And now we come to the most important part of the day – the actual wedding ceremony! Whether it’s a religious ceremony in a church or a backyard affair with your cousin officiating the emotions are always running high at this point. For most of my church weddings this is also the first time the groom sees his bride (although we all know I love a good first look) so the nerves start to come into play.

As a photographer the ceremony is always a challenge as different churches have different rules about where you can and can’t go. Some let you roam free and you can get great angles and some make you stand in the very back the entire time while you pray that Uncle Bob doesn’t lean out into the aisle and block you right during the first kiss! (it happens). Some churches have great stained glass windows and light coming in and others are like shooting photos in a cave…. except you can’t use a flash haha. But this year I got to shoot at some great venues, both inside and out! Although as I’m looking through alot of my favorites are outside! What can I say, I have a preference for outdoor natural light!

Here are my 10…. ok 11…  favorite ceremonies photos of the year!

I love this shot as Carrie and Ben stopped for a kiss at the end of aisle!

This is a prime example of why I shoot with a second photographer. While I was inside shooting the bridesmaids coming down the aisle Renata got this shot of Leann with her dad just before he was going to give her away. Sometimes you need a deep breath and little talk from dad!

Joe watching his bride walk down the aisle!

This was at the Basicilia at Notre Dame during Elizabeth and Andy’s wedding. During part of the ceremony they walk back to the Lady Chapel and I love this little moment of silence with just them during the ceremony.

My favorite first kiss shot of the year from Hawaii! The tradition is that they have to continue to kiss until he stops blowing the conch shell…. I don’t think they minded 🙂

Morgan wins for best arrival to a ceremony! She and her dad arrived by horse and carriage for her plantation wedding to Mike.

I love this little glance from Julie to John during their ceremony. In some churches I can’t even get to a place that I can see their faces during the ceremony,                                               but luckily at this one I did!

This year I did a few smaller wedding at city hall. This is Alexis and Bob exiting city hall after their ceremony!

Love this smile from Keri during the ceremony! Apparently I wasn’t as ninja like as I thought because she found the camera!

I’m always looking for a different view or angle so I used these leaves as a frame during Barb and Ali’s wedding in Indy.

There is just something I love about this photo of Emma entering the church with her dad….