In a perfect southern town with big old trees that lined the cobble stone sidewalks, two families came together and celebrated love in the most spectacular mansion I’ve ever seen. With activities all weekend and sharing one home together, friends became family and family became friends.

As Kamilah anxiously stood in the doorway with her dad before he gave her away, she fought back tears. And so did I. The last Marks girl, and my bff’s younger sister, had found a man who lit her up in a way no one else could. As she made her way down the aisle and saw Sam for the first time, tears filled her eyes and the warm Savannah breeze caught her veil. Just as her dad held her close in the last moments before giving her away, rays of sun broke through the clouds and down onto the ceremony. It was only for a brief moment, but the timing did not go unnoticed by me. Tears streamed down my face as it was an amazing sign of this marriage being blessed. The ceremony was light hearted and filled with laughter. Mena and Sam even reiterated their favorite parts of their vows that they wanted the other to stay true to. “Would you like him to repeat that?” the pastor would ask. 🙂 As they were announced as husband and wife, the sun broke through the clouds again and beamed on their elated faces as they came down the aisle together. It just so happened that it stayed out the rest of the evening. 🙂

The maids of honor and older sisters trying to hold back tears.

Only a few steps out the door and Mena couldn’t fight them any longer.

The sun breaking through as dad gave her away.

A tear streams down her face as she makes Sam repeat one part of his vows.

At the end of the wedding night, we sat around and Sam’s aunt told us a story about a conversation she had with Mena before they were engaged. She said to her… “You know he will get deployed at some point”… as that can be a hard decision to make in committing to someone. Mena simply replied, “It’s too late… I’m already in too deep.”  This photo below shows that exactly. It’s one of those moments where they take everything in… forget anyone else is there… and nothing else matters but being together.

Proud parents.

I know its blurry and out of focus…. and I love it.I am blessed to have friends that consider me family. Savannah, Georgia… you treated me well. Thank you for your gorgeous light, amazing walkways, and moss filled trees.