In May I had the pleasure to photograph the celebration of Kacey and Ross. I love weddings and the details and traditions that go into each one.

     Kacey and Ross chose a gorgeous chapel in Grove for their ceremony. The small little Cayuga Mission Church was 117 years old, built in 1896! The history is fascinating. The history page found online states this is the only church in Oklahoma which was built soley by an Indian from his own funds for the religious use of all people.

    The couple chose details during their ceremony that elegant and unique. The whole family prayed for the couple before the father of the bride gave away his daughter in marriage.

      Ross and Kacey chose to tie a unity knot during the ceremony.

    They also had their loved ones witnessing the ceremony "warm their rings." The wedding bands were placed in a net bag and passed through the audience. Each in attendance was asked to warm their rings by holding them in their hands and also saying a prayer for the couple.

    My favorite part of the wedding day happens (hopefully) before the ceremony starts. Tradition has it that the bride and groom don't see each other until the wedding (day). The tradition is changing a bit though and creates a unique, touching and emotional moment between the bride and groom. I'm talking about "the first look." Some are still shying away from this, but this is my schpeel. The bride and groom can maintain the tradition of not seeing each other until the wedding DAY! The first look is a private moment between the bride and groom where they can see each other on their wedding DAY for the first time! The only ones in the area are the bride, groom and a ninja photographer or two to set up the moment and capture the emotion and memory.

    I've photographed old tradition and new. I prefer new traditional first looks for a lot of reasons. The emotion flows more freely in private from both the bride and the groom. By doing a first look moment, you can also get a lot of the photographs the couple want captured finished before the guests arrive. The bride and groom can enjoy the rest of their wedding day.

    The old church bell rang as the couple made their way back to Pryor for a reception and celebration with more friends and family.

    Congratulations Ross and Kasey! May your life together be full of blessings!