Posted on January 22, 2013 by LilyGlass

I know that from the very first time you put a white towel on your head and held a bouquet of barbie dolls as you walked slowly down the long hallway in your house (I can’t be the only one that did that), you dreamed of seeing the surprised and contented face of your handsome groom awaiting you at the end of the aisle (hallway). And when that moment came to fruition it became one of the sweetest I have ever experienced. Surrounded by my dearest friends and family, knowing that each person I passed on my stroll down that barn-aisle fully supported my joining Ben Glass as partner and wife. And each person there had a vital role in shaping each of us into the people we had become, ready for that moment and for each other. It was better than I ever expected as a little freckle-faced girl stumbling around in my mother’s high heels and red lipstick.

But that wasn’t the first time I saw BG on our wedding day — we opted for a “first look” which meant that we could take the majority of our wedding photos before the ceremony. Since the photography was one of my biggest priorities for the day (surprised?), I wanted to ensure that we had plenty of time to document every last detail and still enough time mingle with our guests. Meeting Ben before our ceremony is another one my most favorite moments. Our photographers did a fantastic job of giving us space and letting us enjoy the moment, I completely forgot they were there. I could giggle and cry and we hugged and kissed and I could show him my cowboy boots and he tried to warm up my nose and we just held hands. The instant I saw him the nerves I didn’t expect to have just vanished and I was reminded why I was in a big white dress and assured that the running around like crazy for the last few weeks was totally worth it. That this was about more than a big party – it was about he and I – and seeing each other first and sharing that intimate moment together, alone, was my favorite part of the entire day.

I write all this because photography is still my top priority for a wedding day (again, shocker), and it’s my job to fully educate my couples about all of their options. That said, the choice of whether or not to see one another before the ceremony is completely up to you. Below are a few perks to having a first look :

Your hair and makeup are fresh for photos. * You are relaxed, not worried about getting to reception quickly. * For evening weddings, you’re not worried about running out of light. * And best of all, you get that quiet, intimate moment for you and your honey (sorry moms, you’re not even allowed to peek), quite possibly the only time that entire day that you’ll be alone. It can reset your mind and your perspective. Not to mention, you get to show off your killer wardrobe.

Again, the choice is completely up to you. For efficient photographers, the final image count shouldn’t be any greater whether you have a pre-shoot or not, so don’t feel that you’ll be missing out if you opt not to see one another beforehand. If couples are having a hard time deciding, I suggest they talk to their married friends to get as many first-hand accounts on each experience. Whatever you choose, at the end of the day you’ll be Mr. & Mrs. and that’s all that matters.

Images of our wedding by John & Lindsey Bamber : photographers extraordinaire.

Posted on November 29, 2012 by LilyGlass

More yummy albums! It makes my heart go pitter-patter when couples order wedding albums. I totally understand the desire to have a disc of negatives and believe me, I cherish the DVD of our wedding photos, but there’s just something so wonderful about a tangible means to share your photographs. You and your family could cram around your 13″mac book and scroll through 500+ images… or you could oooo and aaaahh as you flip through a high quality fine art book that tells the story of your wedding day with your carefully chosen most favorite photographs.

What’s that? Mom and dad wish they could show all their friends? I bet they do. And they can. These little 4×4 parent albums are exact replicas of the larger 10×10 books, but purse-size friendly! They’ll make your proud momma’s braggin’ way legit.

Posted on July 20, 2012 by LilyGlass

Mary and Patrick were surrounded by close friends and family as they exchanged vows at one of the loveliest ceremony locations we’ve had the opportunity to photograph. They opted to see each other before the ceremony which allowed us to take full advantage of the beautiful grounds at Stan Hywet Gardens in Akron, Ohio (one of the most helpful, organized staff we’ve worked with). Patrick’s reaction is exactly why we love first-looks — it’s such a sweet time for the bride and groom to share, to have a moment alone and really relish in the day. Such a classy couple — and how adorable is that flower girl?! Thank you for inviting us to celebrate with you, Mary and Patrick!

Posted on June 22, 2012 by LilyGlass

Katie & Brad were married under a canopy of trees, surrounded by friends and family on her parent’s beautiful equestrian farm in East Tennessee — such a dreamy setting! Despite the heat and even losing all electricity just hours before the ceremony, the two remained calm, cool and collected, determined to enjoy one another and their big day regardless of what might happen. (Power came back on just in time!) They are two of the kindest souls I have encountered and Ben and I were honored to capture their love. Thank you for inviting us to celebrate with you, Katie and Brad!

