Last Sunday was my last wedding of 2013. Michelle and Chris’ San Jose wedding up in the SF Bay Area.

I’ve went to high school Michelle years ago, but for some reason in my head I placed her behind me in graduation years rather than directly in front. It’s something that made sense to me, even though her circle of friends was the class ahead of me (so therefore I should have realized my mistake). Haha, but hey, plenty of people hung out with others outside their class. Right?
Though it was funny when Mrs. Starr, Michelle’s mom, found out I had the ages wrong for her daughters. One of Michelle’s younger sisters is Nicole, whose wedding I shot three years ago, was who I thought was the oldest for some reason. Mrs. Starr started laughing and pointed out my error to Nicole; Michelle laughed and said “Well, Nicole IS the mature one…”

It’s always a great feeling to be asked back by a family to come and shoot for another sibling. The Starr family is the third family I’ve done this for (after the DeLand’s and the Lordan’s). Plus it’s always nice to be able to catch up with everyone that I haven’t seen since the last wedding, too.
Michelle and Chris had been in touch with me throughout their planning and were on top of pretty much everything. They were having a pretty good sized reception with a lot of friends and family, but made sure to schedule plenty of time to greet everyone as well as get all the photos shot that they were hoping to do.

The rehearsal was a few days before the wedding due to the schedule of the venue, so I arrived in town early to attend and meet everyone. Since I’ve shot at this venue a couple times I wasn’t too concerned with “how things go” and was able to chat a bit more with some of the family and catch up on life. Plus I totally feel loved when parents like Mr. and Mrs. Starr walk up to give me a hug and ask how I’ve been right when they see me. And during dinner I ended up spending a ton of time chatting about photography with Chris’ father, Mr. Hauck, who also happens to be a photographer himself.

The wedding day was beautiful with great weather for a November afternoon. It was just warm enough without being too hot – or even too cold, and as far as light quality we could not have asked for a much better day. Winter and Fall days can always be hit or miss but this one was great. And with Chris and Michelle’s schedule planned out as well as it was, we had plenty of time and everything went really smoothly on my end.

I’m going to leave a lot more of the comments about the day for my captions. This being my second time shooting for the Starr family I had a hard time narrowing down the selection of images I wanted to share. I will say that I had a blast with everyone and spending the day with both families. The Starr and Hauck families are both wonderful. And it was cool to see a few old faces from high school again. Plus watching everyone party and break it down at the reception made me think I totally should have got to know all these people better in high school. They seemed like a pretty amazing group. Hahaha!

So click to read on past the break, and check out just over 300 images of the Starr-Hauck wedding weekend!
Like I said, there are a lot… but I got some great moments I want to share with everyone that was there, and of course those who couldn’t make it.

 

 

Evening practice a few nights before was chilly and dark, but everyone completely understood everything and had fun

Coordinator Sandy giving some instructions to Mr. Starr and Michelle

Michelle and Chris were all smiles and seemed to be enjoying it.

Afterward we all headed down the way for dinner

Father of the Groom, Mr. Hauck gave a small speech to thank everyone for being there and to say a few words about his son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law

The Groom’s cake! I believe some friends (or perhaps family? I don’t recall) had a football cake made for Chris that night!

Sunday morning arrived fairly quickly and it was time for the big day!

The morning started with Michelle’s dress. As soon as I walked in they already had it hanging in the window!

All the ladies, starting makeup and hair over mimosas and laughs

Facebooking and instagramming the entire day!

Jacob’s arrived to Michelle’s hair specifically

This is one of those “Really John? You’re taking THIS photo” photos…

Makeup is getting started out in the living room with the girls.

Back in the room the girls are socializing and laughing while Michelle’s hair sets.

Joking about her new “Rylee’s chewing my leg” accessory that will definitely look hot with the bridesmaids dresses

Make up time for Michelle

Michelle’s sisters checking out her makeup in the background

Rylee… passed out

I ran downstairs to get a few shots of Chris getting ready.

Most of the guys were still watching the game. Although I have a feeling they probably started getting ready after I left due to it being a bit closer to the departure time from the hotel than people realized.

I kind of get a kick out of watching people tie ties at weddings. Most men have an idea of how to do it… we just don’t do it that often unless we work in an office. I’ve become really good at it mostly because of weddings. Photography as a career doesn’t require I wear one to work. haha.

