justin + stephanie say i do

My process of narrowing down images for a blog post from a session or event… is a little bit daunting!  I love seeing the whole story and only selecting a handful of favorites, well….just doesn’t do a “story” justice.  Atleast to me.

So, I’m gonna take you back a little.  I met this beautiful gal while shooting a wedding that she was a part of and while there she grabbed my business card.  I remember a friend of theirs came up to me at the end and said “you WANT to shoot their wedding”….”it would be SO FUN”.  About a month later I would receive an email from Stephanie.  From THE first email I could feel how special this girl was.  I could go on and on about what went back & forth.  What she did that I immediately hoped she would “pick me!!”….  She wanted me to tell their love story.  And, I wanted to do it!  We met for coffee in early January to go over details.  While she was telling me a little bit more about she & Justin tears would come down her face.  Who doesn’t love raw emotion?  GOSH, I do.  True, honest, REAL, deep down to her heart & core she knew she was marrying her “meant to be”.  Her soul mate.  Her very best friend.  This was my kinda love.

We got together in Spring to shoot their engagement photos.  You can view those here and read ALL about their love story.  It’s truly amazing so if you have a minute…go read it! What a fun afternoon for me.  Longest engagement session for me {by time btw}, but I had a story to tell.  And, you know those don’t happen with a hop, skip & a jump.  Carefully thought out and a success I do believe.  Remember she entered those images into the Ashley’s Bride Guide engagement photo contest and WE WON!!  You can view the awesome blog about THAT here!   After all that we became great friends.  Lifetime friends is what I like to call people like Stephanie & Justin.

So, it was time.  We all woke up to one dreary, very rainy Saturday here in Middle Tennessee.  I headed over to the hotel & my amazing go-to second shooter Angela met me in the lobby.  We were ready.  Made our way to Steph’s room to be welcomed in by her amazing momma & sister.  Hugs, hugs and hey hey’s!  It was going to be a great day.  I immediately gave Stephanie my phone, turned on pandora to what station?  Paula Abdul of course!  ”Where ever you go, no matter the weather ALWAYS bring your own sunshine”.  One of my favorite quotes btw.  Steph was so excited and could have cared less what was happening outside.  Sneak peek at her amazing dress, snaps of her shoes, rings, flowers…and hair was done!  It was time to head over to the church to meet the girls.  On my way over there I called T and asked what was going on with the weather and all he had to say was “it has all passed, babe”.  Hip Hop Hooray the rain made everything pretty but had cleared for Stephanie & Justin!!  The sun was shining.

I could talk all day about THEIR DAY.  How amazing their families are.  How ridiculously wonderful & fun the bridal party & groomsman were.  I mean, I felt like I was hanging out with best friends.  Lots of jokes, lots of tears, lots of laughter!  They were all there for Stephanie & Justin.  No doubt about that from start to finish.

Such an honor to be there.  Such a blessing to be asked to photograph it for them.  I would like a repeat, please.  It was THAT wonderful.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Hayden!  I look forward to the day I get to shoot ya again!  {with my camera btw}.  Hee hee

All my Love ALWAYS, Sara

Gosh, so many folks to THANK!  This was definitely an amazing TEAM.  My go-to gal when I need a second shooter.  She’s so amazing. Angela Bowdin, you my dear friend….Thank YOU will never be enough.  Thank you for being right beside me.  | Meeting him for the first time, but felt like I had known him going way back is the Videographer Mr Brendan Donohue of Pureform Media.  Ridiculously awesome and SO easy to work with.  You, my dear buddy…are ‘da bomb!  Sure can’t wait to see the video.  | I walked into one beautifully decorated reception hall, witnessed first hand his artistic vision and ability is the florist Mr Phillipe Chadwick of Chadwicks.  HE will be seen in Martha Stewart soon.  I have NO doubt.  | Amazing cake was created by Sam’s Confection Connection.  Don’t know how he pulled it together like he did, but it was incredible. | DJ…who was hilarious was from The Mad Dog Company.  You want someone funny?  You want someone who will call your friends out on the dance floor?  He’s your guy!  Never a dull moment with him for sure.  | Stephanie’s beautiful dress came from The White Room Too | Ceremony was held at Assumption Catholic Church | Reception location was held at William J Fleming Center