Bethesda Christian + Myth Golf Course Wedding

It was sometime around 2009 when I mentioned to the students in my US History class that I wanted to get more into wedding photography. I felt like one of my young students myself, holding onto this dream, unsure how it works or how I would accomplish it, but knowing that there was something inside of me that saw and felt myself as a wedding photographer. A hand in the front row went up.

“When I get married, you can take my wedding photos Mr. Weitzel.”

“Thanks Chelsea. I would be honored,” I replied.

~

Years later, I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw a series of proposal photos. The series began with photos of their dating years, then images of the proposal scene, and finally the proposal itself. It was Chelsea.

“Congratulations!!! He got a good one. Best wishes you two!”

It wasn’t 24 hours later that Chelsea reached out to me, asking about my availability.

“I always said you would shoot my wedding,” she said in her email. “Let me know what dates you have available!”

I was fortunate enough to photograph her brother’s wedding, and remember the fun vibe and packed dance floor that came along with their large family. Chelsea and Scott’s wedding would follow suit: family-focused, heartfelt support, loving words, and lots of fun with a few special moments sprinkled in throughout the day.

Chelsea and Scott started their wedding day at Bethesda Christian Church, where her and all of her siblings got married, before hosting a Myth Golf Course wedding reception for family and friends.

Following the ceremony, we headed to Rochester University, where Scott proposed to Chelsea along a walking path. Many places on the campus hold special memories for the two of them so it was the perfect place to stop for some images on their wedding day.

The sun was beginning to set on their beautiful fall day when we arrived to their Myth Golf Course wedding reception. Guests were anxiously waiting inside and the golden hour was almost upon us. When we arrived, we walked to the nearest green, found a beautiful pocket of light, and spent a few minutes capturing images that would capture the love and tenderness between Scott and Chelsea.

As we started to walk towards their Myth Golf Course wedding reception, Chelsea and Scott asked if they had some time to spend alone. (The answer is always “yes” on your wedding day. It is so, so important to take a moment to be alone, reflect on your journey, and be present on your wedding day.) As Becky and I walked away, we turned around to see Chelsea and Scott reading vows they wrote to each other.

As dinner was being served, I peeked outside to see a subtle sunset happening. The sun was just bright enough to create a beautiful silhouette of Chelsea and Scott.

Afterwards, we headed back inside to kick off their Myth Golf Course wedding reception, first with a scoop of their favorite ice cream, followed by Chelsea and Scott’s first dances.