For those of you who’ve been following along on the blog for a while now, you’ll recognize this bride and groom. It’s funny, every time I’ve photographed these two it’s always been a destination sort of thing- the surprise proposal in Jacksonville, their engagement session in Savannah, and now their wedding in the California High Sierras. Something I’ve always loved about Dan & Sarah together, though, is that when you’re with them, you never feel like you’re away from home. The warmth with which they welcomed their friends and family to their wedding weekend was enough to make anyone feel like a blood relative. And I guess it makes sense that their friends from the various walks of life that the Navy’s taken them through all seemed to get along famously- they’re just the kind of people who make you feel appreciated and wanted.

That’s why Dan & Sarah go so well together. She knows she can let her hair down around him, that she doesn’t have to hide the fact that she’s a Harry Potter fan, that after several days of roughing it at a campsite, he only thought she was MORE beautiful. And he knows that those sweet dance moves he tries to keep hidden are only too welcome when they’re dancing together. Watching the two of them throughout the weekend was such a confirmation that they were perfectly made for one another.

Sarah, I can’t find the words to describe what an absolute honor it was to both photograph you on your wedding day and stand up beside you as a bridesmaid. You are my best and oldest friend and I shudder to think where I’d be (or what the state of my appearance would be) if it weren’t for so many years of friendship with you! I love you SO much, and I’m overjoyed that you’ve found a soulmate in Dan!

Dan, you’re perfect for Sarah. So perfect that I know I don’t need to waste my breath asking you to take care of her, because you already do that so well. I’ve never seen her so perfectly at ease in her own skin as she is with you, and I’m so glad you all went to brunch that morning in Sand Diego!

*A ginormous hug and thank you to the amazing Lukas & Suzy Van Dyke for coming all the way from LA to shoot with me! L & S, I freaking love you two. Thank you for giving me the chance to experience the day exactly as it unfolded! [You’ll see several of their images sprinkled throughout 🙂 ]*

Details-

Venue: Wuksachi Lodge
Dress: Melissa Sweet, via I do I do Wedding Gowns
Bridesmaids: Donna Morgan
Amazingly beautiful floral design: Fleurie
Reception decor: bride’s mother & father
Deejay: KM Productions