I first met Hannah and Derek at one of their friend's weddings, and right away, I could tell they were the kind of couple who just wanted to have fun and soak up every moment together. They were open, relaxed, and genuinely excited about celebrating with the people they love most.
Their wedding at Black & Blue reflected that perfectly. Instead of spending hours away from guests for photos around the city, they made the intentional choice to stay close to their friends and family the entire day. For them, it was about maximizing time with the people who matter, enjoying incredible food (Black & Blue has some of the best in the city), and just being present.
We did their first look on the mezzanine's second floor, where the natural side lighting was beautiful. From there, we used the venue as our backdrop—the hallway with the iconic bull, candids during cocktail hour as they greeted everyone, and quick moments throughout the night. They wanted to keep photo sessions short and sweet, which was a fun challenge. Five minutes max before heading upstairs for their ceremony? Done. It was refreshing to work with a couple who knew exactly what they wanted and weren't afraid to do things differently.
The rooftop reception was stunning. As the sun set over the city, the natural light dimmed and gave way to the warm glow of candlelit tables and twinkling fairy lights above. The vibe was intimate, intentional, and comfortable. You could tell everyone there was part of their inner circle, and Hannah and Derek took their time going from table to table, really connecting with each guest.
Their day reminded me that weddings don't have to follow a script. Sometimes the most beautiful celebrations are the ones where you just show up, stay present, and let the love around you do the rest.