SO CLOSE!
Just a little short… haha

After I tied Chris’ tie (as I tend to do for several grooms actually) he got a bit of help from his Dad and brother straightening out his collar to continue getting ready.

Well… I guess it’s time to put on pants…

Back upstairs Jacob was starting the second half of Michelle’s hair

You work those curls Michelle!

Jacob was definitely precise in his work.

 

 

 

 

Making sure everything was looking good..

And double checking his work

That’s the “look how pretty I look!” smirk

Checking out the back

Time for the dress

Getting the straps situated

“Can you move?”

Michelle did a little shimmy to make sure she could move comfortably for later when she’s dancing.

How’d you like those moves, John!?

Sister Nicole helping with the garter

Youngest sister Stephanie helps with the second garter

They they just got ridiculous because of Stephanie’s hands on Michelle’s leg, hahaha

“I need a mirror!”

“John, I don’t like posing for photos..” “Too bad, it’s your wedding. I’m doing a couple..”

Had to get a shot of the beautiful bride before we ran out to the venue

Arriving at Freedom Hall and things were set up and looking great

In the bridal room the girls were chatting and waiting for things to get started

The men were already there and patiently waiting in the Groom’s room.

Michelle and Chris had planned a first-look because they knew time would be limited after the wedding and they wanted as much time with their guests as possible.

Chris’ first time seeing his bride

Michelle’s emotions hit her as her soon-to-be husband Chris gives her a hug

But they quickly subsided a bit and Michelle shows of her dress and does a spin for Chris

For a moment Chris and Michelle stood there and asked “Now what do we do (next)?” I said this is your last private moment today, enjoy it, we have some time…. So they hugged and stood them a minute in the calm and quiet. It was really sweet.

Time to get these portraits started!

If time, location, and personal preference allows… it can save a lot of time by doing photos before the ceremony. It doesn’t always work out that way, but lots of couples recently have preferred to have more time with guests later

The Starr girls!

Michelle and one of her newest cousins, Melissa

I thought this was really cute. I typically don’t try and make people do photos, BUT LOOK AT HIM LOOKIN SHARP IN HIS TUX!

With a bit more time with just Chris and Michelle I made them do a few more photos. Why go sit inside in the bridal room and wait for the ceremony when we have ten more minutes and you’re dressed for your wedding, right?

Back inside the girls were toasting to the day

And Nicole found her party favor on display from three years ago!

Michelle was walking around checking out the decorations and watching guests arrive

Thank you “Samantha and Jeremy” for your unopened bottle of champagne from yesterday that we are now enjoying!

One last shot with the bride while she’s still Ms. Starr!

Right as I was about to leave Dad arrived to escort his oldest daughter down the aisle. Since we had planned a reaction shot with Mr. Starr, we took this chance to do just that. You can’t tell but Michelle had the biggest smile on her face when her dad walked in. They were both so happy.
And since someone will ask, Mr. Starr was holding his youngest grandchild – Rylee – who is six months old and drooled while sleeping on his shoulder. Grandpa-duty battle scars to your suit before ceremony. He laughed and wore it proudly. Haha

Outside everyone was lining up and things were about to get kicked off.

Chris and Michelle!

Instead of a Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony, Chris and Michelle had a winebox. In it were hand written notes of their vows and what they love about each other to be read on their fifth anniversary.

Mrs. Hauck being escorted by her son and her husband.

Hug from dad

Mrs. Starr being escorted down the aisle by her son-in-law Will and her grandson Jax.

Everyone turned to watch as Michelle came walking around the corner

Chris, watching Michelle turn to walk down the aisle with her father

Mrs. Starr stood up so her and her husband could both give away Michelle

Kisses for dad

And a hug for his soon-to-be son-in-law

Stopping for a moment to look at all the friends and family that came to support them

Chris’ uncle was the officiant for the ceremony

Chris’ uncle spoke about what it means to be married for better and worse.

As he mentioned his wife, Chris turned around and smiled at his aunt sitting in the first row.

Instead of reading personal vows out loud Michelle and Chris put their vows in a wine box… to be read in five years, or at any point before then during a time when maybe they need a reminder how much they love one and other.

Exchanging of vows

Exchange of rings

Mr. and Mrs. Hauck!

