I still don’t understand why couples don’t hire a photographer for their rehearsal dinner. It tends to be my favorite part of a wedding! For many, this is the first time the families of the couples come together and meet. It is such a special dinner that moments should be captured. Most of the people you love and hold dear are in one room; when does that ever happen more than twice?

This stunning couple has been my collective friend since middle school. When they invited my fiance and me to their rehearsal dinner, I felt touched. The Meeders had a small wedding so it really meant the world that they would consider including the both of us to this family only event. Needless to say, I had to snap some photos!

This event definitely set the tone for their wedding the following day. There was never a time where I didn’t see a smile on their faces. The evening was full of great food, catching up and beers. 

This night usually gets overshadowed or forgotten, and rightfully so! With all the hoopla of the wedding, it is hard to take the time to really appreciate the small dinner the eve before. What is my advice to future brides? Really take in this night. Rehearsals are just a run through, true. Are you in your wedding dress? No, but with the right perspective, this dinner has all the fixings of love, happiness and family coming together.

Here are some more of my favorite shots from the night: