Oh yes, and the other part of what made my day was spending several hours at Amelies (oh how I've missed you in Fayetteville) drinking earl gray tea and having a rasberry croissant twist. I highly recommend going and sitting in that delightfully charming place with a friend. It is quite simply... lovely.
"As of right now I think we're planning on spending this Saturday with you in Fayetteville and I'm under the impression that we'll be doing a cool photo shoot with you.... One thing about it that I wanted to run past you first. Since I trust your judgment on where we would be doing the shoot and the fact that the photos would turn out gorgeous, I was wondering if you think that moment would be a good opportunity for me to ask Lauren to marry me :)"
Which of course I replied with a HUUUUGE squeal of excitement and and overwhelming, "HECK yes!" So then, it started sinking in that I was going to get to document, frame by frame, this life changing moment for them and I started getting a wee bit nervous. Deep breath. What a sublime surprise for Lauren!!!!! I wanted it to be perfect for them and out-of-this-world in my camera too, and I must say that I believe it ended up being both.
So here it started out as just a perfectly adorable shoot. See, I told you they were hot.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Seriously?!?!
So from there, they were pretty much floating on cloud 9, and I just followed them around and tried my best to capture their giddy excitement and crazy love for each other. The sun was setting just right and they seemed to have a glow of their own (oh gosh, that sounds cheesy, but I'm sorry... it is TRUE!).
Told you.
Absolute gorgeous. You caught the genuine MOMENTS in the proposal and that is priceless... fabulous job, Amy. I know Lauren and Matt are thrilled to have these.
(09.06.09 @ 08:25 PM)WOW Amy!!! WOW!!! I am crying just from the emotion in these!! I'm blown away!!
(09.06.09 @ 09:03 PM)Congrats Matt and Lauren!
(09.06.09 @ 09:16 PM)unreal YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! love, love, love. so happy for these two lovebirds and amy, you are unreal amazing. these pictures are seriously gorgeous!!!
(09.06.09 @ 10:11 PM)Unbelievable photos! Congrats to the brand-new couple!
(09.06.09 @ 10:19 PM)AMY!!! I have goosebumps all over...you can feel YOUR love and excitement for these two in the amazing, gorgeous photos you got of the whole thing. And WHAT A FREAKING ADORABLE COUPLE!!! :) It's a good thing they're getting married because they are too cute not to. ;)
(09.07.09 @ 12:10 AM)why am i crying? this is just beautiful Amy...and how special that YOU, her best buddy, got to be a part of it. YOU definitely did this shoot amazing JUSTICE!
(09.07.09 @ 08:56 AM)how AWESOME - love this amy. the couple is freaking GORGEOUS!
(09.07.09 @ 11:39 AM)Hi Amy - This is Matt's mother thanking you for the most amazing photographs. I have looked at them time and time again and of course, have cried each time. Are they not the most GORGEOUS couple? You captured love, beauty and emtions at such a level that is speechless. These are picutres that will be remembered for a lifetime. Thank you for such a fabulous job. I am sure that as Lauren's friend, it was so special to be a part of this. Again, thank you for sharing that love and talent with everyone.
Frankie Costner
Amy. This is Matt's mom thanking you for the amazing photos you took. Are they not the most gorgeous couple? Ihave looked at the pictures time and time again and of course, have cried each time. I can tell that you are a true friend and had the most wonderful experience of capturing one of your friend's most special moments. Thank you for taking such beautiful photos. You have captured the love, excitement and emotion of these two on that most special day. Thank you for sharing these.
Frankie Costner
Amy, This is Matt's Dad and all I can say is WOW, what an excellent job of capturing a moment in both Matt and Lauren's lives that will be cherished by them and all who love them. They are a beautiful couple and great people. I am both happy and proud. My boy did it right, and Lauren is just beautiful.
(09.07.09 @ 02:57 PM)Crazy!! What an absolutely amazing shoot!!- tell Lauren CONGRATULATIONS!!
(09.07.09 @ 05:23 PM)oh, amy free, how you make my heart do leaps. love them.
(09.07.09 @ 07:25 PM)seriously...could this have gotten any cuter/sweeter/precious!? such an amazing idea, and hottt couple! these look so greattt!
(09.07.09 @ 08:43 PM)these are amazing Amy!!! i am so excited for you lauren!! gorgeous gorgeous!!!!!!!!
(09.07.09 @ 08:57 PM)No way!!!! how precious. i feel tears in my eyes. this is the cutest story every & you captured it just perfect!!!! :)
(09.07.09 @ 09:00 PM)Amy - Love this shoot. So very cool that you were able to capture this moment for your friend and her hubby-to-be. Too sweet. xo Em Garvey
(09.08.09 @ 12:47 PM)Ames - I can't express the gratitude for your help in this. You capturing the moment so that I can share it with my friends and family is PRICELESS. You & Ross preparing your home, a champagne toast, and dinner afterwards is PRICELESS... and you being my friend is extra PRICELESS. can't wait to celebrate with wedding photos galore!!!!!!! hugs & kisses, The Future Mrs. Jackson!
