Some unions surpass all barriers, borders, and obstacles…Some even surpass time. This union is one of those. Sam and Kate actually got married a year ago, but had a courthouse wedding that most of their family and friends couldn’t attend due to international travel restrictions (Sam is from the UK). If you recognize them it’s because we were able to photograph a little bit of their special day, and now, exactly one year later we were able to help them celebrate, along with a great many of their friends and family, at their vow renewal on their first anniversary.
How many of us wish that we had a tradition that is just ours that goes back tens… no, more than a hundred years? In this wedding, a tradition that had been started 142 years ago, and has been built upon in most generations along Sam’s family history, has added a new chapter. The heart shaped locket that you see in some of these pictures actually belonged to Sam’s ancestor Susannah, and she kept a lock of her mother Maria's hair in the locket. That same locket, and that same lock of hair have remained in the family to this day, and they were worn by Kate as she walked down the aisle, along with many other sweet heirlooms that have been added throughout the years, including the wedding band she wore to the ceremony.
Sam and Kate, if the toasts at your wedding were anything to go by, I can say with confidence, that Sam is the most dependable guy around, who is also good at everything, and Kate is the best friend and sister anyone could ever ask for. More so, the two of you come from families who have open hearts to strangers and family alike. They were willing to open their homes and their hearts to people they had never met before, and were still able to make each other feel like they’ve known each other for years. Marriage is not easy, but, having a long standing tradition of loving marriages, having families who raised both of you with great examples, and when you add to that the way you looked at each other on your wedding day, and a year later at your vow renewal… you have quite the recipe for success. We congratulate you on one year married, and we wish you all the best for a lifetime more.
Thanks so much for allowing us to celebrate with you.
Now for some other fun details about their day… Sam and Kate got married at The Booking House in Manheim, PA, which is actually located in my husband’s hometown. We’ve attended weddings there before, but this was the first time actually photographing one there, and let me tell you, I hope I get to do a bunch more because this place is a gem! It is both rustic and modern industrial with it’s old wooden beams and barn doors and exposed brick all around. And I can’t forget to mention the coordinating staff, which is top notch! They made the day run so smoothly, I cannot recommend them enough!
If you look back at Sam and Kate’s wedding pictures from last year in Baltimore, you’ll see that she wore a super cute pair of blue bridal shoes and had blue flowers in her bouquet. She decided to stick with the same theme of blue accents and bridesmaid dresses and similar blue flowers in her bouquet for the vow renewal. And she even went with another pair of blue shoes, but this time she opted for the comfy option with a pair of light blue Chuck Taylor All Stars, perfect for dancing all night :)
We always gush about how gorgeous the brides are and Kate definitely was, in her delicate lace dress with its beautiful train, another fun changeup from the white pantsuit she wore to their civil ceremony last year. But we can’t forget about the groom either, and Sam looked so sharp in his dark blue suit and classic pocket square. I’m glad Matt got a picture of Sam and his dad with their matching Heuer watches. I would say, “like father, like son”, except I think Sam actually got his first and his dad liked it so much he decided to get one for himself. So in this case it would be more accurate to say, “like son, like father.”
After all the getting ready, Kate had a First Look with her dad and then a First Look with Sam. Kate’s dad could barely hold back the tears when he first saw his daughter. I don’t think anyone expected Sam to be super emotional, and we were right. His quiet and subtle reaction was very typical Sam, but seeing the way he looks at his bride, there’s no denying the love he has for her.
Sam and Kate’s ceremony was decorated perfectly, from the flowers and candles to the drapery and hanging lights, it all looked amazing!
After portrait time, we headed back into the same room, which was quickly transformed into one of the most beautiful receptions I’ve seen, complete with a donut wall and dessert table featuring amazing custom cake pops and chocolate covered Oreos.
The special dances were so sweet, the toasts had everyone laughing, and the party was so good even Grandma was out there dancing with everyone!
Thanks again Sam and Kate for letting us celebrate with you as you brought friends and family together for your vow renewal, we had a blast and we wish you all the best!
Ceremony & Reception | The Booking House
Dress Designer | Lillian West
Dress Store | K&B Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie
Groom and Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux
Jewelry Designer | Faye Daniel Designs
Hair & Makeup | Split Ends Salon
Florist | Sandra Porterfield
Planner | Aalea Ray
Cake | Mountain Laurel Catering
Catering | Mountain Lauren Catering
Donut Wall | Duck Donuts
Desserts | Dip & Drizzle Sweet Treats
Drapery and Lighting | Stray Production Services
Favors | Donation to House of Ruth in Baltimore