2018 Wedding Superlatives

Our couples are unmatched and world class. There is no doubt about that. And there is something in every wedding that we find ourselves drooling, swooning, or fawning over. So we decided to gather up some of our favorite things from our weddings this year. SO may I introduce to you, the Maura Jane Photography 2018 Superlatives!!

most adventurous- Alina and James

Not only did Alina blow everyone away when she walked down the aisle in a sea foam green dress, (which was GORGEOUS!) But the pair skied down the Taos mountain while still in their wedding attire! And I had a hard enough time walking in mine, I couldn’t imagine skiing!

Best location- Sara Irene and Alex

Iceland is one of those places that pops up in random facebook videos, and on TV (like Interstellar and Game of Thrones,) and it looks so ethereal and fictional. So when Sara Irene and Alex said that’s where they wanted to go, it was a dream come true. We traveled around to waterfalls, black sand beaches and even actual glaciers for their photos! It was pure magic.

Best sunset- Trista and Clint

We live in one of the best places in the world for sunsets. New Mexico constantly takes our breath away. However while we were in Mexico for Trista and Clint’s wedding, the sunset was one of the most colorful and vibrant sunset we’ve ever seen and it was the backdrop for their ceremony AND reception! A photo just doesn’t do something so pretty justice.

Venue: The Sunset Grill, Isla Mujeras

Best Out of state venue- Katie and Bart

One of our favorite parts of destination weddings is seeing places so different from our own beautiful home. Katie and Bart’s wedding in Cali was no exception. The couple chose a venue with so much green! Trees and grass accompanied by vibrant colored decor and tall palm trees made us really appreciate the Golden state.

Venue: Bheau View Mountain Ranch

Best ceremony view- Emily and EJ

Speaking of California, Emily and EJ’s Lake Tahoe wedding was straight out of our boho dreams. The only thing that topped the couples gorgeous flower decorated macrame arch was the breathtaking lake behind it! Seriously, beach wedding goals.

Venue: Beach Retreat and Lodge at Tahoe.

best daddy/daughter first look- Allison and James

Some of us are not naturally emotional people. And that’s ok. But when Allison’s dad turned around to see her for the first time there wasn’t a dry eye around. Two photographers, two videographers, and some random bystanders and a gallons of tears.

best first look- Caitlin and Justin

But for real. There’s something so moving about our couples being so vulnerable in front of each other. When Justin turned around to see Caitlin for the first time, he couldn’t contain his joy. And just when we thought it couldn’t get sweeter, she wiped away his tears. It was such a tender moment.

grooms reaction- Rachael and Tyler

Some couples opt to not do a first look and that’s totally up to you, and perfectly fine either way! Rachael and Tyler decided to wait until the ceremony. Waiting even longer really built up the anticipation. By the time that Rachael walked down the aisle, Tyler was so overwhelmed by Rachael’s beauty he fell to his knees, It made everyone cry and was a unique experience for us.

best first dance- Jessica and Casey

Every first dance is a special moment between the new Mr. and Mrs. Some couples take the time to learn a style, or choreograph a dance for their guests to enjoy. Jessica and Casey met while they were out dancing at Dirty Bourdon, so we knew they would have a great first dance. But we weren’t prepared for just how great. The couple twirled and moved and dipped in such a fun and loving way. It was for sure a performance everyone enjoyed.

Best Daddy/daughter dance- Allison and James

Obviously Allison and her father have a special bond. Similar to last year’s winner, the two danced to a mashup of some iconic songs, took tequila shots, and ended with a sweet song by the Avett Brothers. They had people crying from laughter the whole time.

Best ceremony entrance- Alicia and Alex

Because having your dad walk you down the aisle has been done, Alicia’s father drove her to her ceremony in an old Ford Model-T that belonged to her grandfather. It was a way to have them both be there for the most important day of her life.

Best ceremony exit- Abby and Adam

In a similar fashion, most couples drive off in a car, but Abby and Adam asked their venue’s adorable horse Billy to carry them off. The pair was carried into the sunset by a horse drawn carriage like every girl has dreamed of since seeing Cinderella.

best grand entrance/exit- Ally and Dave

We love a good sparkler exit, but we also love when couples try something new. Ally and Dave decided to do a grand entrance instead of an exit to ensure all their guests could participate, since many would leave before the couple at the end of the night. The pair went for a colorful Peruvian themed wedding, so they walked into their reception through a tunnel of their friends and family waving colorful pom pom garlands in front of them.

best theme- Julie and Aaron

Speaking of themes, our favorite this year was Julie and Aaron. The pair poured their heart into DIY-ing, and finding antiques and unique items for their constellation themed wedding. The navy colors were paired with gold stars throughout the wedding. From the jewelry and invitations to the seating chart and the cake, the couple celebrated the stars aligning for them and their love.

