Gail Werner Photography » Weddings

Cara and Brent: Their Wedding Story

Gail Werner — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:56:15 +0000

Cara and Brent had one of the sweetest first looks—no real nerves, just giddy excitement over finally getting to see one another on their big day. And because I had the awesome assistance of a wonderful friend and second shooter, Brock Childs, I was able to capture two amazing perspectives. Here’s mine: And here’s Brock’s (pretty perfect, right?):Cara and Brent have fallen in love with living in Indianapolis and their one request was a shot that showed off the city. I can do that! Oh Cara, my camera loves you, you know that? LOVE this shot Brock captured! Cara and Brent were unbelievably easy to photograph. Because they planned their day out so perfectly (we ran ahead of time the ENTIRE day…I can remember the last time I was AHEAD of schedule at a wedding – haha), every moment of their day felt laid-back and fun. Oh, did I mention they gave me a ton of time to photograph them? “Getting these photos is so important to us,” Cara told me as we hopped from one location to the next. And you guys, doesn’t it show? Brent’s handsome little nephew and adorable niece as ring bearer and flower girl. LOVE this shot of Cara and her ladies. And photographers, you want to know the reason you arrive early to a wedding and scope out the area for locations to shoot nearby? To find a backdrop like this … because behind these flowering bushes? A bunch of fire trucks (but shhh..you’d never known that if I hadn’t told you!) The composition of this shot? I love it. Don’t you? I love when I can capture the REAL personalities of a couple in a candid shot. An image that’s unposed, that shows you who these individuals really are. And this shot? 100 PERCENT Cara and Brent. Now there’s a gent who’s excited to see his bride! Best first kiss I’ve had at a wedding in a long time… these two were just so excited to seal the deal! Brock captured this amazing photo of these two right after they became husband and wife. That quiet moment before your friends and family rush to you with their congratulations? It’s priceless. Cara and Brent love their tandem bike, which means this surprise cake topper Cara had made for their wedding cheesecake was perfect! Cara’s dad gave one of the most heartfelt father-daughter speeches I’ve ever heard. It started with Cara in a red wagon, took her on up through her college years, and ended with everyone in tears. So sweet. And what’s a reception without a whole lot of dancing?

FOR MORE OF CARA AND BRENT’S WEDDING, VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Cara and Brent, it was a treat to photograph your wedding. I always love working with couples that feel like fast friends. You two most definitely did and I wish you guys the best on your marriage to come!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Hannah and Garrett: Their Wedding Story

Gail Werner — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:16:00 +0000

What girl doesn’t want her big day to start by stepping into a pair of glittery Badgley Mischka heels? While I stuck by the girls at Hannah’s parents, my good friend and second shooter, Chris Bergin, was capturing the boys getting fancy back at the inn. The mother of one of Hannah’s friends had this shirt custom embroidered for her. I LOVE personal touches like this on a wedding day!Hannah had the SWEETEST bond with her little niece, who just so happened to make for one of the cutest flower girls I’ve ever seen. With the crazy warm temperatures the Midwest had this March, Hannah and Garrett had a GORGEOUS day for their wedding, with spring in full bloom. And aren’t her flowers fantastic? Hannah’s a florist in New York City, so she was showing us ladies some of the “tricks of the trade” to making those blooms pop in a bouquet. Oh Hannah, you were SO beautiful on your big day! Thanks to a fantastic wedding party who humored my request to squeeze y’all onto this porch. The result? TOTALLY worth it. Chris’s angle …. And my angle. That tree! I love! Oh spring, thanks for being fabulous for these two on their special day Dances with the parents are always, always my favorite part of the night at a reception. And these two didn’t hold back in sharing the love.

FOR MORE OF HANNAH AND GARRETT’S WEDDING, VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Hannah and Garrett, thank you SO much for the privilege of capturing your wedding day. From start to finish, everything went off perfectly and I wish you two the best as you continue living the dream in New York City. Next time I’m in the city, I’ll have to look you up!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Cara and Brent: Sneak Peek

Gail Werner — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:59:25 +0000

It was a busy weekend shooting and first up in the sneak peek department is a few images I LOVE from Cara and Brent’s big day on Saturday. OOOHHHH these two. I think I could gush about them for a while, but let’s just say they were so comfortable with one another — comfortably in love, that is — that they made for a dream to photograph. Not to mention we were AHEAD of schedule the entire day–from first look to the start of the wedding to the toasts at the reception. (Which means they were a dream to photograph for a whole other set of reasons ) Add into the day of fun discovering Cara’s uncle was my summer softball coach for years (what a surprise!) and well, I couldn’t have been more in love with this day or the people who were a part of it. Cannot WAIT to share more with you all!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Hannah and Garrett: Sneak Peek

