You know how they say time flies when you’re having fun? Well, Dawn and Parker’s wedding day went by in a flash. By the time my second photographer, Keri, and I got to our cars at the end of the night, we both looked at each other and were shocked that a full wedding day had flown by! Usually when this happens, it’s because there was something crazy going on with the timeline, lots of transitions, or another wrench that was thrown into the mix, but on Dawn and Parker’s wedding day, it was quite the opposite! Never have I photographed an easier wedding day— one filled with so much joy and celebration, perfect weather, glow-y light, and love.
The heart of Dawn and Parker’s Bayfront Club wedding photos was their genuine and joyful love.
They are SO happy in each other’s presence, and it was so apparent as they giggled, smooched, and dipped (More on this in a minute, Parker has it down to a science!) their way through their wedding day. Their day was spent on the water surrounded by some of their biggest supporters and dearest friends. I’ve known Parker since my freshman year of college, when we were both on the same THON committee. As we set up for his first look with Dawn, we realized that we have known each other for over ten years! While we both cringed and realized that time really has flown, this made their wedding day all the more meaningful to photograph!
Dawn and Parker were glowing with happiness throughout the entire day— their smiles really said it all! They were SO excited to officially become each other’s spouse, and that was reflected through every aspect of their wedding day.
When I arrived at Dawn’s hotel suite at the start of the day, I was met with a crew that was nearly through hair and makeup.
They had chill tunes playing as they munched on snacks and and talked about everything that was to come that day. Dawn had everything organized and ready to rock, so as the ladies finished their beauty prep, I got to work photographing her details. She and Parker selected details inspired by their love for the outdoors. They are big adventurers, love National Parks, hiking, and spending time in nature. From their vows written in National Parks Field Notes booklets to their sage green and floral color palette, each piece they selected was intentional and reflective of their love story.
From details, time seamlessly ran into Dawn and Parker stepping into their wedding attire for the day. They stepped into their gear before heading over to Bayfront Club for their first look. Parker finished up his vows and then headed down towards the bayfront for their first look. Before Dawn was even making her way down the stairs, Parker started tearing up (Which naturally made ME start tearing up, but ANYWAYS…). They shared a few hugs and tears through their first look before their wedding party joined us on the waterfront for portraits.
Wedding portraits ran right into family portraits, which then left a perfect window for some couple’s portraits. Dawn and Parker giggled their way through their portraits on the waterfront, and GOSH, they were STUNNING! At some point throughout wedding planning, Parker mastered the art of the surprise dip. I’m pretty sure I’m going to need to hire him to host lessons for every couple because he somehow figured out how to get Dawn from standing to swooped into a kiss in the matter of two seconds flat. This resulted in some of my FAVORITE dip photos ever, many of which you’ll get to scroll in a moment! He had a bet that he would be able to surprise her with at least seven dips throughout their night, and by the end of the evening, he reported that he snuck in ELEVEN. Truly iconic in every way. BUT, all that being said, back to the wedding day.
Soon, it was time for guests to arrive! Dawn and Parker made their way inside with family and a few close friends to sign their Ketubah as their guests took their seats for their ceremony.
The sky turned to cotton candy as Dawn and Parker’s ceremony began with the bay as their backdrop.
They were married by Dawn’s uncle who was sure to include many moments that sparked both giggles and happy tears. They wrote their own heartfelt vows in Field Notebooks that reflected some of their favorite National Parks. They shared their hopes for the future, dreams for their marriage, and promises to each other before officially becoming husband and wife! Once they were officially official, you better bet Parker and Dawn dropped into a dip on their way back down the aisle!
After that, Dawn and Parker celebrated with their closest people during their reception. They opted to incorporate so many personal touches, from stickers and signature cocktails reflecting their two fur babies, to a DIY Lego bar, National Parks post cards in lieu of a guest book and so many sweet toasts, a lively hora, and you guessed it, more dips! The rest of the night flew by in a flash, and after I parted ways with Dawn and Parker, they were on their way to dance their way into the night.
I am so excited for you to scroll through Dawn and Parker’s Bayfront Club wedding photos!
Their day couldn’t have been more perfect, heartfelt, relaxed, and joyful. I hope you see each of these reflected in their genuine smiles and warm embraces.
Congratulations, cuties! I hope you enjoy basking in your newlywed glow! Thank you so much for trusting me as your wedding photographer.
You know how some people have special dates, initials, or quotes engraved in their wedding band? Parker has his phone number, and I am OBSESSED with this idea. So practical!
How incredible are these views?!
That dip though!
Married!!
We got to enjoy sunset on the water, and when I say these are some of the most magical photos EVER, I mean it!
How fun is this custom-build Lego bar?!
We wanted to take these Costco sweatshirt photos during their engagement session! Unfortunately, only one sweatshirt made its way to their session, so Dawn and Parker brought them to their wedding day! I love how much these two love Costco!
Thank you, Dawn and Parker! I’m wishing you a marriage as joyful as your wedding day!
Shoutout to the amazing team that made Dawn and Parker’s wedding day so magical:
Venue: The Bayfront Club | Catering: Catering by Uptown | Bridal Gown: Azazie | Groom’s Attire: Generation Tux | Bridesmaid’s Attire: Azazie | Hair: Erica Bergsagel | Makeup: Made Up By Sherri | Reception Entertainment: Great Scott Productions
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