Samantha and Steven are celebrating one week of marriage today and we couldn’t be any more excited to share a sweet peek into their very beautiful day. Samantha and Steven were originally set to be married earlier this year in June, but because of the pandemic, they were forced to postpone the wedding for a few months. Fast forward to the most perfect Friday in September, and this darling pair would finally get the privilege to tie the knot on their own little slice of heaven. When Samantha contacted us telling us of their changed plans, we were so excited to learn they were now planning to host their wedding in their own backyard! We adore backyard weddings. Especially when the land itself holds such a sentimental value to the couple.
Samantha and Steven truly were blessed with such a perfect day! When we arrived and saw the ceremony site set up on the back side of their property, we knew it was going to be one spectacular day! They chose to have their ceremony just before sunset so the lighting would be dreamy and perfect! While we were outside capturing the prettiest of bridal details, you could hear laughing and giggling just inside the house where Sam and all her bridesmaids were getting ready for the day! There was a feeling of busyness in the air as bridesmaids rushed around preparing different aspects of the day. We headed about 10 minutes down the road where Samantha’s grandparents live. There, we met Steven and his groomsmen. Steven’s best man helped him into his wedding day attire. Laughter ensued as these two had quite the difficult time trying to put on the suspenders. A few final touches were added, and Steven was officially ready for the day! He looked so excited for the day.
When we arrived back at the house, Samantha and the girls were finishing up with hair and makeup. Before getting Samantha in her wedding gown, we had her and all the girls pop outside on the front porch for a fun champagne popping! All the girls cheered in excitement as the bottle spewed bubbly all over the front porch! It was finally time for Samantha to get into her dress! With the help of her mom and little sister, they fastened her in the gown. A few jewelry pieces were added before Sam’s mom added the final touch, a veil. Sam’s mom began to tear up as she stood in awe of the sight of her daughter as a bride. Waiting just outside on the front porch were all of Sam’s bridesmaids. They were all anxiously anticipating her arrival so she could official reveal her bridal look to them all! Cheering and compliments began as they all turned around and saw Sam for the first time.
Next, Samantha would share a first look with her dad Matthew! You could tell he was very emotional the majority of the day, so we knew this first look would be pretty special. As Sam glided towards her dad, she quickly tapped his shoulder and he spun around, lost for words. He just stood there holding his sweet little girl and he couldn’t stop smiling. He grabbed her and pulled her in for the most warm of hugs. Sam had her mom come out to the porch to exchange a few gifts. It was an emotional time as the three of them took in the moment.
On the prayer path at their property, Steven stood anxiously awaiting the arrival of his beautiful bride. Samantha’s Maid of Honor drove her over to the wooded area and helped her out of the ranger. Her gown and veil was fluffed and put perfectly in place before she made her way to Steven. She effortlessly walked towards him and tapped Steven. He quickly turned around and immediately embraced Sam with such a romantic hug. The two of them stood there for a while just taking in the sweet moment. It was as if they were both lost in their own little world, forgetting that camera shutters were rapidly snapping away to capture the genuine moment. Just after the first look, we slid directly into bride and groom portraits, and let me tell you, these two did not disappoint. Sam and Steven are so in love with one another, it’s impossible to take a bad photo. Their love is endearing and their connection is undeniable. It really is something so special to witness.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent photographing their bridal party portraits and family formals. It was important to them to get all photos complete before the ceremony so they could have a few just married sunset portraits immediately following the intimate ceremony. As the clock neared six o’clock, guests began finding their seats on the beautiful property. Sam was escorted down the aisle by her father. Steven teared up as his bride made her way to the front of the aisle. Sam and Steven shared in a lovely ceremony with heartfelt handwritten vows to one another. It was such a sweet and romantic ceremony full of so much love. Just after the ceremony, we whisked them away for sunset portraits. And let me tell you, we couldn’t have had more perfect light. This golden hour was an absolute dream. Pair that with a gorgeous, madly in love couple, and you get gold! These two blew us away over and over. They really do share a special love.
As the sun set, Sam and Steven joined their guests outside in the front yard for the reception. Sweet toasts were given, dancing filled the evening hours, and good food was enjoyed by all! As it was time for us to leave, Sam and Steven joined their guests for a fun sendoff. They lined the yard and waved sparklers around as Sam and Steven dashed down the aisle of guests. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Sam and Steven, thank you for trusting us to capture your first day as husband and wife! We couldn’t be any more thrilled to share a sneak peek into your day. We know as Mr. & Mrs. Ebers, you two will accomplish amazing things! Cheers to you both for a long and happy marriage! Enjoy some of our favorites.
