michael + sarah {i do} royal oak farmers market winter wedding

Their winter wedding has been many years in the making and I’ve been waiting a year to see how Sarah would transform the Royal Oak Farmers Market. But first, girl sees boy in high school where a crush begins but it isn’t until several years later that boy finally takes girl on a date. The crushes my daughter’s have in their teen years make me roll my eyes but then I meet couples like Michael and Sarah. Or, I’m reminded that I was just fifteen when I met Todd. One week, as in a mere seven days, after their first date Sarah joined Michael at his family cabin. It just so happened to be the weekend of an annual family party at the cabin where Sarah was introduced to ALL of Michael’s family. Like me, I’m sure they caught one glimpse at her cute face when she scrunches her nose to laugh and adored her. I was lucky enough to hang out with them at the family cabin for their engagement session. Watching their wedding day unfold was heartwarming as Sarah’s vivacious personality came to life and she kept Michael’s hopelessly-in-love-gaze. Michael is selfless toward Sarah and simply wants her to be happy. Pretty simple but as a gal married to a selfless man, I can attest that this simple characteristic will lead to many years of happiness.

When my day began in the Presidential Suite at the Townsend in Birmingham, I knew my day wasn’t going to suck. All the cherries on top were the room full of gorgeous bridesmaids, Sarah’s mom, a divine dress, and a handful of items that Sarah would either wear or carry throughout the day that held such personal meaning. Sarah’s aunt made her gorgeous bouquet with wood flowers that were layered with gorgeous broaches, pearls, silk, a handmade handkerchief, and two petite photos of her father and grandmother that are no longer with us. Emotions ran high throughout the day as dreams came true and a celebration occurred while also having an awareness of loved ones who weren’t there. The bond between Sarah, her mom, and brothers is priceless. And, having shared time with Michael’s parents it’s no secret how proud they are of him and just how much they love him. My favorite thing about photographing weddings is seeing and capturing all the words that are said, without words, with gazes and body language. Lots was said with just a look or an embrace on Saturday, more so than I’ve ever seen at another wedding. And if their wedding wasn’t already a dream to photograph it certainly became so just in the details alone. Handmade bouquets, burlap bow ties, bridesmaids in dresses varying in style and color to create ombre which coincided with their ombre wedding cake. Todd is a distant cousin of Sarah’s and I found it especially darling when he showed up having his suit paired up with a purple dress shirt and bow tie. He didn’t know he’d match the decor but I loved it. Thank you to Carrie, whom I recently met through Michael and Sarah, for photographing the guys as they prepared for the day and the ceremony with me. All the images of the guys are Carries’ beautiful work.