This past Saturday, I photographed my third Spoth Family event. Last July I photographed Kelly’s wedding to Nick, in January I photographed Eric & Sheila’s at-home-reception after their wedding in St. John US Virgin Islands, and now I have just photographed Kevin’s wedding to Kara. They have one more younger sister and I’m looking forward to hearing from her whenever she’s ready!
As I drove to Glen Oak Golf Course late Saturday afternoon, little did I know a tornado was touching down just a few miles east of my house. I was well aware of the torrential downpour that had just passed, and I drove through several yank-the-steering-wheel-right-out-of-your-hands puddles driving on the back roads between Alden and East Amherst. I arrived not knowing what to expect. I knew the ceremony had been planned for outside at the gazebo. When I saw the standing water in the grass where the chairs would need to be, I knew it didn’t look good. I did a couple of detail shots then headed upstairs to see Kara.
I got there in time to see Kara put her veil on, with the help of two of her four sisters-in-law.
The veil was handmade, as were the bridesmaids’ jewelry and shawls. The beautiful flowergirl gave me a run for my money, but I did get a few nice shots of her when she wasn’t on the move!
The ceremony had to be moved indoors because of the rain, so they got married on the dancefloor with everyone sitting at their dinner tables. With this kind of love, I think they could have gotten married inside an abandoned warehouse and they still wouldn’t have stopped smiling!
A glimpse at a few more of the handmade items – the cake topper (funfetti cake courtesy of Kevin’s mom!) and the signature quilt:
Kara’s dad gave a great toast that ended with, “I hope this marriage is fruitful… you get me Kevin?” Haha. Kevin’s dad and brother also gave great toasts which turned Kevin’s cheeks a little pink. He survived.
We managed to sneak in painfully few formal photos before it got started raining again and got dark, sorry guys.
On an unrelated note, I have to share this picture I got of Kevin playing with his ring during the receiving line because I genuinely love when I can see evidence that a man works with his hands. For anyone reading this who thinks Kevin looks familiar, you have probably seen him at Spoth Farm Market on Transit. It’s a great place to check out if you’ve never been!
As the reception got underway, I think this was my first ever experience with songs being played on an actual record player. Kevin was very particular about the music and I definitely think the authentic record sounds added more depth than a remastered mp3 ever could.
Just one more that I can’t resist sharing:
Kevin & Kara – I’m a little bummed that things didn’t go as planned but I was so happy to share the evening with you guys. I’m excited about seeing you again… whenever that may be! Don’t forget to ship me some peanut butter balls!!
by Wendy
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