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aya + sam | the millstone wedding

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From the moment I “met” Aya + Sam over our initial FaceTime consultation, I couldn’t help but feel like we were friends already.  Aya has the most contagious smile and a bubbly personality that lights up anyone around her – and especially Sam, of course!  These two are constantly bringing a smile to each other’s faces, and it’s the sweetest thing to witness, and to capture.  (Just wait till you see their bride + groom portraits!!)

There was so much excitement and anticipation in the air when I arrived at The Millstone on the wedding day!  Aya and her bridesmaids were enjoying every moment, chatting and laughing as the finishing touches were being put on their hair and makeup!  Several of Aya and Sam’s good friends, along with Sam and the groomsmen, were making their way around the grounds, putting together the final details for the ceremony and reception decor.  (And y’all, they did SUCH a fabulous job!  They 100% nailed the cozy winter setting that Aya envisioned and I can’t wait for you to see all of those pretty details!)  Aya and Sam and their bridal party were troopers – in spite of the winter chill in the air and the sprinkles we encountered every so often, they focused on the joy of this day and we captured some of my new fave bridal party portraits ever!

Aya + Sam’s ceremony was meaningful and genuine, and full of heartfelt moments that will be remembered and treasured forever.  Aya’s brother and sister-in-law shared a scripture reading, and Sam’s brother and several friends played a beautiful song as their families came together and prayed over their marriage.  And after the ceremony, once Aya and Sam were able to finally enjoy each other’s presence for the first time that day, there was a peace and contentment that came over them both.  Finally, they were husband and wife.  The wait and the planning were over, and it was time to celebrate!  After portraits, they joined their guests in the warm glow of candles and twinkle lights, surrounded by Christmas trees and winter greenery.  They shared dinner with their guests, their families honored them with toasts, and then the dance floor filled up before the night came to a close with a sparkler exit!  It was such a privilege and an honor to be able to share this day with Aya, Sam, and their friends and family – and I am so excited to share my favorite moments with y’all!

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Can you believe these florals were DIY’ed?!  They were absolutely stunning!

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The girls had coordinating jammies to get ready in that morning!

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I love the pure joy in Aya’s smile in this next frame on the right!

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Loved these sweet moments between Aya and her mom …

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AYA!  You are absolutely stunning!

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We built in a few minutes for a Father-Daughter First Look and it was so precious!

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These gorgeous ladies were such troopers in the cold!

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Have I mentioned how gorgeous these florals were?!?

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Also kind of obsessed with the girls’ dresses – especially those flowy tulle skirts!!!

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How stunning is this ceremony site?!  (And all the gorgeous winter greenery?!)

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Y’ALL.  Even though it was cold, and the ground was a little wet, and the clouds were going to hide the sunset from us … Aya and Sam were amazing and we were able to make the most of our bride + groom portrait time, and I’m telling you, we captured some of my favorite bride + groom portraits EVER!  all. the. heart eyes.

See below…

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p.s. we incorporated this red + black buffalo plaid blanket scarf out of pure necessity (it was COLD, y’all) but I’m not going to lie.  I’m kind of obsessed with it.  and also with this next image. <3

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Also, can we pause for a minute to appreciate what a stunning bride Aya is?!?

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Kiiiind of obsessed with both of these quiet, romantic moments, but especially the one on the right!

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GAH!  I love this next one so much!!

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I loved these centerpieces – the combination of candlelit mason jars with winter greenery, berries, and pine cones was so warm and inviting!  (And also each guest had a candy cane waiting for them at their seat – how fun is that?!)

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Love these sweet moments during the formal dances…

Y’all.  I’m a huge fan of donuts in lieu of wedding cake – especially when they’re dressed up like this:

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I mean, HOW magical and Christmas-y is this donut tower?!?  I can’t even.

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Loved how festive this cake stand was!!

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Instead of a traditional guestbook, Aya + Sam asked their guests to sign an ornament to hang on the tree!  Love how unique that is for a December wedding!

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Aya, Sam, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this season of your lives!  It was a joy and an honor to get to know y’all and to be able to celebrate with you, your family, and your friends!


So, so many thank you’s to the incredible team of pro vendors and friends/family who made Aya + Sam’s vision come to life:

venue | the millstone

planner | Brooke, friend of the bride

florals | diy

bridal gown | david’s bridal

catering | faith baked cakes

video | Noah, friend of the bride + groom

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