Gail Werner Photography » Weddings

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.

Jennifer and Chris: Their Wedding Story (Part II)

Gail Werner — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:33:59 +0000

The DIY details of Jennifer and Chris’s carnival-themed nuptials had me in shooting overload. Everywhere I turned, another touch of this couple’s creativity and hard work pulling off the perfect day! Love it when live musicians are hired to escort a bride down the aisle….And instead of a guestbook, Jennifer and Chris had their friends and family sign the back of tickets. Definitely worth the admission Someone’s a happy bride These two were TOO cute! I love the giddiness that a couple carries when them down the aisle after becoming man and wife. One of the parts of a wedding day I most look forward to capturing. Chris’s brother gave the perfect toast—one that had the two of them and their parents laughing one minute and in tears the next. It’s moments like this that make me happy to keep a fish-eyed lens around …. And we had to end the night with a few turns in the kissing booth! Jennifer and Chris, YOU ARE MY IDEAL CLIENTS. It’s so wonderful to work with a couple who wants to have fun on their wedding day, put in a lot of love and DIY, who are relaxed and easy to work with and you met ALL of those attributes and then some. THANK YOU for hiring me. It was a blast to cover your fabulous day and I wish you two the best!

VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW FOR MORE OF THEIR STORY

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED PART ONE OF THEIR WEDDING

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

Jennifer and Chris: Their Wedding Story (Part I)

Gail Werner — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:13:09 +0000

Jennifer had not one—but TWO—beautiful dresses to celebrate her big day. Both were GORGEOUS and perfect for the occasion! (and might I add they had pockets? GENIUS!) So many personal details that tied into their festive carnival theme, from Jennifer’s charm bracelet and other vintage jewelry to the handkerchief she kept on hand in the pocket of her dress to keep her happy tears at bay. Chris is a member of the band Five Year Mission—they’re all fans of the classic Star Trek and are writing a song for each episode of the original ’60s series. Needless to say, there was some definite Trek fan representation for the wedding While Chris was getting ready, Jennifer was getting her primp on with the help of her bridesmaids. Love this shot! We took these bridals of Jennifer in less than 10 minutes, but trust me—I could have photographed her here in this spot for an hour. This girl….the camera just LOVES her. Don’t you agree? After their ceremony, I was SO grateful the impending storm that was on its way (and announced its arrival with a downpour during the reception) held off so we could take Jennifer and Chris’s portraits outside. Oh and yes, there were yellow balloons at this wedding. There’s ALWAYS balloons at a carnival, no? Jennifer DIYed SO many details of her wedding (more to come in a second post!), including her bouquet. The sunflowers were the perfect pop of yellow.Many thanks to my dear friend and fellow photographer, April Smith, who second shot this wedding with me. That’s her perspective on the left and mine on the right. Adore them both! April and I loved the bracelets Jennifer wore. Including the ribbon one —that was our fave! I couldn’t find a way to squeeze everything from Jennifer and Chris’s day into one blog post so stay tuned for the next one…still coming this week are the details, the ceremony and reception. And just like this post, I promise it won’t disappoint!

CLICK HERE FOR PART II OF THEIR WEDDING COVERAGE

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: Sneak Peek

Gail Werner — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:11:52 +0000

In the months leading up to the big day, I knew that Anne and her mom, Becky, had been crossing every finger and every toe in the hope there would be beautiful weather for Anne and Ryan’s October 8th wedding. WAS THERE EVER. All night you could hear people talking about how it was the prettiest weekend of the year—the trees here in Indiana are turning to their beautiful fall shades of gold and orange and red. And the light? Well, I’ll let these sneak peeks speak for themselves, but it was GORGEOUS. I could have photographed these two all day! Anne and Ryan, thank you so much for hiring me. Both of you (and your families) were so gracious and accommodating and it was wonderful to see how tight-knit you all were. Hope these will tide you over until I can share the full post from your perfect day! Congrats again!MUCH more 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.

Chrissy and Ross: Their Wedding Story

Gail Werner — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:45:10 +0000

I thought Chrissy and Ross’s matching wedding bands were so classic and beautiful—kind of like all the rest of their wedding day details! While Chrissy was tearing up over the sweet letter Ross wrote her for the big day….Ross was donning the watch Chrissy gave him—a piece she hopes can become their first family heirloom.Love this portrait of Chrissy and her mom. Right after I snapped this, her mom started crying. “I knew I was going to do that today,” she said. This is one of my favorite ceremony photos I’ve ever taken. I love everything about the way these two are looking at one another. Chrissy said their flower girl was known to fall asleep anywhere….including her daddy’s footsteps at the altar! Candid moments like this are what make every wedding unique. My sweet and dear friend, Kelly, joined me as second shooter for the day and I love these next two she captured as I was waiting outside for Chrissy and Ross’s grand exit as husband and wife. While Kelly joined the guests for a rooftop cocktail hour at the Sheraton City Centre Hotel in downtown Indianapolis….I joined Chrissy, Ross and their wedding party for some beautiful images in the heart of the city. I think these portraits have such a classic, timeless feel to them, don’t you?Chrissy, you aren’t just stunning, you are S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G. The ballroom was transformed by Chrissy and Ross’s sophisticated black-and-white wedding details…so pretty! Chrissy’s kid sister delivered the kind of toast that every bride deserves. Needless to say, it had Chrissy—and more than a few guests—in tears. Chrissy and Ross, thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to capture your beautiful wedding day. It was an honor to be a part of it and I hope you cherish these photos for years to come!

FOR MORE OF CHRISSY AND ROSS’S WEDDING, VIEW THEIR SLIDESHOW

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