This day unfolded so perfectly, so seamlessly, that both my second shooter, Laura, and I said to each other at the end of the night, “This was such a fun wedding to photograph!” Everyone had a blast with these two….even the president of the United States decided to drop in on the party!! But, more on THAT later…

As I mentioned in their engagement session post, Cara and Sander have been dating for 17 years. When I asked Cara what she was most excited for about her wedding day, the first response she gave me was “FINALLY being married!” Sander and his groomsmen were getting ready in their home in Odenton, and I met up with Cara, her mom, and her bridesmaids at the Marriott Waterfront in Annapolis. From the moment I stepped into the hotel room, I could sense the absolute excitement and JOY that everyone was feeling.

 

Cara’s dress has such a beautiful story associated with it! Originally, it was s sleeveless dress, but she had the sheer neckline and shoulders added, and the pearls sewn onto the top portion of her dress are from her mother’s own wedding dress! Such a wonderful legacy to pass down on her daughter’s wedding day!

Then the crew hopped into their limousine for the day and headed for the chapel at St. Andrews by the Bay.

 

I absolutely love this next photo! I can’t think of a better image to represent all the emotions that a woman’s wedding day brings her: Nervousness, excitement, gratitude, perhaps a touch of disbelief, but mostly….loving joy!

 

One of the sweetest ceremony moments I’ve ever experienced was when the priest read letters that Cara and Sander had separately written to each other. Sander wrote about Cara’s selfless qualities and their ability to weather through the tough moments during their relationship. Cara wrote of Sander’s amazing eyes, and how just looking into them provided her with a home, a sense of comfort, laughter, and never ending love. It seemed like there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when we heard how deeply and passionately these two cared about each other – and we also all learned what terrific writers they BOTH are!!

 

When we first pulled up to Renditions Golf Course, where Cara and Sander’s reception was being held, there were cop cars everywhere. My first thought was that perhaps there had been an accident. But then Laura mentioned there was a police academy nearby, and I shrugged it off. We were soon informed, however, that their presence was for a more important purpose than just to hit a few golf balls around – President Obama himself was golfing! We heard rumors that he might stop by the reception hall once he had finished golfing, and we all crossed our fingers. In the meantime, the REAL party was about to begin!

Just before the toasts were about to begin, the wedding coordinator dashed us all outside to await the arrival of the president!! It was a bit of a long wait, so we made sure to have fun taking pictures while we were outside!

 

My favorite line of the night was when Pam, the maid of honor, came back inside to give her toast and started it by saying, “I’m not sure it’s fair to make me follow the PRESIDENT of the United States!”

After the reception had officially ended, I got to spend just a little extra time with the bride and groom allll to myself, right at sunset. My photographer heart was in HEAVEN! We even got to drive the golf carts (though I probably should not be allowed to drive with expensive camera gear surrounding myself…Laura was cradling each lens like a little baby while I squealed in excitement and pressed the pedal to the metal! Ha!)

Being a part of this day was absolute dream! I couldn’t have asked for better vendors, a kinder bridal party, a more exciting ‘special’ guest, a more perfect venue and sunset….and I definitely couldn’t have asked for a sweeter, more deserving couple. Their love brings me hope. I love Cara and Sander, separately and uniquely, but seeing them together on this day, I just knew they are better together, they lift each other higher than they could ever be alone. And that kind of love is worth fighting for – that kind of love is worth remembering.

A special thanks to the amazing vendors who helped make this day so flawless!

Bride’s Dress | Lex Bridal Designs, Inc.
Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal
Men’s Tux | Men’s Wearhouse
Hair & Make Up Artists | Blush Makeup Artistry, LLC
DJ & Lighting | Tommy Gatz Entertainment
Florist | Michael Designs Florist 
Venue & Day-of Coordinator | Renditions Golf Course
Cake | Fiona’s Cakes
Photo Booth | Baltimore Photo Social