Tina & Eric Wedding (03.06.10)

It was sometime during December of 2009 that I got a phone call from my cousin Eric telling me he was getting engaged to his girlfriend Tina! I was more than ecstatic (I believe I might have squealed into the phone at some point), but I wasn't prepared for what he asked me next. It sort of went like:

Eric: How's your work schedule like in March 2010? Would you be able to take time off?

Me: I should be fine....? Why?

Eric: Well I'm getting married in March....in Las Vegas.

Me: Okay....

Eric: And I'd like for you to be my photographer. Would you be available?

Me: (stunned silence) ...YES!

So Eric flew me and my photo-partner Jason down to Vegas to shoot his wedding! And there began my Vegas adventure :)

Now I've never been to Las Vegas, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But after doing some research and getting some first hand Vegas experience from Tina & Eric, I was confident that we were going to get great images! We even planned an aweessssommme (oh yes, I went there) engagement session in the desert (more on that later!) ;)

We stayed at the Wynn Hotel (one of the nicest hotels in Vegas) and it was also going to be where Tina and Eric were going to get married in the evening.

Even though the ceremony wasn't going to take place until later that night, the wedding day started out early in the morning with make-up and hair:

Getting ready in the hotel rooms:

Tina taking a moment before heading downstairs to meet Eric (Tina, you make a stunning bride!):

When we got down to the Wedding Salon, I set-up a 'First Look' moment. I think they might have thought it was weird that I kept them from seeing each other right away. I had Eric stand with his back towards Tina, as she approached him from behind. When they were ready, Eric turned around and they both took their first look as bride & groom. In the end, I think it worked out well :)

Let's just say there wasn't a dry eye left in that hallway:

Portrait time! We had some time to take casual portraits around the Wynn and Vegas strip:

I love this next shot!! Tina & Eric are really fun people, so I'm glad they brought their sense of humour to the table (pun intended):

Since they weren't able to have a "First Dance" at the reception, we set one up in this gorgeous entrance by the Tower Suites:

Getting in some quality lounging time by the pool:

Work it out Tina:

Obviously we had to get a shot by the "Welcome to Fabulous LAS VEGAS Nevada" sign. This next series just makes me smile:

A tender moment:

Evening rolled around and after a slight delay, the ceremony started at the Wynn's Primrose Courtyard in front of Tina & Eric's family and closest friends:

During the ceremony, it started to rain. We were actually afraid that this was going to happen (we checked the weather forecast everyday in hopes of no rain), but it made for a dramatic backdrop! And I believe Eric's mom said that "Rain on your wedding day is a sign of good fortune!" ;)

So the only request I had from Eric was "FOOD SHOTS". Eric's quite the foodie (as am I), so I was more than delighted to capture some amaaaazing food details for him.

The reception was held at the infamous Boulud restaurant, and the food certainly lived up to its reputation. Eric sure knew how to spoil his guests with only the best ;) The sea bass was out of this world:

Christina (the MOH) took a moment to speak a bit about Tina and got choked up during the speech. Tina also couldn't hold back her emotions, it was a wonderful speech indeed:

Brian (the best man) was up next and gave a hilarious speech (and his honest opinions) about his brother!!!

I love, love, love this next moment. As Eric stood up to talk a little bit about his wife, Tina eyes stayed glued to her husband, occasionally rimming with tears; his speech was heartfelt, touching and a genuine tribute to her:

Okay, I have to explain this next shot a little bit. During group photos after dinner, all of Eric's friends thought it would be funny to hoist him up and toss him in the air. Easier said than done, especially when Eric's not a small guy (he towers at over 6') :P I love Eric's expression though! Haha, good times:

Thank you Tina & Eric for letting me play such an important part of your day. I can't even begin to express how honoured I was to photograph your wedding. I had an amazing time and it'll be an experience I'll never forget!!

Congratulations to the both of you - oh, and Tina, welcome to the family ;)

Much love!