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Sara & Sam > A Bohemian May Wedding

As wedding photographers we say this a lot, but Sara and Sam’s wedding day truly was one of my favorites. There is so much I could say and as I try to decide what to write, I feel like they’d want me to share not just what it looked like but how it felt. I could talk about the beautiful decor that Sara’s mom truly went above and beyond with, or how the theme fulfilled all my boho dreams, but I’d rather tell you a little of their story that orchestrated this whole day and intertwined into every moment – I think that’s what Sara and Sam would want you to know as well. This day was so Jesus centered and His narrative of restoration and redemption was so present in every speech and letter shared, to even the indescribable way Sam looked at Sara.

This wedding was special because it felt like home to me since we were surrounded with people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know on deeper levels over the past few months through becoming part of their community and attending the same church. I’ve known Sara and Sam through church and mutual friends for years. I remember last summer sitting at a picnic table at a 4th of July event at their church and Sara expressing she wanted me to photograph her wedding before there was even a ring on her finger. As she described her dream wedding full of bohemian touches and warm colors, I was so excited. Let me tell you, it was nothing short of expectations! It was more, so much more!!

I was greeted by familiar faces in the bride’s getting ready room and got to capture the special relationship Sara had with her mom as she helped her zip up her beautiful dress. Next it was time for some first looks around the elegant Boone Tavern hotel in Berea. Sara’s brother, Dalton, was the best hype man!!! When it was time for Sam to see Sara, she walked across the red brick-paved porch surrounded by greenery to tap him on the shoulder. Sam’s face literally said it all when he turned around to see his bride– or “Duck” as he would say, since that’s what they call each other. So, it was pretty fitting Sara’s gift to Sam was a tie-clip with a duck engraved on it. Sam expressed “it’s time to get serious” as they prepared to share their letters to one another and it definitely was, as their words brought out all the emotions and just really showed the love these two shared.

This love continued to be displayed throughout the rest of the day and into the ceremony. It seemed everyone involved was more than a vendor or someone hired for a job, but they were all friends or family genuinely serving in their role. Music is a huge part of Sara and Sam’s life and their friends, the Kites played beautiful live music in the ceremony and reception. A close friend who had watched their relationship unfold officiated the wedding, and their longtime pastor said a special prayer. Sara and Sam participated in planting an olive tree during the ceremony as a beautiful representation. After their kiss, they made their way down the bohemian rug lined aisle in the beautiful courtyard area. Next it was time for bridal party party photos, made up of the best group of people and some adorable littles. Sam’s son made the cutest ring bearer!

The reception was held just down the street from Historic Boone Tavern at Churchill Weavers. Sara and Sam entered their reception and went into the best first dance as the Kites played an acoustic version of “Lovebug” by the Jonas Brothers and were accompanied by Sara’s talend brother, Dalton Hutton, who sounded like a Jonas Brother himself! The bohemian decor in the reception space was unparalleled and Sara’s mom truly outdid herself!! We took a break from reception festivities to grab some more couple portraits. While the day had been slightly rainy we took advantage of a break in the rain and made the best of it, still getting some dreamy portraits! After some sweet speeches sharing more insight into Sam and Sara’s redemptive story we staged a sparkler exit under the twinkle lights outside Churchills. Then as Sam would say, “the real ones” stayed for the best karaoke I’ve ever heard. As someone who isn’t a big dancer, but loves to sing, this was my perfect idea of a reception. My coverage ended but I had to stick around and celebrate with friends, while still snapping some here and there. Not only were the song selections on point from High School Musical throwbacks, to Taylor Swift (my personal favorite), and more Jonas brothers; but the people singing were some of the most talented singers from church so it was like epic karaoke. No one wanted to go after Nick Fields’ rendition of God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts.

Sara and Sam, thank you for inviting me into this season of your lives from the beginning and letting me capture your love story. I’m blessed to call you all friends, not just clients – that’s always my favorite! While out to eat one night recently, Sara described how healing their relationship was and how it was exactly what they both needed. I said, “I’m going to save that for the blog” and was mentally taking notes because that statement truly describes their story, as I hope these images do the same. Enjoy some of my favorites from this beautiful day!