Catherine Guidry's Blog for all things Beautiful

On Thursday of last week, I booked a flight. Sometimes, I feel like I’m losing my spontanious side, so booking the flight sent a rush of adrenaline through me! I’ve been promising Netter, my good friend from architecture school, that if I had the opportunity I would fly to see him. Well…..4 years have gone by and I never booked a flight, until Thursday.

So, I did it. I called him up, let me know that I had a weekend without a wedding or session and I flew to see him.

Upon arriving in “Chi-town” (which I feel SO cool saying now that I actually now what it is), I stepped off the plane feeling pretty silly in my boots. But BOY…as soon as my feet hit the snow, I was ready to kiss those rubber insulated boots of mine. It was officially 19 degrees out and every bit of cold.

I was seriously like a little kid, squeeling as the snow fell and running through the layers already fallen. Really, I am 25 and was throwing snowballs everywhere. The people who live there are so jaded by the snow…they probably thought I was crazy.

I even made a snow angel! Thank you, Netter, for still hanging out with me. The only thing I wished was that Brad could have been there to share it with me. It truly was the perfect trip and I am SOOO happy I found my spontaneity…and the guts to book it and head out!

At this moment, I was probably the happiest person in Chicago…ehem: Chi-town.

Making Snow Angels

My good friend, Netter….who I absolutely cannot stop laughing around.

On the plane I chatted with the woman seated next to me (of course) and she told me I should go to the Sky Deck.

So, we did! Here I am 1,353 floors up…on the 103rd floor!

My favorite picture from the trip!

Let’s just be honest, if you’re hanging out with a photographer, there WILL be pictures.

Genuine Mexican food at Mi Tierra’s in Boystown.

The Bean in Millineum park was probably my favorite part of Chicago. Seriously, how cool is this thing?!

I LOOOVVEEE me some starbucks!

I took this on my last night there…and yes, I was sad to leave this beautiful city!

I once heard the saying that if you leave items on the list of “THINGS TO DO”…then you’ll be more inclined to go back. You don’t have to twist MY arm! I’m hoping to go back sometime when it’s warm. Maybe one day I’ll shoot a wedding there….

 

I said I’d never say this, but I’m a “BelieBer.” As surprised as I was at the end of the movie Never Say Never, I had  the Justin Bieber fever.”  At this point, most of you will stop reading, roll your eyes, and laugh at me…a 25 yr old who just publicly announced that I have “Bieber fever.” Trust me I was surprised too.

I turned the movie on at midnight, expecting that it’d be a great movie to fall asleep to (no offense), and by the end of it…I didn’t want it to be over. I may not be the next screaming girl lined up to touch his luscious hair, but I do appreciate who he is and what he’s about: FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS

Ever since I was a little girl, I was a dreamer. And if you know me personally then you are aware that I spend much of my time thinking and dreaming about the future.

The story of his life is so inspirational. I had no idea that he was discovered on YouTube less than 4 yrs ago, and obviously born with a natural god given talent and the desire to work hard (while enjoying life of course) .  I was in awe that he spent the first few months of his career going door to door to radio stations singing acoustically in promotion of his first big hit “One Time.” I even admire his use of social media to promote his brand, his music, and his personality. It may come as a surprise, but Justin Bieber was apparentely quite the underdog.

And what I love MOST, is that he always holds his head high and never loses sight of what he loves most: his friends and his family.

This blog post is not a post to promote Justin Bieber; I think you either like him or your don’t. What this post is….is a reminder for me to always keep sight of what I love and to encourage you to do the same!

Rich, means different things to different people. And as long as you are keeping sight of what you believe in and what you want most in life….THAT is rich. With hope,  hard work, and discipline….you create your own life. Just don’t forget your priorities.

Most of all, this is a reminder to have fun, prank others, laugh, dance, be silly and be who you are. Call me cheezy, but Im finishing this post with the saying: Never Say Never……

I took this photo this past Saturday as I stood inside the glass box better known as the SkyDeck in Chicago. Who would have thought that one day there would be a glass box cantilevered over the city of chicago, 1,353 ft in the air.

