Saratoga Springs Wedding ~ Tammy & JD!

I first met JD years ago while photographing his brother Greg’s wedding.  JD was the best man and he gave a hysterical toast that had everyone laughing. I remember Tammy from that day too- every time I looked at her she was smiling and cracking up over something!  So I was more than thrilled when I was hired to photograph Tammy & JD’s wedding!  Years later from that wedding, these two are still smiling and making everyone laugh. Their enthusiasm for having a great time is contagious. Their wedding felt like a big fun picnic and I imagined that is exactly what they were hoping for. Family, friends, games and an abundance of fun to celebrate their love!Tammy and JD both got ready at the Saratoga Inn- their rooms just right next door to each other!  Tammy’s Mom and sister bring down the dress- it’s time! Tammy is going to be doing a quick step in as later you will see her getting ready again- next time in the forest!Why girlfriends are so awesome and important!

Just next door the guys were doing their thing. How awesome are those groomsmen gifts?!

Looking sharp JD!Off to Saratoga Springs! The guys! The beautiful ladies! Tammy dreamed of getting ready in the forest with a mirror. Dreams do come true and it was so cool!  Surrounded by trees, a stream and her ladies- Tammy finished getting ready for her First Look with JD.

It was time for the First Look. Tammy’s ladies left the scene while her sister stayed back to help. While Tammy and her sister hid, Greg and I got JD into position on the bridge.  Once we were in position we gave the signal.  The energy in the air was amazing, First Looks are always so exciting!The tap- the smiles- love it!Such a sweet moment when JD sees Tammy!Perfection!

Tammy and JD had such a fun bridal party!Haha, they know how to make the tough faces too!  Well…everyone but someone 😉Tammy’s flower girls arrived and were so excited to see Tammy! This picture just melts my heart!Tammy and JD’s wedding took place at the Longbridge section of Saratoga Springs. Tammy’s Mom did such a great job bringing together all the signage and decorations to make their wedding so personalized and beautiful.Tammy and JD’s friends dress up as the characters from ‘Dumb and Dumber.’JD escorted both the Moms down the aisle! So cute!Next up was the bridal party!Tammy’s brother with JD’s sister!The Best Man, JD’s brother with the Matron of Honor, Tammy’s sister.The flower girls came through spreading so much joy and of course flower petals!The handsome young ring bearer took his job very seriously and the rings arrived safety!Tammy was escorted down the aisle by her Dad. Such a sweet moment!So pretty!  The dress color Tammy chose for her bridesmaids was just perfect amongst all the greenery of the venue. One of the reasons why Tammy and JD fell in love with this venue is the old bridge that becomes part of the stunning backdrop. Something funny happened, I’m not sure what but I love the way Tammy laughs, full of happiness and great joy!Vows and rings were exchanged….JD’s ring proved to be a little harder to get on!Kiss the bride!!!!With great enthusiasm these two ran up the aisle and into the sunshine!Love it!!!The bridal party, this time with the little ones too! And then just these precious little ones!It was time for the cocktail party! Drinks were poured and the games began!Meanwhile, the tables were transformed with the wedding decor! The place looked stunning!The sweetheart table was extra special with their personalized champagne flutes, forks and this fun plate!
The view of the reception area from the other side of the bridge. Tammy and JD ran into their reception too… Tammy chose my favorite kind of shoes to wear! Tammy’s Mom started off the toasts. Followed by JD’s Dad.Next up was Tammy’s sister. And last but not least, JD’s brother and best man!Last up was Tammy and JD who thanked everyone for making their day so special!The sun went down and the light faded fast. But that was more than fine as the venue was transformed into a magical place with twinkly lights all around!  The fire was also lit making it time for everyone’s favorite- S’mores!Tammy and JD started their first dance off like everyone else- sweet and slow- when suddenly it wasn’t…
The two started swinging each other around as the crowd cheered them on!On top of a tower of cupcakes sat the sweetest little cake. Behind that tower of YUM was an antique desk with its drawers filled with flowers and more treats! Everything was so beautiful AND delicious!Tammy and JD cut the cake!  Then Tammy had to make up for wiping JD’s face with frosting with a sweet kiss!Moving on to more traditions, Tammy threw her bouquet and JD went searching for a garter! Tammy’s expression is priceless!Perhaps not a true wedding tradition but I’d vote for it to become one. Good old Flip Cup! If you have played, you know the fun and if you have never played you are greatly missing out!As the evening moved on, the dance floor got moving!
As we left, the night was still going strong.  Everyone was having so much fun either dancing, playing games or enjoying endless sweets!  Tammy and JD, we wish you a lifetime of happiness, belly laughs and games- especially flip cup!

Hotel: The Inn at Saratoga

Dress: Bolee Bridal 

Venue & Caterer: Saratoga Springs 

DJ: Alex Wrigley

Cake and cupcakes: Icing on the Cake in Los Gatos

Photography: Susannah Gill-Photographic Storytelling