Paul and Tara are the kind of people you just want to be friends with. Paul is also just the kind of guy that you want to see a girl like Tara with – kind, genuine, loving to his family, and completely, madly in love with his new bride. I felt like I knew these two pretty well after their super fun and adorable engagement session in Ellicott City, but it wasn’t until their reception, where they were surrounded by their closest friends and family, that I truly began to understand just how special they are.

Watching Tara with her bridesmaids was emotional for me, as I had just said goodbye to one of my best friends that morning, and her and her girls were clearly so close to each other. Actually, this whole reception was just the most emotional I’ve ever been at a wedding before! By the time toasts were over, I felt like I needed to go clean up – I was a crying mess! I was a little bit embarrassed to be in front of everyone, crying through the photographing. Some of my favorite shots from the whole day were taken during the toasts during the reception – moments like Tara’s younger brother reading a letter their father had written to Tara over twenty years ago, and had waited until her wedding day to give it to her. It was written on the back of an MRE wrapper, while he sat on a plane to Somalia, unsure if he would ever make it back to his then two-year-old daughter. Moments like Tara and her best friend holding hands under the table while her new husband stood up beside her brother to give him the support he needed to finish reading that letter. The love and devotion to family ties was so apparent that night! Being a daddy’s girl myself, I felt especially sensitive! It was a beautiful day and evening to witness. I am so excited to share these images with Paul and Tara so they can see for themselves just how amazing their day really was!!

A huge thanks to all the awesome vendors who made this day so wonderful for Paul and Tara!

Bride’s dress: Bridals by Elena

Hair Stylists: M Salon

Makeup: Amber Gueo

Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal & Alfred Angelo

Tux Brand/Rental: Men’s Wearhouse

DJ: Shaun Rosa

Florist: Petal Pusher Florist & Gifts

Venue: The Great Room at Savage Mill

Cake Bakery: Kupcakes & Co.