Gail Werner — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:47:31 +0000

This past Saturday was my first foray back into wedding photography for the 2012 season and after I got over the initial jitters (and double checked all my bags to make sure I had my gear three times – ha!), I found myself slipping back into the ‘ol wedding photographer routine like an old glove. I forgot how much I missed shooting! We were blessed with some awesome weather, trees in all of their spring glory AND I had a gorgeous couple to boot! So, here’s a peek at Hannah and Garrett’s beautiful wedding day. More to come, of course, soon…and in the meantime, I hope you two are enjoying a much-deserved honeymoon in Spain and the Canary Islands!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

A serendipitous cover girl

Gail Werner — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:49:40 +0000

About two months ago, an associate of mine reached out, asking if I’d be willing to help find brides who would be a good fit for an article about weddings. The piece would be featured as part of an upcoming bridal guide in my city’s magazine. I was more than happy to help out and offered up a few of my brides from my 2011 season, with photos of their weddings included for the piece. Fast forward a few weeks later to the designer asking if she could use one of the images for the cover. Well…OF COURSE SHE COULD

I’m thrilled to share with you guys this beautiful cover shot, one of many images I adore from Jennifer and Chris’s gorgeous September 2011 wedding. I think the best part of this whole experience was letting Jennifer know she had become a serendipitous cover girl (and seeing all the love her friends gave her on Facebook).

Jennifer, you are BEAUTIFUL and to the editors, writers and designer at M Magazine (hey Betsy! ) I say thanks for making this photographer’s January a little brighter.

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Laurie and Joe: Their Wedding Story

Gail Werner — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:58:24 +0000

Laurie and Joe’s wedding took place in the ever-gorgeous St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis. Laurie’s dress was stunning with a cascade of ruffles and her purple flats were the perfect accent to the color scheme of the big day. Is she not one of the most stunning brides I’ve photographed, or what? A beautiful moment between two best friends as caught by my second shooter, Morgan, who came up from Alabama to shoot with me for Laurie and Joe’s big day. I’m SO grateful she could be there to assist as she has such a fabulous eye! That moment when Laurie and Joe first saw one another was filled with tears for them both. Always one of my favorite images at a wedding. Joe had a little trouble getting the ring on Laurie’s hand… made for some cute giggles at the altar Just married!! Favorite shot of the day! After the ceremony, we headed a few blocks over to take some shots in front of the Indianapolis War Memorial. How cute are these ladies? Loving those purple dresses! Oh Laurie, you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. I know all your friends and family would agree with me … And Joe, you are a handsome fella who loves Laurie to the fullest. And I love you for that OK, maybe THIS is my favorite! I have too many to pick just one I guess! Laurie and Joe’s reception was at the Indiana State Museum, which offered up a GORGEOUS sophisticated backdrop for guests to party well into the night. Laurie and Joe had the perfection reception — filled with laughter at funny toasts and then a few tears when Joe’s brother and dad got up to say a few words on behalf of the family. Toasts have become my favorite part of a reception as it’s when emotions always see to show themselves most during the night. And finally, I’m ending with Laurie and Joe’s first dance, which was sweet, sexy, and cute at the same time. They danced to Boyce Avenue’s cover of “Teenage Dream” (watch their slideshow to hear it!) and though she started with tears of happiness streaming down her face, Laurie and Joe couldn’t resist ending the song singing along before sealing it with a kiss. And I couldn’t help myself mouthing along to the words as I snapped away, a giant grin on my face.

FOR MORE OF LAURIE AND JOE’S WEDDING, VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Laurie and Joe, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for picking me to be the lucky photographer who got to capture your big day. It was perfect from start to finish and the best part was seeing not only how much you love one another but how much you appreciate your family and friends who love you too. Best of luck on the road ahead…you two deserve it!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Laurie and Joe: Sneak Peek

Gail Werner — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:29:24 +0000

Laurie and Joe…..OOOHHHH how I love them. And, judging from your feedback to their engagement session, you do too! Theirs was a wedding that did not disappoint, from the gorgeous details and reception venue, to just how over-the-top beautiful these two fit the bill as bride and groom. The best part? They are total sweethearts. As I ended the night with a third hug from Laurie and such heart-felt words of thanks from Joe, I couldn’t help but feel like this was the couple I was meant to end my 2011 wedding season with. They are sending me out in style, that’s for sure! Much more from their big day on its way!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Lauren and Kody: Their Wedding Story

