Settle in for this one kids, it’s going to be a long post!

I think I signed up to shoot this wedding roughly a decade or so ago. Before Jenna had even met Patrick haha. Jenna and I have been friends since our college days at IU where we played club volleyball together. She had always jokingly said that I was going to be her wedding photographer one day. She just had to find the right man. Enter Patrick.

I started seeing photos popping up on Jenna’s facebook of this Patrick fellow. Hmm… I thought. Have we finally found the groom?! Sure enough these two are a perfect fit for each other and as soon as they were engaged (or maybe a couple months before;) Jenna reached out to me about photographing the wedding. Obviously it was an easy yes for me and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to see my friend so happy. And a bonus was that I go to see many volleyball friends that I hadn’t seen in years!

So off to Ft. Wayne I went! I got to catch up with everyone the night before at rehearsal and quickly realized that not only was Patrick great, but so was his family. I already knew how awesome the Gabet’s were so I knew we were in for one heck of a good time on wedding day!

We had a gorgeous late summer day for their “I do’s ” at St. Charles Borromeo before heading downtown for some photos and their reception at The Empyrean. I have to give a HUGE thank you to my second shooter for the day, Kelly Benton. She is local to Ft. Wayne and was a big help for me in suggesting locations since I live in Chicago.

I was in love with the Empyrean the second I walked in to the reception room. With windows all around looking over the city it was a gorgeous sight for cocktail hour and sunset. Guests enjoyed dinner and some hilarious and heartfelt toasts before heading back up stairs for formals dances. The second formal dances ended people hit the dance floor. And they hit it hard! This was definitely one of my favorite receptions ever. Since I was staying in Fort Wayne for the night I was there until the very last song. An excellent ending to a perfect day!!

PS – Thank you also to Michael, Laura and Bridget for helping me carry all my gear back to the hotel after the reception!

Ceremony : St. Charles Borromeo

Reception : The Empyrean

Cake: For Goodness Cakes!

Hair & Makeup: The Forum Salon and Spa

Photobooth : Lucktech Photobooths

DJ : DJ Trend

Bridal Gown: Blue by Enzoani from  Nancy’s Bridal Boutique in Indianapolis

Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN.com

Groomsman Attire: Macy’s

Second Photographer: Kelly Benton