She was just Maggie’s best friend. Just a girl for Sam’s little sister to spend time with and have fun. But somehow, after a tour in Iraq, Sara looked different to Sam. She was actually “kinda cute” and something sparked. Maybe that’s what a tour in Iraq will do to you–make you see things anew.
Now, with two tours under his belt, 7.5 years of service complete, Sam and Sara cemented their blossoming relationship under a gorgeously flowered arch at Waterloo’s
Sunnyside Golf Course & Country Club.
Surrounded by blue bydrangeas, pink peonies and their closest friend & family, Sam & Sara started their own tour. Through marriage.
As
second shooter for the day, my duties revolved around the groom and his men:
and a little bling that the groomsmen get to carry in their pocket all day:
as well as the occassional lady, in his life (Sam’s mom, Geraldine and sister, Maggie)
Now, here’s where the other part of my job as second shooter comes into play-the details! Sara did a slam dunk when it came to giving me plenty to keep busy. I think besides photographing our gorgeous bride the entire day, I could’ve stuck with those blooms for quite some time:
Sunnyside’s event coordinator, Candace, always does a fantastic job with place settings and making their reception area look gorgeous.
The ceremony site overlooked the pond and was a beautiful setting for the day.
I always educate brides on the benefit of a First Look and Sam & Sara helped ease the flow of their day by giving us plenty of time to photograph them prior to the ceremony:
After giving them a few minutes just to themselves, we moved into the bridal portraits.
In between photos and the ceremony, I snuck back up to the reception area and catpured a few of Sara’s beautiful cake:
Sara’s dad is such a classy gentleman and did a fine job of giving his daughter away.
I knew I would love this image the minute it clicked because the wind gently picked up Sara’s train and gave it life. Simply gorgeous!
As second shooter, during the ceremony, I float in the background. I love being behind the scenes and capturing images like the following. Sam & Sara had an absolutely stunning day:
Following the ceremony, we moved into family formal photos and while Jane was working with Sam & his family, I snapped a few of just Sara:
After all family combinations had been completed, we ended with Sam & Sara (and the buttery light accompanied us the entire time.)
Sara + Sam: Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day! You did such a beautiful job planning and preparing that I know your marriage is set up for success. Congratulations and I pray nothing but blessings,
Sincerely,
Carrie
