Amy & Nikita – Elm Bank Wedding

When I first met Amy & Nikita, I could tell how nervous they were about photos. Both on the shy side, they were worried that they wouldn’t look good in their photos… which couldn’t be further from the truth! After spending some time together during an e-session, they started to see how easy and natural it was to be themselves and have fun while we took pictures, and by the end they were more than ready for their wedding photos. On their wedding day, their love for each other shone through every moment, and their shy, sweet natures made for some really enchanting photos. The whimsical gardens at Elm Bank were the perfect setting for their love story to unfold.

Amy got ready at her parents’ home nearby with the help of her mom and sister, and Nikita put on his finishing touches in the reception hall at Elm Bank.

Amy & Nikita opted for a first look… with all the emotion pouring out of the photos below, I think it’s easy to see why I love first looks!! When they first saw each other, their eyes just lit up!!!

Soon afterwards, we started in on the family photos – fortunately we had enough time to get some silly ones in as well.

Amy & Nikita wanted to do some portraits around the grounds at Elm Bank before their guests arrived, so we started at the Manor House and then moved into the Italianate Garden.

Before long, it was time for the ceremony. They chose to say their vows in front of the large birdcage gazebo at the end of the Italianate Garden, while their guests looked on, eventually cheering for the newlyweds as they kissed for the first time as husband and wife.

Directly after the ceremony, Amy & Nikita took a few minutes to themselves to celebrate. This is one of my favorite moments from the whole day – you can see just how much they love each other, and how happy they are to have made this commitment to one another.

Then it was time to sign the marriage license, the last step in making everything official!! Then we snuck away for a few more portraits before everyone gathered for the reception.

Part of Nikita’s family tradition included greeting the bride and groom with a very special loaf, and salt, which Nikita’s parents were more than happy to walk them through. They spoke about how happy they were that they had been able to come to this country and provide Nikita with opportunities they hadn’t had, and how overjoyed they were that he’d found such a wonderful woman to share his life with. Then everyone enjoyed the toasts, first from Nikita’s Grandmother (who surprised us all with the sass!) and then a toast/performance from Nikita & Amy’s siblings that had everyone laughing.

Nikita & Amy shared a very special first dance, and then kicked off the fun on the dance floor with all their guests. From beginning to end, their wedding day was filled with family, love, and unassuming charm.