Photographers often feel most comfortable behind the camera. And wedding photographers are known for blending in. So when Gabby, co-founder of 2 Girls 20 Cameras, had to step in front of the camera for her own wedding day, it wasn’t so easy for her to put the camera down. “My business partner, Ashley, who was also one of my bridesmaids, was able to capture my getting ready photos and my intimate shots prior to the wedding, which was very special for me,” she says. “It was wonderful to have one of our independent photographers, Danielle, capture the ceremony and reception. The pictures turned out stunning and I was no longer disappointed that I was banned by Ashley from photographing my own wedding!”

Gabby met her husband Nick through mutual friends. The group was having a night out on the town. When they decided to change locations, Gabby offered Nick a ride. When they walked up to her Ford LTD, Nick was shocked. “I’ll never forget him saying, ‘This is not your car!’ We always say that it was at that moment that I stole his heart,” she says. “I never thought that a car older than me, a big hunk of metal, would be the reason that I caught my future husband’s eye. I guess I have my dad to thank for that!”

Nick proposed on Valentine’s Day, using their two dogs to help. After Gabby said, “Yes!” the couple popped a bottle of champagne and let it all sink in.

With her experience around weddings, Gabby felt she had a good handle on all the planning involved. “Then, my now-husband chimed in and all of a sudden, inked on our to-do list were the words ‘smoke machine, lights, rock ’n roll music, classic cars, ice cream cake and a mullet.’ And all at once, my burgundy-blush, classy-yet-shabby-chic wedding was compromised,” she says, laughing.

With some negotiations, they were able to seamlessly blend their visions. “It was like the wedding was a big celebration reflecting how much better Nick and I are together than we are apart,” she says.

As for the traditional cake, Gabby and Nick opted for pie. And rather than having round tables with assigned seating, Gabby dreamed of having large farm tables with open seating—she also didn’t want to overwhelm herself with creating a seating chart. “Let me tell you, everyone fought me on this!” she says. “The farm tables were beautiful and the flowers just made them look even more gorgeous. All the guests seemed to find a seat with ease as well, which I allot to the openness of the farm tables compared to how closed off round tables can feel.”

She also credits her work with keeping her nerves at bay all day. “I just knew things would continue to go with ease and even if they didn’t and some of our ideas got rained out, I was still okay with that,” she says. “And the brut rosé also helped.” 

—Kourtney Jason