Heather & Daniel’s Tennessee Wedding

Posted on April 3, 2012 by LilyGlass

Heather & Daniel’s love runs so deep. Their excitement leading up to and on their wedding day was contagious and their adoration for one another so evident. Heather is dancer and thus so graceful and lovely – Daniel so obviously enamored with his bride – the two were just stunning to photograph. They opted for a first look before the ceremony, giving Daniel plenty of extra time to take in his gorgeous bride, and me lots of good juicy photos. Their reception was held at the beautiful Heritage House in Chattanooga, filled with family and friends and good dancing. Thank you for inviting me to celebrate with you, Mr. & Mrs. K!

Natalie & Joe : Memphis, Tennessee Wedding

Posted on February 29, 2012 by LilyGlass

Natalie & Joe have such a special kind of love – I count myself blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate with such genuine couples – individuals that come together, ready to love one another more than they love themselves. These two were surrounded by so many supportive friends and family members on their special day and couldn’t have been more thrilled to finally become man and wife.

Natalie’s parents actually met Joe first – after visiting his family at home one weekend, they hopped in the car, called Natalie and told her they’d just met her future husband. (Ten points for Mom & Dad; twenty points for Natalie not disregarding their good judgement!) Joe and Natalie had expressed that photography was one of their top priorities for the big day, so we arranged the schedule to allow time for a Pre-shoot before the ceremony. I adore when my couples choose to see each other before; Ben and I had such a great time capturing their tender love and never once felt rushed or pressed for time and I think Natalie & Joe would agree that the extra time spent together on their wedding day was priceless. Natalie had custom rings and cufflinks engraved with the latitude and longitude of the ceremony site, along with the wedding date.

This top image of the two in color is mine, and the black/white below is Ben’s of the same moment. Loved the girl’s grey and ivory color palettes. And here’s where I start to drool. These two look so iconic in black and white. What a classy couple. Thank you so much for inviting Ben and I to celebrate with you on your wedding day, Natalie & Joe. xo

Molly & Brandon, Ohio Farm Wedding

Posted on November 21, 2011 by LilyGlass

I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful this day was. Molly and Brandon are two of the most genuine, creative people we know and we couldn’t have been more excited to photograph their beautiful wedding. (You might recognize them as they were kind enough to be our model-couple for the inspiration shoot that was just published in Utterly Engaged!) Ben came along to do some second-shooting, but also took some fantastic 8mm footage that I can’t wait to share with you! They were married on the breathtaking Skipping Rock Farm in Granville, Ohio, owned by husband and wife artist-power-couple, Paul and Amy. The barn where the reception was held is Paul’s personal painting studio which sits just below Amy’s fabulous little millinery workshop.

The day was full of excitement and joy and at times bittersweet as Molly and her sister Caitlin often remembered their mother who recently passed away. So thoughtful, her mother had written Molly a letter to be read on her wedding day, knowing she wouldn’t be able to celebrate with her beautiful daughter in person. The necklace that Molly wore was made from her mother’s engagement ring – it was so touching to witness the bond that was shared between Molly, her sister and their father that day.

Molly and Brandon met each other before the ceremony which allowed them some special alone time in the middle of the busy day, and, based on Brandon’s reaction as his bride walked down the aisle toward him, I’d venture to say that their first-look didn’t spoil a thing. Guests cuddled up on hay bales as Molly and Brandon exchanged vows and then celebrated their new union with good food, tender toasts, wedding day mad-lib’s and dancing. We are so honored to have been a part of your wonderful celebration, M&B, and couldn’t be happier for you!

This top image was from my angle, the bottom was Ben’s vantage point -

Love this moment of Molly with her father and sister, soaking up the gorgeous music before the processional.

Caterer : Faire La Cuisine ; Bride’s Dress : JCrew ; Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie ; Amy’s Millinery Workshops

Utterly Engaged : Feature!

Posted on November 18, 2011 by LilyGlass

I couldn’t be more excited to share our recent spread in the lovely Utterly Engaged! Their latest online magazine issue is full of wonderful eye candy and we’re honored to be a part of it. Back in May, Nichole R. and I sat down to create a styled inspiration shoot that showcased all things fabulous about Ohio and the creative folk that call it home. We wanted to focus on the agricultural environment that thrives in the Midwest and the warm, hospitable gatherings that take place in such a setting. We sought out our favorite local vendors and were overwhelmed by the response that we received. Below are a few spreads from the magazine; I’ll share more from the shoot soon! Our feature begins on page 126, but be sure to settle in for a viewing of the entire issue!

Lily Glass Photography

Category Archives: weddings

Heather & Daniel’s Tennessee Wedding

Natalie & Joe : Memphis, Tennessee Wedding

Molly & Brandon, Ohio Farm Wedding

Utterly Engaged : Feature!