(09.08.09 @ 02:09 PM)A wonderful job, Amy...these are just beautiful and how amazingly creative too ! what a treasure to have "proposal pictures" to cherish and enjoy - our hearts are filled with gratitude that Matt & Lauren found each other..........blessings, the Kisers >
(09.08.09 @ 02:26 PM)Congratulations to not only a gorgeous looking couple but 2 genuinely nice people. Best wishes to the both of you. How exciting and what a romantic idea you had there Matt. Way to go..... Nevada & Hollis Brannon
(09.08.09 @ 09:36 PM)LK, OMG soooo amazing!!! I love it!!! He is adorable!!! Can't wait to catch up!!! Wish I had these taken of me while proposed to!!! Miss you! love you
(09.09.09 @ 03:03 PM)WOW! I have chill bumps and tears! Amy, these pictures are so so amazing and I know they will cherish them forever! I would love to have pictures of the moment my hubby popped the question! Seriously, these images are nothing short of amazing!
(09.09.09 @ 07:07 PM)Amy, Thank you for being a great host, an awesome photographer, and an amazing friend. I'm so happy that I had the opportunity to ask the girl I love to marry me with you there capturing the moment. We will cherish these moments forever. Again, thank you!!!!
(09.10.09 @ 08:35 AM)Is this not every girls dream? These are absolutely incredible.
(09.10.09 @ 09:00 PM)I just died over this. Seriously, I don't know these people and I am in tears. What an awesome proposal and shoot for you!
(09.11.09 @ 03:02 PM)OH MY GOSH! That is one of, if not the best, proposals I have ever heard! And the best part is that is was all documented through beautiful photos! Amazing! Love it!
(09.17.09 @ 12:12 PM)we chicks could not be happier for lauren and matt! she is so very sweet and deserves someone thoughtful (and hot!) like him!!!
the photo shoot was awesome! good job!
Oh my goodness this is the first shoot in a loooong time that has brought uncontrollable tears of joy and unexpected emotion. This is perfect. How crazy ridiculous special!?!?!
(09.24.09 @ 02:57 PM)Oh my goodness this is the first shoot in a loooong time that has brought uncontrollable tears of joy and unexpected emotion. This is perfect. How crazy ridiculous special!?!?!
(09.24.09 @ 02:58 PM)Oh my goodness this is the first shoot in a loooong time that has brought uncontrollable tears of joy and unexpected emotion. This is perfect. How crazy ridiculous special!?!?!
(09.24.09 @ 02:58 PM)Oh my goodness this is the first shoot in a loooong time that has brought uncontrollable tears of joy and unexpected emotion. This is perfect. How crazy ridiculous special!?!?!
(09.24.09 @ 03:00 PM)Amy, I don't know these people from Adam's house cat and I am in tears! Wonderful, sweet, intimate...special. Thanks for letting us share their joyful moment. I wish them love and a lovely life together!!
(10.10.09 @ 03:19 PM)I was in a car hearing about this after being at the Getty in LA today and looking at Photos. Amy, awesome work. Honored to say I know you. Your talent is really really solid. Great use of colors, textures and angles. Awesome. Congrats on the surprises and the steady hand to make it all happen. Well chronicled and with great balance bw documentary and art. Cool.
(10.17.09 @ 09:32 PM)Ashley and Casey waited a long time to find each other, and I firmly believe that this wedding celebration started their married life together with an appropriate focus on the true foundation of their relationship.
With weddings I tend to struggle with wanting to show EVERYTHING because I feel like it's essential to seeing/understanding the true tone of the celebration, but alas I do have to do some picking and choosing... so here's to you Mr. and Mrs Rogers and your AMAZING day!
And of course, Casey and his guys. This stellar field filled with round bales was right down the road from the church, so everyone piled in and I think it was 110% worth it. Plus the ringbearers just continued to steal the attention of my camera and the affection of my heart.
Ashley and her dad have a really special connection so it was important to capture some of the sweet, quiet moments that they shared together right before he walked her down the aisle. I may have made them both cry when I asked them to look at each other while I shot, but I think it was worth it for this beautiful image.
The reception truly was a celebration fueled by a great band, yummy comfort food and the bride and groom dancing the night away....
Killer Amy!! Killer!!! these are amazing!!!!! I LOVE your weddings Amy!!!! LOVE them!
(08.26.09 @ 08:02 PM)amy, these pictures are AMAZING. you are so talented. I lovvee the pictures of the boys!!!
natalie
gorgeous beyond words. i love weddings where the photographer and bride are friends...it makes for such intimate and perfect pictures! great job ames!
(08.27.09 @ 08:44 AM)wow amy you totally knocked this one out of the park! every last image is perfect. what a gorgeous wedding full of love!!!! :)
(08.27.09 @ 08:56 AM)What a Beautiful BRIDE! This looks like it was so fun too!!! Nice work Amy!