best color combo- Kenzie and Alex

There are some colors we see a lot of. And there are some colors and combos we only see once. Kenzie and Alex chose fuchsia and turquoise as a nod to the southwestern state they were married in. As an added bonus, they incorporated cactus and succulents, which we are total suckers for.

best dressed bridal party- Monique and Thomas

We couldn’t get over the color combo of Monique and Thomas’s bridal party. The men were dressed in soft blue suits with soft pink ties and boutonnieres. Finished off with light brown oxfords, the group was lookin’ classy. The girls were dressed in flowing chiffon rosy pink dresses with lace bodices to mach the mens ties. Completed with pink bouquets, the well coordinated bridal party took first place.

Dress Designer: David Tutera

Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House

Suits: Suits Unlimited

best BridesMaids dresses- Kelly and Anthony

In case you weren’t aware, here at MJP, we LOVE blue. So when we saw Kelly’s girls all dressed up in their outfits we squealed. The group was dressed in multiple shades of soft blues, and stood at the alter in an ombre pattern. We love mismatched and coordinating, and they hit the nail on the head to combine both.

Dresses: The Dessy Group

best dressed groom(smen)- Clarissa and SteveDon’t get us wrong, we love men in tuxes, but we also love when our grooms choose something they think is unique and portrays themselves. Steve wore a denim colored button down under a brown tweed vest with matching pants. The outfit was tied together with a light blue floral tie and a succulent boutonnière. His groomsmen were dressed similarly but traded the vest in for tan suspenders. We loved the shabby chic look.

Suits: Express

best dressed couple- Ally and DaveSome couples go all out. Ally and Dave decided to go bold for their wedding day. Ally wore a stunning A-line dress that was accented with soft gold stripes in the top layer, paired with a gold beaded belt. Dave wore cobalt blue with a bright patterned tie, pocket square, and boutonnière wrapped in a blanket style ribbon. The pair brought their own style into their wedding outfits for sure.

Dress Store: And Something Blue..

Dress Designer: Chantel Lauren

best hair and make up- Sara and Paul

Freaking Elsa. That’s all.

Sara and Paul’s wedding was full of so many beautiful things. But her hair and make up took the cake! Sara’s makeup was a fresh faced natural look with peach tones. Her hair braided into a long blonde fishtail that laid gracefully over her shoulder, decorated with rose gold hairpins.

Makeup by: Betty Rose by Alanna

Hair by: Genica Lee

best shoes- Natalie and Mauro

We are obsessed with Kate Spade. And we love when our brides are too! Natalie wore the most adorable heels for her wedding. The Kate Spade t-straps were adorned with soft rainbow crystals and all tied up with a bow. The perfect combination of retro and modern!

most epic veil- Alexis and Chris

We had our very own Meagan Markle this year. No joke. We didn’t officially measure it, but it was like 100 feet. Ok maybe closer to like 12. 12 feet of pure laced romance. Before Alexis we didn’t know you could get longer than a cathedral. We found out afterwards it was called a ‘Royal’ veil, and for good reason.

Veil designer: Sofia Tolli

best dress for summer/spring- Dayna and Michael

Dayna’s dress was so soft and elegant with the most delicate embellishments. It was a champagne color with a beautiful fitted shape and an illusion backline. The beaded straps were dainty and the buttons down the back added so much romance.

Dress: Maggie Sottero Designs

Dress Store: Kleinfeld Bridal

best dress for fall/winter- Tori and Sean

Tori’s dress was the epitome of class. It reminded us of Audrey Hepburn and every other iconic classic dress you could think of. The dress was a super sleek white gown with buttons all the way down the long train and a sweetheart neckline. It then continued with an illusion neckline and sleeves, with lace gathering at the shoulders and at the end of the sleeves, with buttons.

A classic dream.

Dress store: Angela’s bridal

Dress Designer: Mikaella

Best desserts- Daniela and Ethan

Don’g get us wrong; we LOVE cake. But it’s nice too see some unique desserts too!

Daniela’s family is Mexican, and as someone who comes from the same culture, I understand that it’s pretty universally accepted that Mexican desserts and candies are the bomb. So, Daniela and Ethan added Churros, Mexican Candies and Cokes, and Paletas.

best cake- Allison and James

Like I said, we love cake. And this cake was beautiful inside AND out. This four tiered beauty was decorated in white, gold and pinks to fit the wedding themes. Decorated in sugar pearls and real flowers the outside of the cake alone had everyone stopping to look. When Allison and James cut into their cake they, and everyone else, were surprised to find out that the layers inside were a pink ombre! We’d never seen such detail put into the inside of a cake before.