Gail Werner — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:43:07 +0000

Lauren’s Badgley Mischka shoes were TO DIE FOR. I think I spent 15 minutes photographing them and then tried (unsuccessfully) to stuff them in my Shootsac – hahaNot to mention Lauren’s Robin Jillian gown, which fit her ever so beautifully. Isn’t she a stunner? I loved that the girls all got ready at Lauren’s parent’s house. Lauren is one of four daughters and their dad, Kim? I LOVED HIM! He came down the stairs, gave Lauren a bear hug, then said he was ready to dance as father and daughter broke out a few moves in the entryway. I’m not gonna lie…it reminded me so much of George and Annie Banks from Father of the Bride (who doesn’t adore that movie!?!) and, to me, made for one of the sweetest moments of Lauren’s wedding day. Love a group of groomsmen in classic tuxes! Lauren and her three sisters (from left to right: Katie, Lauren, Colleen and Karen). Aren’t they GORGEOUS?!!!! I couldn’t imagine being the parents of such beautiful daughters. Even better is seeing how tight-knit they all are. When Lauren got into her wedding dress, they all had tears in their eyes. Seeing the bond between siblings on a wedding day is one of my favorite aspects of this job!Lauren had the girls accessorize with their own pick of shoes and it made for such a great pop of color on the big day. Also adding to the incredible details? Lauren’s florals by in Fiori. Both her bouquet and her bridesmaids’ were spectacular. Don’t you love the colors? Classically beautiful in both of these favorites … Lauren, you landed yourself a handsome husband there, indeed Lauren was absolutely radiant on her wedding day. And her beautiful gown looked so ethereal during our portrait time. I could have photographed that sweet smile of hers all day! The Ritz Charles Garden Pavilion in Carmel was the fabulous site of Lauren and Kody’s reception and the light pouring into the venue during cocktail hour just made the room glow.Some of Lauren and Kody’s modern wedding day details….she made paper cranes for each of her guest cards, which tied in seamlessly with the color scheme of the tablescapes. Lauren and Kody gave out customized Jones Sodas for wedding favors, using a photo from their engagement session. Needless to say, I LOVED THEM! With a chocolate and raspberry cream filling, I can assure you, this cake was as scrumptious on the inside as it was beautiful on the outside! The Ritz Charles catering staff did a WONDERFUL job!Favorite entrance photos I’ve ever taken!

FOR MORE OF LAUREN AND KODY’S WEDDING, VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Lauren and Kody, I knew you two were going to be such an incredible couple to work with right from that very first inquiry. Getting to know you through our first meeting, our engagement shoot, and then the honor of capturing your wedding….well, it’s couples like you guys that make me think that being a wedding photographer is the best gig in the world. Congratulations and best wishes on a long and happy marriage (and when kiddos come along, you best be calling me up for family portraits! )

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Anne and Ryan: Their Wedding Story

Gail Werner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:42:12 +0000

Anne’s florals for the day by Tiffany Mullen at Circle City Designers were just GORGEOUS. Anne and Ryan opted to see each other before the wedding and it was such a special moment. Doing so also gave us LOTS of time to stroll the grounds of River Glen Country Club for portraits of this sweet couple. Anne’s one request. As we were taking this, Ryan says “You got this idea off Pinterest didn’t you?” I laughed and told Anne we were both busted. I’m as obsessed with the site as she is! I love how this shot shows off Anne’s beautiful Jenny Yoo gown. The light on this afternoon was unbelievable. This shot is my favorite! A beautiful group of girls—Anne had all of her bridesmaids pick up little black dresses from the Gap. They had pockets and I was envious of how comfortable yet chic they were. Great pick! Yellow is my favorite color so I adored Anne and Ryan’s black and gold color scheme. Also loving all the craspedia they incorporated in their wedding! Favorite father-daughter aisle shot, ever. I just LOVE the way Anne’s dad, Malcolm, is looking at his little girl here. Warms my heart! Anne, go ON with yo gorgeous self, girl!!! Anne’s older brother, Adam, is a professional photographer and joined us for some of the portraits. His suggestion to have some fun with those leaves made for a set of images that were just perfect for his little sister’s fall wedding. Anne is a kindergarten teacher and I admired the way she incorporated her profession into their wedding decor — from the blackboard seating chart and table numbers to the donation the couple made to a literacy program for elementary students in lieu of party favors. It was so personal to them…Bustin’ out their Terrible Towels for their reception entrance. If you don’t get it, don’t worry, it’s a Steelers thing Anne’s sister, Abby, gave one of the best toasts I’ve heard all year at a wedding. It was sweet and personal and right on the mark about all the joys and trials of marriage. And what kind of teacher could end the night without milk and cookies for her guests?

FOR MORE OF ANNE AND RYAN’S WEDDING, VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

Anne and Ryan, THANK YOU for making the decision all those months ago to hire me. I love your families and the love they poured out on your behalf on your wedding day was so evident. It was a joy to witness, but, more importantly, to document. I hope you treasure these memories and I wish you guys the best in your new life together!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Lauren and Kody: Sneak Peek

Gail Werner — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:32:58 +0000

If I felt like I was in a bit of a fairy tale on Saturday while shooting Lauren and Kody’s BEAUTIFUL fall wedding, well….I can’t imagine how these two felt! It was an incredible day, one that found this newly married couple surrounded by so many sweet family and friends (I love that both Lauren and Kody each have three siblings — reminds me so much of my husband and I). This is just a peek at their loveliness (and that FABULOUS bouquet of Lauren’s–I gasped when I saw it the first time!)…plenty more in store, just you wait!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.