That Wedding: Woodsy Family Portraits

We wanted our immediate family portraits to be epic. We wanted something we would get excited about hanging on our wall. So we restructured the day a little bit and asked our parents and my sister to meet us in the woods after our own portrait session and before our marriage ceremony. I realize now that if we didn't have the vintage suitcases the plan would not have worked and we all would have been taking portraits standing in a line in the middle of the woods. There is nothing epic about that.

But something magic happened when we added those suitcases to the mix and the shots became really beautiful. Well they would be beautiful if the two lovebirds front and center could take their eyes off each other long enough to look at the camera!

It was a good time. Really it was. How else could I show you a picture with everyone smiling and laughing?

Apparently bunny ears are funny in all countries.

Kali Leenstra Photography

I made sure to get some formal portraits with each of my family members, since I knew there was a chance we wouldn't have another chance in the madness of the day. Make sure you do this!

I'm going to guess Mamacado doesn't love this shot, but I do since we are making the exact same expression yet again.

It's a little bit freaky how much my dad looks like his dad in this picture. Except he has all his teeth (Grandpa loves to pop his tooth out and scare us grandkids, which I guess explains where I got my tendency to go toothless from).

I love this series of photos. Mr. Avo and his parents only look semi-excited to be in the photos.

Then FILcado and MILcado get the urge to flash a thumbs up at the camera. Mr. Avocado says "Really mom and dad?"

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Polish people are the coolest.

A wall worthy shot of the groom and his family.

We set ourselves up for a family portrait with the new addition to the family and everything was looking rather staid and a little bit boring.

Sistacado decides to spice things up a little bit. What is this pose? I don't know.

I can't be mad at her for ruining the last shot with her silliness once I look at this ultra sexy shot. Where does she come up with this stuff?

Mamacado is so bummed Suavacado is not in this shot because it is hands down our favorite family portrait ever. I have a feeling it's going to be blown up to a 40X32 on Mamacado's wall very soon.

I was very calm and relaxed for these photos, but once they were finished I was back to crazy bride mode once again. I ran back through the forest yelling "Get me to the church on time!"

All photos, unless otherwise noted, by that hot babe Kelli Nicole.

That Wedding: Bridesmaid Party!
That Wedding: Whole Foods (Rehearsal-ish) Luncheon
That Wedding: Harbor Sailing
That Wedding: Putting My Face On
That Wedding: The Gift Exchange
That Wedding: Dressing The Bride
That Wedding: Bridal Details
That Wedding: The First Look
That Wedding: Into The Woods