070916-018 It was a hot Saturday in mid-July, but excitement was in the air as we arrived at the Rotary Reserve Lodge in Cedar Falls to capture Steven and Stephanie's wedding day.  When we arrived, the pre-wedding hustle and bustle was in full swing as the guys and ladies were working on the finished touches for the day.  I headed in with Stephanie and her ladies, while my assistant, Michael, headed in with the Steven and his guys to capture the finishing details.

070916-022 070916-028 070916-081 Before formal portraits began, Steven and Stephanie shared an unconventional "First Look."  They choose not to see each other until the wedding ceremony, but wanted a moment before they were swept up in the events of the day to speak to each other and be together.  It was lovely.

070916-105 We photographed Stephanie with her ladies and family.  Then, hid her away and captured Steven and his ensemble.  I always recommend this to couples who choose not to see each other before the wedding ceremony.  It cuts down on the list of groups the would otherwise need to be captured following the ceremony, allowing the couple to get to their reception and celebrate even sooner.

The ceremony was gorgeous under the sun dappled trees at the Rotary Reserve.  It was beautiful to watch the tears form in Steven's as he saw his bride come down the aisle.  Simply lovely.

070916-296 Their ceremony was tailored to them to a T.  Even beginning with quoting the ceremony from Princess Bride (YES! LOVE IT!!) to their officiant announcing them as husband and wife by not only the power of the state of Iowa, but .... wait for it... also by the power of Greyskull.  The nerd in me had a big smile at that.  Perfection!

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Check back soon for more from Steven and Stephanie's gorgeous wedding day!