Sabrina + David | Wilkes Street Tunnel Engagement

Love makes the world go round. That's what I wrote on the sign next to our wedding guest book globe.

When I think of this sweet couple's relationship, it's more love shared across the world. Sabrina & David first laid eyes on each other in ... Ethiopia! That's right! When Sabrina left Virginia to study sustainable farming overseas, she had no idea that God had also lined up a meeting of her future husband, too. Isn't God the coolest? His love stories are always so much better than anything we could ever dream up. 

I met Sabrina at our church last fall & immediately liked her personable personality (she makes you feel like you've been friends for years!) & admired her heart for the Lord. When we first met to discuss their upcoming spring wedding several months ago, David actually wasn't even in America at the time! Because of the length of process & steps involved with David moving to America after their engagement in Ethiopia, we weren't even sure when we could take pictures! Or when the for-sure wedding date would be!

If any of you brides have planned a wedding in another state or back home, you'll know how much communication & diligence goes into working out all the vendors, finalizing appointments & catering tastings without actually being there. Now imagine not even KNOWING when your GROOM would be in the same time zone as you!!

Throughout it all, Sabrina & David remained steadfast in their hope & faith in the Lord. Though they primarily communicated through Skype or over the phone during the whole process, they continued to walk by faith & not by sight. Our church community, Small Group ladies & family/friends everywhere prayed for many weeks that ALL the logistics of David's move would come together. And they did!!! Praise the Lord! Dean & I got to shoot with the now reunited couple on a snowy Saturday in Old Town down by the Wilkes Street Tunnel. We loved the beautiful light streaming on the couple who was so romantic & playful throughout. David, we're SO glad you're here! It's been awesome seeing you & Sabrina together & the way you make her smile. We can hardly wait for this March :) 

Remembering your wedding day, part 2

Hello, brides-to-be! As you plan your wedding, a crucial question to ask is: What do I want to look back at & remember about my day? Is it the killer DJ you hired & all the great dance moves your dad broke out? Or maybe the catering by the yummiest local restaurant where you had your first date.

Two weeks ago, I shared about tips for remembering your special day. Being able to look back through beautiful images of your wedding is such a sweet way to hold on to heart-jerking memories & funny moments that took place. Today I'd like to share Part 2 of Remembering your wedding day: Behind the Scenes. (P.S. All images were taken by The Pinwheel Collective!)

Brides-to-be, here's the thing: you will spend months (maybe longer!!) planning out every intricate detail of your wedding - color patterns, appetizers, programs, flower girl outfits, ceremony music and more! And on the day of your wedding, there is bound to be a few things you don't even get to see or experience!

Why is that, you may be thinking. Because here's the deal: you can only be in one place at a time. I know, crazy, right? As much as we'd like to be Super Bride & fly from room to rooom during everything that happens on your wedding day, it's really not possible.

Meaning while you're getting your family photos taken, your cocktail hour (or cider hour, like we did) is taking place & there are conversations, laughter & stories between old friends & college roommates that you won't be there for. And while you're getting ready to walk down the aisle, you probably won't get to see the seating of your parents & grandparents. Or see your ring bears, as we like to call them, carry your handmade sign down the aisle toward your soon-to-be-hubby. And so much more!

And that's more than OK. You are at your wedding to get married & celebrate with your closest friends & family. That doesn't mean you can or should taste every passed hors d'oeuvre or dance to every song at the reception or see the reception set up before the guests do. And if you somehow do, rock on!

But that's why having photographers there to capture those snapshots is huge! So without further ado, here are some behind-the-scenes shots from our wedding. Or as I like to call it: There Was a Dance Train & Grandma Was On It?!

Getting Ready: Not only did Dean not know what my dress looked like before our First Look (duh) but he didn't see how our bridesmaids' suite was decorated or any of the funniness going on with Casey opening champagne. And I didn't see any of the cute/sad faces my adorable nephew made while the guys were getting ready or them exchanging gifts or Dean's somewhat nervousness before we saw each other for the first time.

Before the Ceremony: After our First Look and Bridal Party photos, the bridesmaids went into the barn while the guys hung out on the bottom level of the barn til it was time to start the ceremony. In the time, Dean had the She's Mine stickers on the soles of his dress shoes & the girls had a huddle party at the heater while our wedding planner's husband fixed our musical dilemma (read: iPod not working). And our guests started to arrive!

The Ceremony: Because I was stashed in the barn during the processional, I didn't see any of it. So grateful for these beautiful images that depict what took place throughout!

Flower girl, out!!!

Cider hour/Reception: We decided to have hot apple cider, soft pretzels, Cincinnati specialty cookies & spiced donut holes in lieu of a traditional cocktail hour, which I never saw! We were taking family photos & although I did manage to snag a few cookies before the ceremony, we didn't get to mingle with our guests until the reception. Our wedding planner Sami & her team did a BEAUTIFUL job on setting everything up. From the napkins & drink stirrers to allll the bottles & flowers in Cloverdale Barn, we loved it!

And one of my favorite photos from the day - my Southern belle Grandma Betty hopping on the dance train!!

Sabrina + David: sneak peek

Goodness gracious, y'all, was it a-snowing here in Virginia this weekend! With the threat of winter flurries & storm advisories coming our way, Sabrina & I decided to pray for the snow to hold off & stick with our Saturday morning shoot in Old Town.

Dean & I had an awesome time laughing with Sabrina & David plus snapping tons of lovey-dovey shots of the two. And JUST, I mean just seconds after taking the last shots, the snow really started coming down. Isn't awesome how the Lord hears the needs of His children & answers our prayers?

Sabrina & David, you two are the sweetest together. Despite the chilly weather, y'all were such troopers & gave it your all. Which totally shows. Speaking of answered prayers, halleLUjah that you are both in the same country now after months of faithful prayer, long-distance phone calls & Skype time. We can't wait for your spring wedding!

Lara + Dan: Old Town engagement

This couple. What a joy to hang with the future Mr. & Mrs. Stroud! Since our initial phone conversation, it's been *so* fun to chat with them about life, the Lord & their wedding. Since Lara & I are both brides-to-be, we've been able to share with each other's excitement about finding wedding day shoes & sending out all the invitations YAY! Their wedding is early next month - & we wandered through Old Town, ending up at the spot where they had their first date (SO precious!). We finished our early morning session at the Virginia Theological Seminary, where their wedding will be held. It's also where they both attended & met for the very first time. 

And a black & white fave. Ahhhh!

Lara + Dan: sneak peek

Sunrise soccer by the water, the spot of their first date & lots of love are just a few of the details from last weekend's engagement shoot with the lovely Lara & Dan. Excited for their wedding coming up in October!

Happy Labor Day weekend, y'all :)