Hello blog readers, and Happy 2011! Today I have a very appropriate wedding to share with you on the first post of the year: a New Year’s Eve wedding.
I love New Year’s Eve. The glittery outfits and noisemakers, the bubbly champagne, the buzz of excitement as everyone says goodbye to the holidays and the year behind them- it’s an evening full of energy! Because it’s also traditionally an evening for a romantic date and a steamy midnight kiss, I was glad to accept the job of photographing Heidi’s surprise 30th birthday party. Although I must admit that I was a tad confused as to why the birthday girl had hired me for her own “surprise” party- that is, until I met Heidi and got the scoop. I was immediately intrigued & excited to be a part of their secret wedding plans!
In a room all aglow with anticipation, Heidi & John’s guests prepared to shout a hearty “SURPRISE” to the birthday girl at 7:45pm on December 31, 2010. Just as she showed up outside the doors, however, the DJ let the cat out of the bag: the invitation should have read “You are invited to Heidi & John’s WEDDING!” The entire room had a moment of shock as the beautiful Heidi strolled out in her cute, tea-length white dress with her proud papa. John took his place for the ceremony and you could really feel the disbelief! Some of the most shocked guests? John & Heidi’s moms! Tears & happiness flowed as the ceremony proceeded and developed into a reception filled with hugs & dancing.
A huge HUGE thanks to my two partners in crime for the evening. I just love having Michelle Martin along with me on shoots because she’s amazing and we think so much alike that it’s almost as if I have another ME running around. Thanks girl! And a special thanks to Ben Strong, as well, who came out to share his talents as a videographer for the evening- I can’t wait to share the highlight reel he’s creating with some of my images. I love his video style & hope to have him along on some more weddings in the future. You guys rock!
Congratulations, John & Heidi!
Heidi couldn’t decide between these two great pairs of shoes, so switched half way through the evening. And I, of course, got tons of shoe shots!
Heidi’s mom & sister were among the most emotional when Heidi appeared as a beautiful bride.
One of my favorite shots of the evening- when I learned Heidi & John’s room was right at the top of the Sheraton tree of lights, I couldn’t help myself.
Midnight Kiss & Toast!
Heidi & her girls did one of the best renditions of “Like a Virgin” that I’ve ever seen. Pure awesome.
A little more about the wedding details:
Ceremony & Reception Location: The Sheraton Hotel, John Nolen Drive, Madison Wisconsin
Linens: BBJ Linen, Milwaukee Wisconsin
by Mandie Haberman
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