You know how sometimes, you get in a new situation and it takes you a while to get comfortable?  You aren’t sure exactly where to stand or sit, who to talk to, or what to do? And then sometimes, you walk into a new situation and are welcomed into a beautiful flurry of warmth and fun and kindness? That was what happened when we got to Sarah and Mathew’s wedding day!  While Michael scouted portrait locations, I met with Sarah and her girls.  I say her girls like that because while she had 4 bridesmaids, which is a very typical number, in darling in-home Salon 416, there was Sarah’s sweet mama, Sarah’s bridesmaids, a gaggle of adorable and lively nieces of all ages, and Sarah’s grandmother.  It was packed in the best sort of way.  Because while 2-3 people were getting “beautified” at a time, the rest were giggling and chatting and sharing stories.  But the interactions that stole my heart every moment were those with this grandma and her girls.  Girls- and one daughter and one bride- whom she has invested years and years into loving and pouring into. And it showed in the most immense way.  As a mother, that is your task, your main job- but not everyone get’s that from their grandma.  These ladies do.  Grandma was so vibrant and full of energy and could keep up with every one of those girl’s.  She walked in the door and was immediately in tears over how beautiful Sarah was.  When the sweet flower girl, whom Grandma babysat daily from when she was a baby until she recently began school, got all ready, Grandma cried.  As she and her daughter helped get Sarah into her dress, she giggled and cried.  And when she went through the beautiful gift from the maid of honor to the bride, sitting on the floor with all those sweet great grand babies of hers surrounded around her, I just watched her pour and pour energy and love into them.  And I thought…This is how people know love.  And why I do what I do.  To capture in an picture the immense feeling and joy and love that was so very visible in every moment of their day.  To quote, as a photography team I very much admire says, this one stays.  This moment stays.

Sarah and Matthew, I absolutely adore you two.  I loved meeting your families and seeing where you come from, and what made you to be such welcoming and fun people.  I could tell the same stories about Matthew and what I think was the sweetest best man speech I have ever seen from his older brother, but I thought he might be a little less happy with me sharing about his emotion than grandma. 😉 I loved seeing you two with all your sweet nieces and nephews, pouring into them the way Grandma pours into her girls. I just loved the whole day, and am SO overjoyed for you two!

Remember me talking about Grandma and her girls? Here a few of them are!!! These two had such a special relationship as well- it was just beautiful!  Sarah, you are doing for B what your grandmother did for you (giving you an extra bff beyond your mother, who I know poured into you immensely as well!), and it is so wonderful! First look time- these moments are always some of the most special of the day! Looking so great, you guys! LOVE this! Sarah, you are so gorgeous! Love this of Michael’s on the right!!
This plaid shirt and wedding dress thing was SO adorable!!! Loved all the fall decor!! Sarah and Matthew, we adore you guys and are so happy for you!  Thank you so much for the honor of capturing your day- we hope you love these favorites!
To see Matt & Sarah’s beautiful fall engagement session–click here!!

I adored working with this amazing creative team for Sarah and Matt’s fall wedding!!

Ceremony Venue: Holy Family Parish

Reception Venue:  Knights of Columbus

Wedding Dress Boutique: Adore Bridal

Wedding Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero

Hair and makeup: Salon 416

DJ: Woodworth Entertainment

Caterer: Lincoln Land Catering