erin & eric - january 5, 2007

erin and eric's lives have taken them all over the world, but when it came time to celebrate their wedding, they chose the small town of st. james, mn. erin spent much of her childhood there and many in her family still live there. her grandmother gave me some history about the church where their ceremony was held, which just added to why it was such a special place for them and their family. her great-great grandfather was one of the original builders of the church and it has been the center of many celebrations in their family--beginning with the marriage of erin's great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins had been married there, too.

some of my favorites of erin & eric:




eric, a southern boy who is used to warmer weather than minnesota in january, was a great sport about getting fun outdoor shots. here they are heading back to the car to get warmed up:

here's erin getting ready. it was a very fun morning with the gals. everyone got together at the salon where erin's cousin works, and her sister did her makeup:

eric working on his cufflinks:

erin's mom helping her with her necklace:

the couple seeing each other for the first time:

eric and the guys:

erin and the girls sharing some laughs. erin's uncle is a talented upholsterer who made the gorgeous shawls the bridesmaids wore:


getting to the church on time:

erin's grandmothers looking through the program together:

erin coming down the aisle:

eric watching his bride:

smiles during the vows:

the memorial candle and the bride and groom:


sharing hugs with family:


the wedding party took a horse-drawn trolley to the reception. here's the best man surrounded by bridesmaids (which i don't think he minded at all):

erin's aunts have a decorating business and transformed the reception hall into a beautiful, illuminated winter wonderland. here is erin's grandmother clapping along to the music at the dance:

enjoying the toasts:

sharing a special dance together:

congratulations to an amazing couple, who is blessed with great family and friends. like charlie, the best man, said in his toast -- he had never felt so much a part of a family so quickly as with this group. i couldn't agree more. even though i had just met many of the people there that very day, i felt like i had known everyone for a lifetime. thank you and best wishes!