(08.27.09 @ 09:53 AM)I love your wedding photography!
(08.28.09 @ 10:31 AM)Your website is on my favorites and I come here every day to see what beautiful images you're capturing. Every day, just when I think it can't get any better, you post something like this and I just eat them up like the delicious pieces of eye candy that they are. Thank you!!
(08.28.09 @ 08:13 PM)This makes me want to move to Oxford! Love the piece of china with the pearls on it. Amy, you outdid yourself with this one. Oh, and the pic in the previous post with the bride on the piano....stunning. Miss you Ames:)
(09.02.09 @ 01:39 PM)WOW - these are just stunning... love love love them! Casey is a dear dear friend from days past and I am so happy for him! what an incredible bride God brought his way. love it. i love your details shots and, well, everything! love it! great job - i was really sad to miss the wedding and so to see such a gorgeous representation of the wedding made my day today! :)
(10.21.09 @ 05:06 PM)I saw her competitive edge and how it pushed other people to be better.
I saw her infectious laughter lift the spirits of others on hard days.
I saw her passion to live life and love God.
I saw her fierce loyalty to friends and family.
And I've been blessed to walk through many stages and phases of life with Ashely since we both left the ranch... from heartaches and breakups, to new jobs, life transitions, moves across country, and new beginnings. So, naturally, when Ashley and her family requested that I be the one to document her wedding...I jumped at the chance.
This is the stunning bride.
This is the little boy, Brooks, who lives in the house next door. He was one of the ring bearers and he kept insisting that he was the one that was going to marry Ashely... 
This is the horse, Blaze, that pulled Ashely and Casey to the reception on a carriage that Ashely's dad re-built. And the fairytale continues....
These are the clocks that sit in the Mackenzie's kitchen to remind them of what time it is where their son (and Ashley's younger brother), Will, is located. He is in the Army and currently deployed so he was not able to attend the wedding. This was a particularly soft spot for me since my oldest brother was also deployed during our wedding and could not attend. God bless brothers. 
And this is Ashley and her now hubby, Mr. Casey Rogers. Ka-pow. This was taken right after the rehearsal and before heading off for the dinner. The light was begging for this shot and I'm in love.?!
More to come, but I thought a little background on the wedding never hurt anyone, right?!Can't wait to see more! Ashley looks GORGEOUS! And you know I love that shot of the house...
(08.24.09 @ 06:01 PM)everything is stunning. the place. bride. dress. horse. little boy. can't wait to see the rest!!!!
(08.25.09 @ 06:28 AM)Wow! Ashley looks beautiful! I knew I recognized her! :) Don't know if you remember me Amy...i came as teen staff at Lost Valley and am from Raleigh. :) Your photography is awesome!
(09.14.09 @ 08:32 PM)Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Barbour!
I can't say enough about how stunning Alice was as a bride...
Pretty sure that these next couple say a lot about how excited they were...
Are you in love with this wedding yet? Well, just to seal the deal... please, please just see how fun was had by all at the reception. Please note that they did ride off on bikes from the reception. They are impossibly darling and totally unforgettable!
What beautiful images...and what a lovely couple. The details were amazing and you captured them beatuifully, Amy. :)
(07.29.09 @ 12:51 PM)Amy, these are great! The couple is gorgeous of course, but your images are amazing!
(07.29.09 @ 02:07 PM)These are fabulous Amy! I hope you're doing well...we miss you!
(07.29.09 @ 03:53 PM)Amy. They are perfect. Your pictures brought tears to my eyes as I re-lived the whole weekend looking through them. In love with you officially!
(07.29.09 @ 04:26 PM)AMY, you are AWESOME! You did such an amazing job of capturing Luke and Alice's joy!!!!!!!
(07.29.09 @ 05:35 PM)amy, these pictures are amazing!
(07.29.09 @ 07:40 PM)i'm blown away. these are unreal & awesome! what a gorgeous couple!!!
(07.30.09 @ 08:34 AM)i heart everything about every image & this wedding. you once again did a outstanding job capturing all the perfect moments perfectly!
(07.30.09 @ 09:27 AM)WOOOTTT WOOOT. That bride is absolutely stunningly beautiful!! These are fantastic, and I am SURE she was or will be EXTREMELY pleased with your work for her special day!
(08.03.09 @ 08:27 AM)sigh... I just hope my wedding day feels how this one looks. stunning amy, just stunning.
please let me come assist you with something! I am really good at holding reflectors...
Dear Luke and Alice, The wedding was so beautiful and it looked like it was so much fun. Wish we could have been there. Great pics.
Much love, Aunt Judy and Buster
Amy~ These shots are gorgeous and so much fun! I love all these soooo much!
(08.12.09 @ 01:16 PM)
your photos are always so beautiful and you can see the joy in them all! i wanted you to know that i follow your blog and really appreciate all the heart you put into it, you are an amazing photographer! (also wanted to say I LOVE AMELIES! i was there on friday!!)
(09.10.09 @ 10:45 AM)