From the very first email I knew that Mona and I would be fast friends.  And, I was right.  She is artistic {an architect}, humble, sweet, beautiful on the inside out, has a heart of gold and just a few months back would ask me to photograph the day she would marry her “lifetime” love.  Really?  Really.  How lucky am I?  I only photograph 5 weddings a year {however — I am taking on 6 this year!}.  A few reasons why.  First, I am a busy gal when it comes to just my lifestyle work.  And, I love my lifestyle stuff.  Second, I don’t want to be a full time wedding photographer.   It’s a lot of work to take on a wedding.  Not just the fact that it is one of the single most important days of a persons life, but it is an all day event.  However, when you spend the day capturing love, real love it’s still hard work but it’s incredible, emotional, an absolute joy to know what I was asked to do for a couple and know what I will give back to them so they may cherish forever.  This is why I will probably never walk away from my fab 5.  These brides mean so much to me and almost always become some of my closest friends.

Chapter 1.  Nigel + Mona say I Do.  And, I was there with Mark II by my side and empty memory cards just ready to be filled.

I wake up to the first beautiful weekend of 2011 and about mid afternoon make my way to the W.O. Smith School of Music where the event would take place!  Such a cool place with an even more incredible story.  Take the time to go to the link…promise you won’t be sorry you did!  I was greeted by a few of the bridesmaids who were just as sweet as pie.  That’s always a good sign !!  Mona arrived shortly after.  Hair curled and make up done “picture ready” she said.  She looked amazing.  A few minutes later Mona would scurry off because Nigel had arrived.  First time meeting him and I was greeted with a sincere hug and an even more sincere “Thank You”.  Seriously how do these absolutely wonderful people find me?  I am so thankful.  So so very thankful.

It was time to shoot details, make my rounds so everyone knew “the plan”.  Watching the ladies with Mona was so fun.  They were so particular and so helpful.  Just the right mix to ease a bride on her big day.  The guys were cutting up, keeping light of the day and making sure Nigel was “right” before he hit the stage.  Before we knew it “go time” had arrived.

It was emotional.  Had a few laughs.  Lots of tears.  At Last.  They are Mr and Mrs Hodge.

It was time to go outside with the newly married couple and get those crucial shots of them loving and laughing, snuggling and breathing.  Taking it ALL in.  Bridesmaids and Groomsmen made their way outside.  So thankful to have such a fun group who were quick, ready and willing!  Makes for some fun shots!!  Annnnnd, then the families came out!  Lots and Lots and Lots of friendly faces and warm hearts.  And, the one person who stole my heart was Nigel’s great grandmother who is 98.  You will see her as you scroll down.  98…can you believe it?!  So awesome.

Time to head in for the first dance.  Always a favorite moment of mine.  And then there was sweet Thea.  Dear friend of Mona’s, a bridesmaid and even more incredible dancer.  Nigel’s groomsman on the piano while she did her piece.  It was so moving.  So special.  Those moments don’t always happen at weddings, but when they do they leave with a definite WOW factor.

As the night progressed family and friends with Mona and Nigel just celebrated this wonderful union.  Isn’t a party without a soul train line and a few of the fella’s teaching us all how to “dougie”. Classic.  My kind of party.

An INCREDIBLE way to kick off a wedding season.  I am so lucky to now call Mona and Nigel friends.  I look forward to seeing them at their 6 month anniversary as I did with two of my brides last year.

I adore you two.  I am ready for Chapter 2.

All my Love Always, Sara