We were really looking forward to Sage and Dom’s wedding at one of our favorite venues, The Mill at Manor Falls. In the morning, while I was busy photographing the beautiful bridal details like Sage’s stunning crocheted gown and the sweet little locket with pictures of her grandparents, Matt was photographing the groom details and was able to squeeze in a few quiet moments with Dom before the wedding started. Sage and Dom planned for an outdoor ceremony, so the whole week leading up to the wedding day, we were watching the forecast. The weather was looking like it would be pretty sketchy. Sage and Dom were prepared with umbrellas, but fortunately, the storms held off for the ceremony. At one point during their portrait time it was raining on half of the property, but still, no umbrellas were needed because it wasn’t raining on the wildflower fields where we were shooting sunset portraits. The only thing we really had to deal with was the crazy humidity, but these two took it in stride and kept a good attitude despite the fact that we were all dripping sweat the whole day from the high heat and humidity. They wanted a small, intimate gathering for their wedding, and it turned out to be a wonderful, low-key day.

After wedding shoots, Matt and I typically debrief each other on the things that stood out the most to us, little details, or great conversations that were had. One of the things Sage and Dom’s loved ones told me is how they complement each other so well. They balance each other and take care of each other. Do you remember those few quiet moments Matt had with Dom after he finished photographing the details? He couldn’t wait to tell me about that conversation.

Matt said he asked Dom, “when he knew.” You know, when he knew that Sage was “the one.” Dom and Sage have known each other for quite some time, they’ve been together for almost a decade, so Matt was curious. Was it love at first sight, but the timing was never quite right until now? Was it a slow building love, that turned into more over time?

Dom looked at him, and thought for a few seconds. Then said, “one year in… about the one year mark.”

Matt asked him, “why at one year?”

“When we first met, I had nothing, but she was willing to take care of me, to stand by me, to be with me. She did that for about a year before I was able to start taking care of her… and I haven’t stopped.” Dom said, when you are with someone who will stay with you even when you have nothing to bring to the table, and they stay even when circumstances change, you “know”, they are there for the long haul. No matter how much time passes, or how circumstances change.

Wow, what an amazing example of love.

I’m so glad we could help Dom and Sage document their special day, and I wish them all the best as they begin their journey through married life.