – personal pizzas from Donato’s. Yum!

UPDATE: Lauren took time out of her honeymoon in Hawaii to e-mail the following: “I just want to give you a huge thank you for all your work at our wedding. I checked out the teaser on your blog and it brought me to tears. I LOVED it and I just know the video is going to be amazing!” Thanks so much, Lauren – enjoy the islands!