Sarah Mahen Photographers

I don’t think there are enough words for how freaking awesome Allyson and Ben are. They are AMAZING and we LOVE them. Dustin and I were thrilled to shoot their wedding a little over a week ago. They were amazing to work with, and made our job so dang easy! It was fabulous. We arrived after most of the getting ready was over, but I loved catching a few shots of Allyson’s final preparations. Her mom and sisters were such a big help to her!

While I was busy with the ladies, Dustin got right down to business photographing the fellas. They are one handsome bunch.

And then it was First Look time. Oh how my heart flutters with first looks! We were afraid it was going to start pouring rain in the middle of them seeing each other, but Allyson and Ben braved the outdoors to see each other. Seriously, this is one of the best first looks we have ever witnessed… there was just electricity in the air. Ben was so anxious to see his bride – and I can’t blame him!

Already emotions were running high, and it was just out of this world! We had lots of time prior to the ceremony starting for portraits of our beautiful couple and their awesome bridal party. I so enjoyed every single one of them! It was a blast!

Then it was time for a little photo lovefest with Allyson and Ben. Holy moly these two are photogenic. I felt like I could do no wrong… just point and snap and MAGIC!

as I mentioned in their sneak peek, we did some of their portraits at a gun store. Thanks to the staff of Just Guns who were so cool with us crashing their story on a stormy Saturday. They let us do whatever we wanted and they pictures turned out super fun.

And then it was time to get these two married! I loved their ceremony… they read letters to each other, had friends share quotes and had a lot of tears and laughs. Perfect way to begin their lives together!

Then it was party time! And how cute is all the origami? Allyson’s cousin made their super cool cake topper and they had a tree full of paper cranes. I loved it!

I LOVE this picture of Allyson and her dad as they started their dance… and I even MORE love that Allyson’s mom joined in on the dance half way through. I’m TOTALLY doing that when my Lauren girl gets married.

Allyson and Ben THANK YOU for being so freaking over the top amazing. We LOVE that your wedding was the start of our 2010 season. Thank you for sharing your love with us, and for making us feel so much a part of your family. We love you guys and wish you a lifetime of happiness! Check out the SLIDESHOW HERE or below for more images of Allyson and Ben’s fabulous wedding.

Wedding and Reception Location and Catering: Croatian-American Cultural Center
Flowers: DIY
DJ: Family Friend with mad skills
Cake: Freeport Bakery
Bridal Hair and Makeup: Jessica Stine Spanish Fly Hair Garage