Wedding ring tattoos are becoming more and more trendy with couples opting trend to skip the wedding bands and get a wedding ring tattoo. While it's certainly a cheaper alternative to shelling out $$$$ for a sparkly stunner, there are definitely some things you want to consider (and that I wish I knew) before getting inked.

There are actually quite a few of our friends that have wedding ring tattoos. You can see Brian's diamond on the left, Brandon and I have the anchors, and our friend Dom has an "E" for his wife Emily. 

DECIDING ON A wedding ring TATTOO

So why did we take the plunge? When we got married, Brandon and I were both about 50lbs heavier, and while I could get my beautiful rings (pic below) adjusted as the weight came off, his Tungsten Carbide ring was not able to be resized. (Did you know that TC rings can't be resized?! Because we didn't when we bought it! Don't say I never warned you!) For our 4 year anniversary, I rallied for tattoos instead of a hubby with a naked finger.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GET a wedding ring TATTOO

I am obviously not a tattoo artist, so I preface this with a "Call and ask your tattoo artist first!"

• What does it cost? I called a LOT of tattoo shops and most told me that finger tattoos would be charged "shop minimum" (to my understanding, it's the baseline fee that covers your needle, the time, etc.). It depends on the shop of course, but ours were $60 each at Ikonic Ink.

• Did it hurt? Yep. But it's over so fast that it's no big deal. I have tattoos on my wrist and feet, and this one was the worst.

• How well does it heal? My tattoo artist warned me about this (and some shops won't even do finger tattoos because of this), but finger tattoos often won't stand the test of time. Between hand washing, friction from gloves/rings/etc., and other ways we abuse our hands, finger tats often wear more quickly than other tattoos and will need to be touched up. *edit 6 years later and it’s a little fuzzy but still looks great (see below)*
   

can you still wear rings with a finger tattoo?

Getting a tat doesn't mean you have to give up your rings. In fact, I still wear mine over top of my tattoo. Plus, it is a precious family heirloom that can be passed on to your children (and rings are REALLY fun to photograph!) 

Everything about this beautiful glittering purple themed wedding at Sunnehanna Country Club was stunning. The only thing matched by Dave and Alyssa's good looks was the charm, grace, and kindness both of these fantastic people exude in everything they do. Alyssa was as sweet as could be the whole day long, not allowing things to alter her way of treating anyone around her, even the photographer ;) Of course with every fun-loving, sweet couple I meet, I am equally blessed to meet their fun-loving, sweet family and friends! Alyssa's mom Holly looked stunning in her gold gown and never left Alyssa's side, assisting in making her look absolutely perfect all day. Alyssa's best friend/MOH Nicole also was a huge help. The girls have known each other since they were kids. Nicole's family was kind enough to host everyone in their home to prepare for the big day - the two girls even got to jump on the bed! (And there's nothing like your best friend's mom sweeping in to save the day with a needle and a steady hand)

The bride was the picture of perfection all day long, from casual clothes to her gorgeous beaded lace gown.
 

Family is also very important to Dave and Alyssa, who spent the whole day and evening enjoying their company (and no, that doesn't happen at all weddings). Alyssa even tucked a memento in her bouquet to honor her family.

One of the family members that Alyssa holds most dear is her father Tim. Tim is known and loved by many, but there is definitely a special place in his heart for his little girl, and nothing would stop him from walking her down the aisle.

After their perfect ceremony, we headed to The Sunnehanna Country Club for a stunning reception. Everything transitioned so smoothly from place to place. I loved that neither we, nor the bride and the groom, had to hurry or stress. We could maintain a calm pace that allowed everyone to enjoy EACH OTHER! We were even able to make some time to get some shots on the greens!

I even had a unique opportunity to capture Dave and Alyssa's reactions to their gorgeous ballroom decor before the guests arrived. Alyssa's mom Holly played a HUGE part in making the room look absolutely perfect. Holly spent many hours planning and setting up, even as Alyssa and Dave were states away. Looking at the opulent crystals, fresh flowers, and elegant purple uplighting, it's no wonder why they were so elated with her hard work!

Not to mention the whole side-room of cookies and treats Holly took care of too! Yes, you read right. Cookie. ROOM. The stunning 3' high cake was the focal point of the beautiful main room, until of course it was cut and cleared away for dancing that was equally as sweet.

When Alyssa's DJ/Uncle Jim opened up the floor for dancing, it was jam-packed all night long! I have never seen a bridal dance that big! Photographing from atop a chair, I definitely feared for my life at times. Just kidding!

The evening ended romantically as we stole away for a few moments to capture this silhouette under the stars. I am honored that time and time again clients trust me to record their precious memories on their sweetest day. I am so grateful for Dave, Alyssa, and their amazing friends and family for their willingness to work with me in such a professional and fun way. I truly feel like I gained friends this day!