Never say never, right?!

He took her by the hand, asked her to close her eyes, and led her into Magdalen Square. This place has become so special to them. They met here for their first date, shed tears when they would say goodbye as Eric would leave for his 5 hour drive, and now…the place where he would propose.

He led her to the square’s gazebo and when she opened her eyes she saw the beauty of it. Together with Kayla’s sister, Eric had created a romantic environment for their proposal. The gazebo was covered in hand crafted paper lanterns. It was there that he asked her to spend the rest of her life with him.

Eric + Kayla are dedicated to their faith and they trusted that God would lead them to their soul mate. And now that he has led them together, nothing will keep them apart.

I was SOO excited that Amelia was able to join us for their engagement session and it was an absolute blast shooting with you two!!

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Alida’s sister Meris couldn’t make it to Alida + Reid’s wedding as she is currently on her own journey to becoming a sister in the church. However during the family photos before the wedding, Amelia (Meris’s good friend) surprised Alida with a cutout of Meris.  Because of this thoughtful gesture, Meris made it to every aspect of the wedding day………………..

The thing I love about weddings is the love. There’s SOOO much love on a wedding day and although Meris couldn’t physically be there, Meris will be able to look at these images and see that she was a actually a very big part of the day!

This first image is when Amelia first surprised Alida:

…..and Alida’s reaction:

So we took pictures of Alida + Meris:

And family photos as well:

Meris sat in the front of the church; she had a great view of the ceremony:

You should hold on Meris, the trolley can get bumpy.

Alida + Meris in Downtown Houston at the Petroleum Club:

Dancing as a family:

Get it, girl!

Jump, jump:

Dancing with the girls:

Move it like Bernie, Meris!

Ready to catch the bouqet:

Alida, Meris, Amelia, and Father

On a serious note, I know this was hard for Alida + Meris. I can only imagine if when I get married one of my brothers not being there. I think that Alida really enjoyed this cutout of Meris because it did remind us the entire day to think of Meris while I’m sure Meris was thinking of and praying for Alida.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone…and be sure to spend a little time this weekend appreciating those you love.

 

Bride’s Prep: Hyatt Dowtown Houston
Wedding Ceremony : Holy Rosary Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Petroleum Club of Houston
Catering: Petroleum Club of Houston
Florist: Bill with Floral Events
Cake: DaCapo’s
Wedding Gown: WHITE by Vera Wang
Bride’s Shoes: Bourne Josephine
Bride’s Hair: Salon E
Music: Darrell Ripley: DJU Productions
Videography: Optix Studios

It had been a rough week with life and work…and after another long day Alida was making her way home. Reid called her to find out when she would be there. It struck her as out of their normal routine, but she let the thought fade. When she arrived home he was quick to ask if they could throw the ball with Molly (their black lab) at the top of the parking garage. It was cool out…but not cold out so when she saw him grab his coat, she thought it a bit odd. But again…she let the thought pass.

Not seeing what all the excitement was about, she slowly made her way up with him to the garage. Throwing the ball with Molly is something that they enjoy…because it’s something they do TOGETHER.

As soon as they got to the top, he asked her to marry him!!! Alida + Reid are one of a kind, best friends…and majorly in Love. It was apparant from Alida + Reid’s Engagements and even more apparant on their wedding day.

The wedding took place in Houston, TX 4 years and 1 day after the day they started dating. Their wedding colors were inspired by their Alma Mater LSU and Alida’s love for vintage accessories and details. Alida + Reid wanted a fun, happy..and a significant day…their wedding was no doubt all of this combined.

 

I emailed Alida and asked she and Reid what their favorite memories were from the wedding day and this was Alida’s Response:

REID:  Seeing how beautiful Alida looked when he first saw her (at the first look)” ; during the mass when Alida told him “When FJP tells us to kiss, let’s kiss for a long time.; and at the reception, when Alida taught him the “wobble dance.” lol.

