Karen and Alex’s Country Wedding at Reece Farms in Farmington CA

One of the greatest compliments a wedding photographer can receive is to have a guest or member of the wedding party call up and ask for your services. The reason is because, especially in the case of the wedding party, they’ve been given a peek behind Oz’s curtain and have seen the truth behind his magic. Even knowing that all you’re doing is handing out heart shaped clocks, diplomas, and medals, they still value what you do and how you come about doing it.

Karen was just such a Dorothy when, just over a year ago, she was a bridesmaid in Camila’s wedding (see more of that wedding here). Since then she’s met her own Tin Man of sorts back in Virginia. When you first meet him he doesn’t seem to have the sensitive side you expect from a Tin Man. He only lets you see that tough exterior of creaking metal born of hunts in the Virginia wilderness. But watch him with his mother for a few minutes and you will see something special, something you can catch with a camera if you’re paying close enough attention.

It’s often hard for a parent to watch a child grow up and build their own life; it’s even harder for single moms with their sons. One thing you could be certain of while watching the way Karen and Alex interact is that Alex’s mom has found the perfect Dorothy to take over the job of keeping her son’s sometimes creaky joints moving.

“And remember, my sentimental friend, that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.”  ~The Wizard of Oz

How the ladies figure out the backs of these dresses is beyond me. 

Sometimes there is not enough time in the day to get started with the bride before she's gotten her dress on and started accessorizing.
When that happens I find that there is no better model for the details than the bride herself. 

Bridesmaids like Camila are indispensable on a wedding day. 

Such gorgeous details in these wedding shoes. Brides, make note of the heel. That little contraption made it so she could walk
across the grass that is everywhere at Reece Farms.

As I said before, there's no better prop to place details on than the bride herself. 

Karen's dad and brother get a first look of the beautiful bride before she heads out for her first look with the groom.

A quiet moment under a willow tree before the wedding began. 

Now if that wedding ring doesn't say country, I don't know what does.

Mom shares a moment with her son just before the ceremony gets under way. 

Usually it's just the dad that presents his daughter. At this wedding there was a very touching display of family unity when parents
from both sides approached to present their children.

I typically shoot around bridesmaids' tattoos. This was one time where I made sure not to. 

Dancing with the man made lake at Reece Farms in the background. 

Took the bride and groom out right before I left to snap a couple more pictures by the bridge at Reece Farms. 

If you want to check out the fun and more lighthearted side of the wedding, there are more pictures up on our facebook page. Be sure to like our page and add us as friends.