Right as they turned to leave the ceremony Chris’ emotions got the better of him. He was all smiles and enjoy the entire ceremony, barely taking his eyes off Michelle. But as they left he teared up, finally a bit overwhelmed I think

Michelle giggled slightly and pulled him in closer asking if he was ok.

It was a ridiculously sweet moment that nearly no one saw

As the family caught up, it was time for congratulations from everyone.

Hugs from dad

The newly married Mr. and Mrs. Hauck!

Since we had time, had to get some single shots of the bride/groom.

Chris was looking sharp and asked Michelle if “this is supposed to be the shot for your desk at work?” She laughed and simply looked and him and said “Yes.”

Selfie time!

Michelle, goofing around while her dress gets bustled

Pomai, being a goofball

The best part of kids at a wedding, if you tell them to go out dancing, they’ll go out dancing!

Jax wanted to come sit with the bride. Being two means he didn’t know it was a wedding, he just wanted to sit with Aunt Michelle.

Chris’ brother and best man was up first to speak

Next was Maid of Honor Stephanie

And Matron of Honor Nicole spoke next. She shared some stories about how much Michelle meant to her as their oldest sister.

Father of the Bride Mr. Starr was up last to share some thoughts for the bride and groom

Michelle was laughing at the possibility of what Mr. Starr was about to share after referencing Nicole’s wedding a few years prior

Then he broke out his speech…

Rylee, still sleeping. She was getting passed around through all the family members. No one seemed to mind, and Will and Nicole probably didn’t mind the break either.

After eating some dinner Michelle and Chris got up to walk tables and say hello to everyone.

Jacob, doing touchups mid-reception

Time for the first dance as husband and wife!

Super cute to watch Michelle and Chris, totally in their own world and they danced together

Mr. and Mrs. Hauck watching

Next up was Mr. Starr’s dance with his oldest daughter for the Daddy-Daughter dance

And last up was Mrs. Hauck dancing with her son

Mr. Hauck, Mrs. Starr and the new Mrs. Hauck watching Chris dance with his mother.

Then the dance floor opened to everyone… Mr. and Mrs. Machallister got out to dance.

Doing the lift from Dirty Dancing! hahaha

Time to cut the cake

“This is really difficult!!” – Michelle realizing cutting at the same time Chris is was tricky

Michelle was not amused with friends and family telling Chris to smash cake in her face.

Pomai was all set for the bouquet toss and ready for Michelle to throw it right then.

But first Michelle went around the room and called out the single girls by name to come join before she started

Chris, getting ready for the garter toss

I don’t recall the young man’s name who caught the garter, but he jumped right up and snagged it before everyone else even had a chance

Winners of the Longest-Married dance.

Matt and Michelle, breakin it down

Jax was trying to make an escape!

AC/DC air-guitar jam sessionnnnn!!!! SHE’S GOT THE JACKKKK!!

Come on Jax, get low!

Me, Will, Nicole, and Jax… this is our… fourth wedding together? including theirs… I think..

Chris dancing with his cousin flower-girl Melissa

Kris-Kross will make you JUMP JUMP!

 

 

 

 

Michelle went over and attacked her husband with her booty.. hahaha

Butttttt, her hair was apparently out of place. hahaha!

Dance off!

Will, doing an impression of his daughter Rylee

What life is like with a two year old and 6 month old

One of the last dances of the night

Had to get a shot with Pomai, haven’t seen her in foreverrrr. Exhausted after a super long day – plus she’s a nurse, which means she never sleeps… like… ever.

Last shot of the night, me with the bride and groom!

So that’s it! The Starr-Hauck wedding! I hope you guys made it this far… I know that was a LOT of photos to get through. But hey, now you’ve seen them before Chris and Michelle have had a chance since they’re busy enjoying their honeymoon in Costa Rica right now!

I had a great time with the Starr and Hauck families. I just always wish I had more time to get to know everyone and chat at this ceremonies. But, you know, that whole taking-pictures-thing gets in the way. Hahaha.

This was a wonderful way to end my year of weddings. I only do about 10 weddings a year typically, and they’re always wonderful couples. Michelle and Chris are no exception and I wish them both the best. And you guys do get a chance to check these out, I hope you two enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed shooting them.