Danny and Anna’s wedding at Historic Shady Lane was a particularly special one for us because Danny is one of my husband Matt’s good friends. So I’m going to change up this wedding blog post a little bit and let Matt take over the intro. So without further ado….
Fun fact, I knew Danny for 3 years before I found out his first name is not Daniel, but rather Lee Daniel. So I’ll be referring to him as Danny, that’s how I’ll probably forever refer to him. I first met Danny when a group of friends were getting together, and one of our mutual friends asked if they could bring along Danny. We asked who he was and what he was like, and this friend just told us, “Oh don’t worry, everybody loves Danny.” As it turns out, he was right. Later, when Danny told me he was engaged, he asked about photography because he wanted all the vendors to be people he knew. In our line of work as wedding photographers, it doesn’t seem that strange to personally know someone who works in all the needed fields in a wedding. But Danny’s job has nothing to do with weddings. So when Danny told me that, I figured he wanted like two or three of the vendors to be friends. Nope, Danny is not only liked by everyone he meets, but he knows a ton of people as well. Every single vendor, I think maybe except for the planner, was a close friend of the couple, or relative, who I’m pretty sure would drive a couple hours to help Danny and Anna out at a moments notice. Mostly because Danny and Anna are the type of people that would do the same for everyone they know. When I met first met Anna, it was instantly obvious that she and Danny are perfect for each other. Danny is usually the center of attention in any room, at least he is unless Anna is there. Not only does she command attention with just how awesome, kind, funny and thoughtful she is, but the way Danny looks at her, talks about her, and laughs with her makes her stand out even more. This couple is so loved by everyone around them, and I am honored to be one of those friend/vendors who had the privilege of helping them celebrate their big day.
Okay, Janelle here again. While Matt knows Danny quite well, the first time I actually met the two of them was at their engagement session. It was only a few weeks before their wedding, but they wanted to take advantage of doing an engagement session to become familiar with how we work photographing bride and groom portraits, sort of a practice run before the big day. This is actually the main reason I always encourage engagement sessions whenever possible, to help our couples be less nervous about getting their picture taken, and to give us all a chance to get to know each other and how we work on a wedding day. But let me tell you, these two had absolutely no reason to be nervous. Anna looked like a gorgeous elven princess straight out of a fairytale! And Danny seemed so relaxed like literally nothing could put a damper on this amazing day. They made our job super easy, with the way they laugh together and look at each other with so much love… Matt was right, they are perfect for each other.
As is typical on wedding days, while the girls were getting ready, the guys were busy playing games. Of course, I have to give Danny credit, he actually spent a good bit of time the morning of his wedding taking care of random odds and ends, like hanging greenery in the chandeliers and making sure everything was perfect for his beautiful bride. But I’m glad he was also able to take some time to relax and hang out with his groomsmen.
Anna’s First Look with her dad was so sweet, and the smile on his face says it all.
And then right before the ceremony, Matt captured a fun little moment with Danny’s parents. I sure do love finding these great candid moments as I look through all the wedding pictures from the day.
Danny and Anna’s wedding took place at Historic Shady Lane, which is beautiful and full of great spots for pictures among all the rustic and historic elements around the venue. Their ceremony was in a quiet wooded spot and fit perfectly with the vibe of the day.
I love a good tent reception, especially when it’s beautifully decorated like this one!
Danny and Anna, thank you again for allowing us to capture your wonderful wedding day. We wish you all the best in your new life together!
Ceremony & Reception | Historic Shady Lane
Dress Store | In White
Bridesmaids Dresses | Birdy Grey
Groom and Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Planner | Simply Events
Catering | Stone Hill Catering
Invitations | Althea and Ruth (through Minted)