Long before the wedding day when I met Lauren and Justin for a sit down meeting one of the draws that connected us was our backgrounds in basketball.  Justin is a professional basketball player in Japan and I have been a main stay with the Golden State Warriors for fourteen seasons.  The other connection between this couple and myself is the in person vote of confidence that was given to them from a past groom I photographed.  We literally had a past groom by chance walk into the coffee shop where we had our initial meeting and said my team and I captured everything during his wedding! 

Lauren along with her sister and bridesmaids were all smiles and full of excitement while getting ready in the bridal room.  I checked in with our bride from time to time to take pictures while simultaneously capturing detail photos like this poolside photo of the brides heels (which is one of my favorite heel photos I have photographed.

Lauren was all smiles in her room while the guys were on the other end of the Grand Island Mansion getting ready before their formal photo session.

Justin and his groomsmen kept the atmosphere light and fun during their photo session.

and with a few minutes before the ceremony they even had time for a game of billiards.

Lauren and her long wedding dress looked beautiful on the grand staircase. 

With a few extra minutes before the ceremony I suggested we take advantage of an empty reception room for another formal bridal portrait, the art deco design of the mansion is truly spectacular.

the back of the mansion is a great place for portraits while guests are arriving and settling in the front of the estate.

It is important to back away and take in the entire scene once in a while so you can properly tell the story.

Getting close with our long lenses is great for capturing expressions that give warmth to the story.

Justin did well picking out Lauren's custom ring, it has the wedding band built into it.

it's easy to see Justin and his brother have a great bond, and on this special day he's got his back.

The front of the mansion is truly breathtaking and makes for the perfect portrait background.

We used a few tricks to achevie this wind blown veil look.

During dinner we brought the couple back outside, the sunset was phenomenal and we had to capture it in stunning detail.

Justin and Lauren's new life long adventure has begun, as they reminisce through these photos they are settling into their new home away from home in Japan.  Justin's upcoming professional basketball season will be a lot easier with his best friend by his side.

Concentrating on the people who are giving speeches and the guests reacting to these moments for me is a highlight as a wedding photographer.  Photographing basketball action or peak emotion at a wedding is all the same.

a simple look...

can really touch those all around.

Late in the evening a sister's bond unfolds.

this group could really dance, and it made them a pleasure to follow on the dance floor!

Just before the cake was brought to each other's lips somebody in the crowd yelled out "do it!" and I could see something in Justin's eyes that looked a bit malicious.  Justin slightly pushed the cake into Lauren's mouth and ultimately; Justin paid for this. 

it was all in good fun...

Towards the end of the night I pulled the couple off of the dance floor for this custom evening portrait.  It's two images blended into one and the technique allowed for the couples reflection in the pool.

This wedding had it all, it was full of fun people, a beautiful venue and emotions that tell the perfect story.