HEIDI & KYLE (A WEDDING AT RUBIES & RUST, BELLE PLAINE, MINNESOTA)

Once upon a time in Poland I met a spunky blonde who loved Beyonce as much as me and that was all we needed to become fast friends. She visited me in Maryland and I visited her in Minnesota. We had sleepovers, dance parties, and long walks talking about how she wanted to marry her Kyle one day. Heidi and Kyle were young. Younger than most who choose to make lifelong vows. But they were ready. Ready to not spend one more day apart from one another. Ready to make lifelong plans. Together.

Early Saturday morning I boarded a plan in Pittsburgh for Minneapolis. In just a few hours I would be in Belle Plaine, Minnesota in the same room as my friend Heidi. And, my word, was she breathtakingly beautiful.

The wedding took place at the antique paradise 

Rubies & Rust

in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. It was the perfect backdrop for photos. I honestly forgot what I was supposed to be doing at times because I was so distracted by how cool this house was.

Kyle is kind of guy you want to have as a friend. He's funny, kind, and incredibly loyal. It says a lot about somebody if you can pick up exactly where you left off the next time you see them. And with Kyle it's always like that.

Going back through and editing these photos I seriously wanted to hug all of Heidi's bridesmaids. The excitement and support they offered Heidi all morning was so precious. There wasn't a happier group of girls in the world.

Allllright guys. Take a deep breath. You're about to enter the barn. Also known as the most immaculately detailed reception in the history of time. I knew Heidi's wedding would have a lot of personal touches but, are you kidding me?? I was not expecting something of this magnitude. (I sound like Admiral Ackbar...Star Wars fans?) Heidi combined her own DIY creations with Rubies & Rust magic and

v

oilà

! And I wasn't kidding about the deep breath. I'd advise you to sit down but 

hopefully you're already doing that if you're at a computer.

I love the few minutes immediately following the wedding ceremony. In my opinion, they contain some of the rawest emotions of the day. This next shot chokes me up every time.

Heidi & Kyle - I love you guys a heck of a lot. Thank you for asking me to be your photographer. Let's hang out sometime ;)

KRISTIN & BEN (A WEDDING AT HOWARD COUNTY CONSERVANCY, MARYLAND)

It's been a very busy summer so far and, well, it's about to get even busier! I'm excited to start showing you more of what I've been shooting. Expect lots more weddings as well as some non-wedding related work that I'm really proud of too. I've already photographed in DC, VA, PA, DE, and NY this year and over the next few months I'll be traveling to MN, WI, FL, WA, WV, and NC too! If you are any of the above states and would be interested in booking a session with me please send me an email at lydia@lydiajane.com. I will be spending 2.5 weeks in Minneapolis this July so I'll have plenty of available time if you live in that area.

But, back to the post! A few months back I photographed a beautiful Maryland wedding. The bride got ready at The Columbia Inn at Peralynna and the ceremony took place at the Howard County Conservancy.

 
 






Kristin and Ben are both musicians in the United States Air Force band. So, needless to say, the music during their ceremony was flawless. 









Sometimes I find myself scrolling through blogs of beautifully posed model-couples and I think, "Geeze,  I wonder if these people ever smile at all." I mean, seriously, what couple out there is that serious all the time? I'm far more interested in finding the personality in my couples. I love listening to embarrassing first date stories and looking at cell phone pictures of cats and dogs that are treated far more like children than pets. And I love finding someone's secret nerdy side. In Kristin and Ben, it wasn't hard to find. ;) Half way through their session they obliged me with the Ben's "roller coaster dance".










Kristin & Ben - You two a wonderful, bright, genuine couple. I loved laughing with you and getting to know your friends and family. Thank you for letting me tell the story of your wedding day.