chaz thoughts // the photo blog of chaz cruz

rachel + billy // wedding in milwaukee pt. 1

October 2, 2009 // weddings

I met Rachel and Billy over a year ago when they came to assist me during their Spring break from the Hallmark Institute of Photography. They went to the school a year after I did and as soon as I met them I knew they would be friends for life! At the time they were only dating, but you could instantly see how great they were together, it was only a matter of time that they would be married. So a few months had passed after we first met and I remember getting a Facebook message from Rachel telling me that they were engaged and asking if I could photograph their wedding! I was beyond honored because not just being great friends, they are also amazing photographers (check it hyerimages.com!) Rachel's awesome sister, Sarah, knew that I love working with Mary Frances, so she secured her to come and document Rachel and Billy's wedding with me. So here is part one of Rachel and Billy's wedding.

The morning view from the Iron Horse Hotel, which i have to say is amazing.

Billy practicing his song for Rachel (which you will see in part 2!)

The Harley Davidson factory, right next to the hotel.

The anticipation of waiting to see each other for the first time.

The ceremony site at the Villa Terrace museum.

Check back in a few days for the ceremony and reception!

4 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

mother of the bride:

Chaz: I have goosebumps(and tears) every time I look at these photos! AMAZING! You've done an incredible job capturing the emotion and beauty of the day! Thankyou! Choosing my favorites will be next to impossible, and yet I'm dying to see more! B & R really chose the Best of the Best with you & Mary!

(10.02.09 @ 06:46 PM)

Jacquie Van Tichelt:

Beautiful job Chaz! Rachel and billy make a beautiful husband and wife. Congratulations guys!! I love them all but my favorites are the ones on the corner of the building.

(10.02.09 @ 08:23 PM)

Gale McCann, Anderson, SC:

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Since those of us from Anderson could not be there, this is surely the next best thing. Actually, it may be better. Nobody can see the intimate moments at a time like this, until you, the artist, sees it first, captures the heart of it and then shares it with the rest of us. So, thank you. You had an amazingly gorgeous and creative Bride and Groom with whom to work. The three of you were an awesome team. I share in your mom's pride and can't wait to see more. BRAVO, CHAZ!

(10.02.09 @ 09:26 PM)

Ellaine:

gorgeous! I can't wait to see part two. Congrats Rachel and Billy!

(10.03.09 @ 08:56 AM)

rachel + billy's wedding photobooth

September 28, 2009 // photobooth / weddings

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smile // sneak peek

September 19, 2009 // sneak peek / weddings

Its 3am in Milwaukee right now and I can't stop looking at the photographs from Rachel and Billy's wedding. This is will be a good one.

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Rachel:

This is absolutely gorgeous! Wow. Thanks again pal, I hope you guys had a good time here in Milwaukee.

(09.19.09 @ 08:41 PM)

jeff + ellaine // wedding in aruba

September 9, 2009 // weddings

Alright here's a big one, complete with beautiful images and a slideshow at the end of the post! So this past week I got to spend time with family in the beautiful island of Aruba to celebrate the wedding of my cousin Ellaine and her new hubby Jeff. These two are a perfect match for each other, except that Ellaine is from Massachusetts and Jeff is born and raised in New York. So besides their heated sports rivalry, they seem to get along pretty well, haha.

Ellaine's and her family were my support system when I was going to Hallmark Institute of Photography in Massachusetts, as all my family was on the West coast. As a way of thanking her and her amazing family, I offered my photography as a present. So here is Jeff and Ellaine's wedding gift!

The delicious Balashi!

Jeff is nervous, can you tell?

NYC and MA can get along. At weddings anyway, haha.

The traditional Filipino veil ceremony.

Congratulations to Jeff and Ellaine, who are still hanging out in Aruba as I type, haha. Now here is the slideshow of their whole wedding!

13 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

katy:

can I get married again so you can photograph my wedding? I'll fly you someplace exotic,too. Like south Texas.

(09.09.09 @ 02:32 PM)

Dawn Asmar:

Congratulations to Jeff & Ellaine. The shot of the couple as they said thier vows as the sun sets. Wow! You did a fantastic job. A beautiful bride and beautiful setting. Thanks for sharing these photo's

(09.09.09 @ 05:00 PM)

Clarissa Recato (cousin of the bride mother's side):

Your photos are amazing and captured all the special moments of their day :) Thank you! I was so sad I missed going but I feel like I got to experience Aruba and their wedding just looking at your pictures! Beautiful!

(09.09.09 @ 06:35 PM)

jing cenizal-marcos (cousin of the bride father's side):

BEAUTIFUL. Congratulations and best wishes to Jeff & Ellaine.

(09.10.09 @ 08:35 AM)

Charmie Sherman:

Gorgeous pictures! Wow! Great job! Congratulations Ellaine & Jeff!

(09.10.09 @ 04:12 PM)

DASHY:

WOW! You've captured their moments beautifully! Way to go, Chaz! BTW, did I already mention that you have a cool name....Chaz? ;) HAHAHAHA

(09.11.09 @ 06:55 AM)

momma:

as always son, fantastic... beautiful wedding, it's not because the bride is my niece..... more than proud of your work.. you know my favorite shots, right? proud momma!!

(09.12.09 @ 05:11 PM)

Scott Chrisman:

Chaz, these are really really good! I love how you used that distinct yellow, its beautiful. My favorite is that shot from the ceremony with the painting-like sky....AH-Mazing.

(09.13.09 @ 12:33 AM)

Bride!:

This is by far one of the most amazing, generous and mind blowing gifts anyone has ever given us. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Can't wait to see you again in October. Will call you soon!

(09.13.09 @ 05:41 AM)

Jewel Anderson:

Chaz, these are so gorgeous! I can really feel the emotion and excitement of that day. The Hold and Sit posts are really lovely too.

(09.15.09 @ 04:05 PM)

ebba Legaspi:

great job, chaz!! so proud of you and your work. hope to see you soon. xo~ ebba

(09.16.09 @ 05:07 PM)

cecille=friend of effie:

You did a great job on ellaine's wedding.Most of your pictures are astonishing. Makes me feel like i am there, makes me regret missing it. you captured the moment....

(09.22.09 @ 07:47 PM)

JGL:

Congrats to Jeff & Ellaine! These photos are spectacular! It's like everything I could imagine as a perfectly dreamed wedding. I especially love the b&w photos.

(10.05.09 @ 10:03 AM)