What a blessing it was for Colleen and I to be part of this beautiful wedding. I haven't read what she is posting on her blog purposefully, because I like to tell the story through my own eyes. However, I can almost guarantee that we will have some of the same threads. Family was such a strong theme throughout the day and the whole experience. There is no way to not highlight that aspect.
Before I get into that, I want to share my first impressions of Sarah. Not having known her prior to this wedding experience, she was such a joy to work with. Initially as we were working through details and the business end of things, she was very prompt and yet laid back at the same time. We saw that same demeanor when we had our meeting to finalize details and work through the timeline. Not only was she a joy to work with, she had this joy about her. Her love for people shined through. She worked so kindly with the vendors at the wedding, spoke fondly of everyone, and was so sweet with her nieces (who were also the adorable flower girls). It was obvious that she had a wonderful relationship with Tom's family and she spoke so highly of her own family as well. When I look through our initital correspondence, several times she says "I just cannot wait to marry Tom Jackson!" When we were meeting, she said things such as "I am so excited to just be married...I am so happy for our life after the wedding...Tom will be such a great husband - the best! He keeps putting his wedding ring on and trying it out to see how it looks." I loved that! It is so easy to miss the point of a wedding by being caught up and stressed out about the actually event. However, in real life ~ it is the marriage that matters. Those of us who have been married some time know the completely beautiful aspects of a marriage focused on others, and we know that having a great wedding isn't what keeps that marriage going. I loved that her emphasis each time was on him and being his wife. Hard to find something negative about this girl. As you look through the photos, you will notice that her outer beauty mirrors her inner beauty. She is gorgeous!
It was fun to listen to the toasts from the dad, Tom's brother and one of Sarah's sisters. Her sister talked about how there was no way Sarah would find anyone with dimples quite as cute as hers - but you will see, Tom has them too! What cute kids they will have one day. I didn't get a lot of time with Tom, but it was clear that he is firmly grounded in a strong and loving family. He is kind and loving - as evidenced by the sweet way he was with her and the tender words he wrote. He is fun and totally enjoys being with Sarah. I know the two of them, surrounded by their wonderful friends and family, grounded in their faith in God and his leadership in their lives, will work hard to enjoy a marriage for a lifetime.
In the photo on the left below, Sarah sees her mother-in-law for the first time. Can you see the love and the joy I was talking about?
Words of love from her husband....and they were so sweet and tender.
Sarah had a fabulous attitude when a day that was originally predicted to have beautiful weather - turned rainy and brought her anticipated outdoor wedding indoors. It still was a beautiful, sacred event.
And in case you weren't there.....they sure do know how to throw a fun party!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful day and your lives with Colleen and I. It was a pleasure!Please check out CT Photo Memories for a peek in from Colleen's perspective. So thankful to get to work with such a great friend and photographer too!