Veterans Memorial Civic Center || Alexis + Chad Kunkleman Wedding

Lima Ohio | Market Street Presbyterian | Veterans Memorial Civic + Convention Center | Kunkleman Wedding

10/31/2019

bridal prep

Alexis, Chad, and their giant crew of friends and family gathered at the Civic Center for their bridal prep. This was SPECTACULAR news for me coming into this wedding, as pretty much every photographer in the area was a little stressed by the less than ideal weather caused by tropical storm Olga. The Civic Center has gorgeous large windows and is one of the very few areas in downtown Lima with coverage, so it would have been my suggestion even if we weren't already there!

Alexis and her ladies (and sweet baby Barrett) were busy with hair and makeup in the conference room at the connected Wingate Hotel. They all buzzed around in their matching personalized hoodies while they munched on morning goodies, and sipped on mimosas. Alexis wore a gorgeous fitted, sleeveless, bateau necked gown. The dress was white with blush undertones and covered in gorgeous lace and bead details. The neckline and sides were shear, and the back was open. Alexis wore her hair curled, half up, and finished with a cathedral length veil with beaded trim. Her shoes were silver and covered in gems, she wore drop jeweled earrings, and a few pearl and jeweled bracelets. Her look was completed with a breathtaking bouquet from the talented Ivy Hutch on which she wrapped Chad's grandmother's handkerchief and attached charms with images of her grandparents and uncle.

the first look ....well... looks :)

First we started with an emotional first look with Alexis's dad, who immediatley was in tears when he laid eyes on his little girl.

After that Alexis had a little surprise for Chad :)

ceremony

The ceremony was held at Market Street Presbyterian where the couple was surrounded by their friends, family, and 3 adorable children, Colten, Stella, and Barrett. As Alexis started down the aisle I turned to capture Chad's look and immediately realized he wasn't going to be my focus. You guys I have cried each time I have looked at these images, my momma heart can't take it. I will probably cry as I load these images into the blog after typing this too. Sweet Colten burst into tears as he watched his momma coming down the aisle, and as soon as he came into Alexis's view she too broke down [no...I'm not crying...you're crying] 😭😭😭 The rest of the ceremony was sweet and simple with laughs, a little Stella interruption, and sweet sounds of Barrett happily cooing away.

For this next part I need to back up a little bit and give you some backstory. Since we did a first look, all the bridal portraits were done prior to the ceremony. During that time I noticed Chad was a bit of a quick kisser. When I realized this I stopped and informed him he was going to need to hold THE KISS or they may not get that picture. He looked at me with a "are you serious" look and asked "how long?" I said, "5 seconds" [normally I tell people 3 but I wanted to make sure lol] Ok...back to the ceremony.

After the pastor announced them husband and wife they kinda looked at each other, she said, "this is the kissing part." Chad looked down the aisle at me, pointed, held up 5 fingers, and planted a good one on his new wife! I will NEVER forget that 😆 Chad you are AWESOME!

bridal party

It was COLD + WET friends! This group was awesome and were so nice even though I was sticking them outside and goosebumps were present! 💞

Alexis told me her MOH wanted to take a photo under her veil...ok....I can take pictues of whatever you want lol. I had no idea what to expect but I love them and I love their friendship, because this is they only type of friend I want around!

mr + mrs

reception

Pinch me! I got to work with the team of A-list vendors two weekends in a row!!! Ivy Hutch killed it on those bouquets and boutonnières, Aspen Jean Planning made sure everything went off without a hitch, Joyous Occasions did a stunning job as always on the reception decorations, Fox Event Group is always a joy to work with and their music, up lighting, floor and wall mapping is always top notch!

The reception was held at Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center. The round tables that filled the room were covered in white table linens, with wine colored shimmery table runners, and navy napkins. The 3 tier blue and white cake with gold drizzle was positioned on a barrel in front of the head table. The head table was stair stepped to make room for everyone and was covered in gorgeous sparkling gold fabric and floral garland. Behind the table were 5 golden rings covered in greenery and wine colored flowers positioned on top of white flowy fabric that was up lit with golden light. To complete the cozy fall theme two beautiful images of fall leaves were mapped onto the wall. At the back of the room sat an important Pittsburgh tradition, the cookie table. Mostly made by the bride's mother, a vast variety of cookies and donuts covered two giant tables from end to end. After a scrumptious Casa Lu Al dinner guest danced the night away on the dance floor.