Cake: Valerie West

best outdoor reception decor- Clarissa and SteveClarissa wanted her wedding to be shabby chic, Steve wanted something more rustic So the pair decided on both. They choose a rustic outdoor gazebo for their wedding venue and Clarissa decorated with blues and pinks and ivories. They incorporated antique furniture that had been repainted, elegant place settings and a set of doors to walk down the aisle through that Steve had made himself. It was the perfect example of combining what each persons wants in their big day!

Furniture: Class with a lil’ Sass

Best indoor reception decor – Argi and Seth Argi and Seth are wine lovers and for their first vacation together, they toured wineries in Oregon. So when they got engaged, they knew right away they wanted to travel back to the Pacific Northwest. They chose a beautiful winery in the hills of Portland and had their reception inside the barrel room. The room was set up with long barn tables decorated with garland and flowers, with beautiful navy and burgundy table settings. The dancing area was furnished with antique furniture and a mirrored welcome sign.

Venue: Maysara Winery

Planner: MH Events

Best Escort Card Display- Makenzie and Clark

There is something about the wedding planner and florist company A Beautiful Theme that ALWAYS blows us away. For this particular wedding, it was the escort cards. Ashley and her team set up a beautiful hedge decorated in flowers with a clear vinyl seating chart over it. Guests made their way to the hedge to find their way to their seats for the reception, and the bridal party had their names on their plates done in acrylic. Ashley and her team wowed us once again!

best invitations- Alissa and ClintWe may be obsessed with blue, but that doesn’t mean we dont appreciate other colors. Alissa and Clint’s wedding invitations were a kaleidoscope of bright and vibrant colors. With hues of plum, turquoise, pinks, and rust all finished off with gold lining, it was like rainbow geode. The couple also used the colors to indicate food preferences, which we found super unique!

Papergoods by: Funky Olive Design co.

Best Party Favors- Hannah and Sam

We’ve seen it all; beer cozies, cookies, mints, matches. But our favorite of this year was by far Hannah and Sam’s handmade crane garlands. Hannah spent hours on hours folding hundreds if not thousands of paper cranes, and tried them on ribbons with beads. Each guest took the sweet handmade gifts home to display. We have one that hangs in our office, and we love it.

best flowers 1- Bianca and Anthony

Bianca and Anthony’s bouquet was straight out of our dreams. Full of orchids, roses, some berries , ranunculus’, and other magical additions, the pink hued bouquet had us in love. The men’s boutonnieres matched with their straw flower. The pops of color kept catching our eye and the blush ribbons added some extra elegance.

Florals: Stephanie Yardman

best flowers 2- Meagan and Daniel While Biancas bouquet was soft and elegant, Meagans was full of bright pops or reds, fuchsias, and magentas. The eucalyptus spread everywhere creating an organic feel to add to the fun. The dahlias and ranunculus were pair together with a big gorgeous pink protea. Meagan also had a floral leash created to walk her dog Koko with.

Florals: Stephanie Yardman (again! Yes this girl can design one amazing bouquet!)

best heirloom- Eden and ManuelMost people will wear their grandmothers ring, or hold her handkerchief on their wedding day. Eden decided to wear her grandmothers dress. She had it altered a little and sewn to fit her better, but she walked down the aisle in the same dress that her grandmother, her dear friend, had walked down the aisle in. A sweet and touching tribute to the woman that Eden shares such a special bond with.

Best Doggos- Megan and Dillon, Emily and EJ, Emily and Ethan, Megan and Daniel, Maddie and JAvy

Doggos are too pure for us and we don’t deserve them. But bringing them to your wedding is a whole different kind of adorable.

Megan and Dillon’s sweet baby Amara refused to ever leave their side all day. We made her a daisy chain collar to add to her adorable personality.

Emily and Ej brought their sweet staffy, Ceasian all the way out to their Lake Tahoe Wedding this year.

Emily and Ethan have several dogs, but Chile, is Emily’s best friend. The couple flew to New Mexico with her in tow and of course she was given a beautiful floral collar to walk down the aisle with.

As previously mentioned, Meagan and Daniel brought their sweet senior Missy Koko to their wedding. The adorable pup was walked around in a floral leash that I wish I could use all year round. She was the cutest little flower girl.

our last wedding of the year definitely left us feeling like we went out on a good note! It was so beautiful, featured lots of snow, and of course had another adorable pooch. Maddie and Javy’s sweet German Shepard didn’t participate in the wedding but she was there for Maddie while she got dressed and even offered her a good luck high five.

We so wish that every couple would win every award! But that’s just not a reasonable blog post to write. All our couples have been so sweet, and unique and amazing and we couldn’t love you guys more! Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your wedding day! We have had such a blessed year and it’s all because of you guys! Can’t wait to see where life takes you and what lies ahead!

-Xoxo