Close- Wilbert

Saturday we got to spend the day with Melissa and Jace, what a great time! Melissa asked us to join her at the Salon with her bridesmaids, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to get hair and make up done. You could tell Melissa was getting excited and we had a good time starting off the day! It was only hours before I had seen Tyff and Jeff from T&J Studios, who also shot this wedding as well! (I got to see some of the shots, they were great!)

After hair, the ladies made their way to The Scottish Rite to drop off vehicles and climb into a limo to head to The Grand Chapel to finish getting ready. Melissa handled herself like a trooper despite the heat that you couldn't escape. Her gown was one of the most gorgeous I have seen to date, with a strapless bodice and intricate beadwork, almost silver in color with a low cut back that fit her perfectly. The train was elegant but not overwhelming. Souffle skirt with beadwork finished the look. Her tiara was gorgeous and she had the most unique accessory, an arm band with detailed beadwork that fit around her upper left arm, similar to a bracelet. Very cool.

She chose to see Jace before the ceremony so they could get all of their photographs out of the way and have time to enjoy their party and guests afterwards.

The ceremony, although very hot, went off without a hitch. Jace and Melissa opened with personal vows they wrote for one another they read aloud as tears streamed down their faces. Traditional vows followed and the celebration began.

Two limos were waiting after the ceremony, one for the bridal party and one for the bride and groom. The limos took the newlyweds to The Castle Inn Riverside so Jace could check in for the night and so Tyff and Jeff could get some shots of them on the bridge across the street. Then off to the reception.

The wedding party was formally introduced coming down the grand staircase by Steve Walsh of Advanced Mobile DJ Service and the couple promptly cut the cake. They enjoyed relaxing and mingling with guests as Corporate Caterers finished getting dinner ready.

After dinner was served, Jace's uncle from Milan, Italy called on his cell phone, whose voice was piped loud through Steve's speakers for all to hear! The dance floor was cleared of the buffet line and the party began! Jace and Melissa danced well into the evening and I don't think they ever stopped! It was obvious they truly enjoyed their day and all of their friends and family that came to celebrate with them.

To Jace and Melissa, thank you for choosing us to document your day, we feel very privileged. We hope you enjoy your honeymoon and your new lives together, you were both a treat to get to know through the day, best wishes. Barry and Steph ~