I’m just going to go ahead and preface this post by saying it may be my longest wedding post to date. Ha!!! Susie and Darren contacted me almost TWO YEARS ago (in 2016!!!) about photographing their wedding day. I still remember her initial inquiry making me SO excited…she was one of the FIRST photographers that reached out to me about capturing her wedding day. And she was in OHIO!!! It was such a big deal to me and something I was so honored to do from the very start. We spent an hour on Skype together for her consultation and ended up talking about so much more than just her wedding photography. The way she described her wedding seemed like she was describing MY dream wedding day!! And the way her and Darren loved each other was so apparent, even from states away. This day was so special for so many reasons and I can’t believe I’m finally getting to share it on the blog!

Susie and Darren started dating in high school over NINE years ago. He was from California and she was a small town Ohio girl…but they both say they immediately knew they would be together forever. They spent a year dating long distance (and flying back and forth for each other’s high school senior dances!) before finally being together in Ohio. This day was a long time coming and the emotion throughout the entire day was so evident!

Susie and Darren, I cannot thank you both enough for the opportunity and the privilege of capturing these memories for you. The way that you both shine a light for Jesus and love everyone around you so well was an honor to witness. I couldn’t help but cry alongside you for so many moments throughout the day! Enjoy some of my favorites from your big day and know that I am always cheering for you! XOXOXO!

Talk about being a Hope Taylor bride…

New all-time favorite dress shot!!! This was hanging from a LIGHT in the reception space that dropped from the ceiling!! So cool!

Huge thank you to my second shooter and intern, Andrea, for these amazing shots!

Casually got rained on with Champagne…#worthit

First look with the bridesmaids!!! This is how you know you are well loved…10 girls that look at you like THIS!

Flower girl first look with the groom…pretty sure this is the first time I cried. Yep.

Daddy-daughter first look..

First look with DARREN!! Cue me crying again.

Time to make it official!!!

Oh, ya’ll…this is when I lost it. The most special moment of the whole day. Susie’s grandma has Alzheimer’s…she has a very hard time remembering who anyone is. Right before the ceremony, you could tell she was a little confused. Then, when Susie walked down the aisle, in a quiet church, grandma yelled “HI SUSIE!” right as she walked past. I think the entire room was crying!!

MARRIED!!!

If you saw my insta stories, this is about the time a MASSIVE severe storm rolled in. We had to run and hide underneath the walkways and tuck Susie in a corner so she didn’t get wet…the rain was coming down sideways!!

Then it cleared up and we got THESE!

Favorite!!!

Reception details for DAAYSSSSS…

Darren’s sister sang a song at the reception and he immediately burst into tears. So did I.

More rain rolled in…but we still made “golden hour” portraits happen!!!

You’re the best, Susie!!!

A huge thank you to all of the incredible vendors that made this day happen: