I think there’s something about the Midwest that you just don’t understand until you’ve lived there. And for Alisha and BJ, that meant showing their Midwest pride with the most important day of their lives. When I met with Alisha for the first time, she told me all about how she had grown up in Nebraska, but now lived here in Colorado. I got to hear all about how her wedding was going to be a true Nebraska wedding. That meant the reception at the Fairgrounds, ceremony in the town’s only church, BBQ, and tons of close family and friends there to help celebrate the day. Talk about a wedding with character. To add to it, Alisha had a carnival theme that just put the perfect touch to it all. Her details were just amazing – everywhere you looked there was something she had thought of!

Here are some of my favorites from Alisha and BJ’s big day:

The couple opted for a “First Look” where they saw each other before their ceremony. I LOVE it when couples do this, not only because we have even more time for photos, but because I get to capture images like this 🙂 They get some private time together before their “I do’s” just to have a quiet minute together and take in the day.

Immediately following the ceremony, BJ and Alisha walked out of the church to their guests releasing balloons in celebration! This was just the start of all of Alisha’s creative ideas. (PS – LOVE the shades!)

This shot was taken by Katie, one of my second photographers. (I know, Kate…Katie…could it get more confusing?) Having a second photographer is so great to catch little moments like this 🙂

PERFECT flowers for a May wedding!

Alisha, you are a stunning bride!

After the ceremony, we stopped at a railroad where Alisha would always meet friends at when she was in high school. It was a meeting ground between her small town and the next, she told me. I love it when my couples pick spots that mean something to them – makes the images that much more personal.

Right as we were walking to the limo, a train approached. The couple told me that they hadn’t seen a train cross here in years! So obviously, we had to document it with something equally as crazy – and their bridal party fit the bill.

This could be one of the cutest ideas I’ve ever seen from a bride. Alisha loves Dr. Pepper. No wait, not loves…LOVES. And BJ has a thing for Coke. Right on the head table, she had made two old-school bottles dressed up as a little bride and groom. Hello, adorable.

OK, maybe I had a little too much fun with their rings. But with all the details, and all the fun things to shoot, I couldn’t help myself. It really was a carnival wedding, and what carnival is complete without DumDum’s?

So. Many. Details. 🙂

During the reception, I took the couple outside for some sunset photos and snapped this one sitting on the gate of a barn. BJ was in complete awe when he looked at his bride; I just got giddy watching how happy they were together.

This has to be my favorite from the entire day.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Juelfs! You two are such a blast to work with and have a great future ahead of you!

And as always, don’t forget to show some love! Help Alisha and BJ make it to 50 comments and they’ll get a free 8×10 float wrap print ($100 value)!