ALIDA: My favorite memories were seeing Reid during the first look (and his expression <3), getting “2D Meris” from Amelia at the church (and thus having her in all photos following) my dad walking me down the isle, and shoving the cake into Reid’s face at the reception (Reid was not aware that was going to happen). And our champagne toast when we crossed arms (we practiced lol).

Also, you weren’t there for this, but Ben gave his “speech” at the rehearsal dinner and that was the ONLY part of the whole wedding that made me cry. Lauren video-ed it on my camera so I will have to send it to you. I also cried a little when FJP was giving the homily about how Reid and I are the “gift” that we are getting through marriage.

So Alida + Reid, here is the blog post of your wedding. Congratulations to you guys, “Nana + Nana:”

Alida’s favorite detail was her shoes. Aren’t they fierce?!

She even had the handbag to match!

On wedding days, there’s more than love exchanged between the bride and the groom. Weddings are a chance for love to show between friends and family as well.

 I love this sweet note that Alida wrote to her Maid Of Honor, Rebecca.

Alida, you are so beautiful.

I love this shot of Alida putting on her dress. All of her bridesmaids were so supportive and helpful for Alida the entire day!

Amelia spent some time with the guys during their prep as well.

SO chill.

Awe…look at Molly. She loves her “Nana.”

The Hyatt was the perfect place for the prep. It was absolutely beautiful..with beautiful light.

Alida + Reid opted to do a First Look. I love when couples do a first look because it gives them the opportunity to have a moment together, alone before everyone else sees them.

For Reid + Alida’s wedding, they even decided to do their family formals before the wedding so that they could go straight to their reception.

For Alida + Reid’s First Look, Reid was not anticipating seeing Alida at that exact moment; he came up the escalator, turned the corner and there she was.

This was Amelia’s perspective of Alida’s reaction.

Hands down my favorite image of the day.

After Alida + Reid enjoyed their first few minutes of seeing each other, we took a few images around the Hyatt.

There was this incredible skywalk that provided an incredible backdrop for this fabulous couple.

LOVE

AH! You guys are just gorgeous.

AHHH!!! I just want to squeel I love this space so much! Look how SHARP these guys look.

It’s true. I LOVE lines. This shot is going down in my alltime favorites category! Beautiful ladies!

Because Alida + Reid had seen each other during their first look, we all hopped on the trolley and headed to the church together.

Brad says this image is his favorite. I have to admit, I love it to! The girls in their purple dresses…the tall modern architecture. It looks so surreal!

Alida’s sister Meris couldn’t make it to the wedding, so Meris’s friend Amelia brought a cardboard cutout of her there. As a result, “Meris” was able to participate in ALL the wedding festivities.

Alida’s reaction.

They were married in such an exquisite church!

I adore this shot Amelia grabbed of Alida walking into the church with her father.

They are always smiling!

The exchanging of the vows.

….and their first kiss as husband and wife.

Mr. and Mrs. Reid Guzzetta

Are you kidding me???!! This was the view from the reception: the 43rd floor/Petroleum Club of Houston

I love them!

Oh man, Alida. You’re the best!

First Dance as husband and wife.

Alida made sure to shove a nice big piece into Reid’s face.

As the sun began to set, we grabbed this shot: potentially my favorite of the day (oh wait, I think I said that earlier). Ok, this one’s my favorite too!

Move it like Bernie

The last dance of the night ended with a bang!!!

Alida + Reid, I know that right now you are probably off…on a beach somewhere enjoying the rays. And I hope that the first time you see your wedding photos and everytime after you are able to relive how special your wedding day was. Thank you so much for allowing me to be  part of this process: for your engagements, your bridals, and your wedding day!

Amelia and I had a blast shooting the wedding!!! I’m so happy to have met you Alida, and to have seen you again Reid…only now, with your lovely wife!!!!

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