Pleasantdale Chateau Wedding by Christopher Duggan Photography

About their wedding: The Pleasantdale Chateau is such a terrific wedding venue. I was there a few years ago, making wedding photos as second photographer to a friend of mine, and it was great to go back and work with some of my own clients, Michelle & Patrick. One of the reasons we all love the Pleasantdale Chateau is that the pool is the one from the movie Cocoon. It's gorgeous, too, but since it's such a memorable setting from that movie it's just really cool to be there.

One of the reasons I love working at weddings is that there are always beautiful surprises to catch on camera. My second photographer Karli Cadel and I were lucky enough to capture two great surprises when the bride and groom decided to exchange wedding day gifts. Michelle gave Patrick a stunning watch. He loved it.

I was with Michelle when she received Patrick's gift, and it blew her away. Last summer, Patrick wrote a long letter to Suzanne Collins, the author of Michelle's favorite books, The Hunger Games. His letter explained that it was Michelle's favorite book and how meaningful the story was in their relationship. Suzanne Collins no longer signs books due to a hand injury - she usually brings a stamp with her at book signings - and so Patrick asked if she could stamp Michelle's copy. Patrick's letter must have really touched her, because she autographed Michelle's copy by hand.

VENDORS:

Photographer: Christopher Duggan Photography
Jewelry: Abe Mor Diamond Cutters & C
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Calvin Klein
Floral Designer: Crest Florist
Shoes: Kate Spade
Dress Designer: Lazaro
Makeup Artist: Meredith Hayman, Makeup Artist
Band: The Original Faze 4
Bridesmaid Dresses: Two Birds Bridesmaids Dresses
Floral Designer:Crest Florist

Submitted via Two Bright Lights