SARAH & ERIC

I am writing this blog tonight as a happy girl. Why am I a happy girl, you may ask? I will tell you. I am a happy girl because it is SEPTEMBER!  My favorite time of the year is here.  It’s autumn!  Or practically autumn.  Sure the weather is still hot.  The grass still needs mowing, and the leaves haven’t shown a single sign of changing colors.  BUT THEY WILL!!!!!  And that’s why I’m a happy girl. The anticipation of autumn and all its glory is coming and I can’t wait. :--)

The season started off in one of the best ways possible. We had a wedding!  And it was a beautiful wedding!  This past weekend Sarah and Eric were married in a sweet ceremony at the Delta Pavilion in Opryland Hotel. And they were such a NICE couple with a NICE family…..we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to share happy wedding days with the nicest people…..

But let’s start at the beginning.

Opryland Hotel is a BIG hotel. And since Lynette, Amanda, and I had different places to go and things to do once we got to the hotel, we all went in our own cars. Lynette and Amanda already knew where Sarah would be getting dressed, but I had no idea where Eric would be until I was driving to the hotel and Lynette called me on my cell and told me which room Eric was getting dressed in. 3621…..3621…….3621 (I had to keep repeating it to myself since I couldn’t write the number down because I was driving).

Being somewhat “hotel room locating” challenged, it only took me about six rides up and down the Cascades elevator before I found 3621. And when I FINALLY did find the room, I knocked on the door and it was answered by a guy wearing a mullet wig. I introduced myself as I made my way in carrying my tripod and camera, looking around with much hope that I would recognize a familiar face. Everyone was in tuxes and nice dresses, so that was a good sign, but NO ERIC!  Everyone started laughing and only then did I realize that Eric was the guy wearing the mullet wig!  Well, one of the guys. His brother had one on too! I knew then that this was going to be a fun group of guys!

Sarah and Eric had chosen to not see each other before the ceremony. So Lynette and Amanda were with Sarah and her bridesmaids, and I was with Eric and his groomsmen right up until time for the wedding. We only had a short time to take a few photographs of the guys before we made our long trek up stairs and down stairs to the Delta Pavilion. I was trying to keep up with photographer, Joey Pippin, Eric, and the guys, while carrying my camera, tripod, and shoot sack…..and not doing a very good job at it. WHEW!

Once we made it to the Pavilion, guests were already arriving and being seated. Lynette and I got in our places, while Amanda stayed with Sarah until she made her appearance. I couldn’t wait to see Sarah. Like all our weddings this year I wasn’t able to see her before the actual ceremony. And I love to see the brides in their dresses! I knew that Sarah would be walking up behind me, but I couldn’t turn around to see her because it was my job to capture Eric’s face when he first saw Sarah. So I kept watching for a reaction on Eric’s face, and then it came. The biggest smile! And then Sarah and her Dad walked by and Sarah looked soooooooo beautiful! I couldn’t help but smile myself. The ceremony itself was very charming and sweet and perfect. Sarah and Eric looked so happy!

After the ceremony, all of the guests made their way to the Magnolia Ballroom for the reception. And of course I was on a mission to get there first! I didn’t quite make it first, but I wasn’t too far behind! While the guests were having hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the pre-reception area, Amanda (who somehow caught up with me extremely fast), and I made our way into the ballroom. It was decorated beautifully! And the cake…..the cake was beautiful too! It was perfectly decorated with touches of my favorite color (pink). Of course I ate a piece later in the evening and it was yummy! Once the guests were allowed in, and Sarah and Eric were introduced, they went straight to the cake and cut it. Then everyone enjoyed a nice, leisurely dinner.

DJ, Doug Griffin, kept the evening moving along with dinner music first, and then dance music when Sarah and Eric and the guests were ready to party! He played lots of requests, and I like it when DJ’s do that. But I was especially impressed by how smoothly the whole day moved along, and that was due to wedding planner Courtney Hammon of A Magical Affair. She’s great to work with! She’s got a terrific personality and nothing seems to get her ruffled. And this is an important trait for a wedding planner! We enjoyed working with Courtney so much and were so impressed by her, that we’re making her our Spotlight Vendor!

As the evening wore down and Sarah and Eric were making their way out of the ballroom and up to their room, I just had to stop them and tell Sarah how beautiful she looked. I hadn’t had a chance to talk to her all day and I wanted her to know how pretty she looked, even at the end of a long but happy day. And I think Eric agreed……

So good-night and best wishes to Sarah and Eric wherever you are tonight….. Thank you for allowing us to capture your special day for you!

And the clock says tick tock and it’s time for me to go to bed…….

Comments

[Tina Brown]

Congrats lil' Sara!!! I can't believe you're all grown up and as lovely as ever!! I pray for your happiness for all you and Eric's years to come! May your true Essence shine through with your new transition in life!!!

Luv ya,
Tina B.