Down the Aisle: Sarah + Darren

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One of the best things about being a Nebraska wedding photographer is getting to travel far and wide across this beautiful state to capture the day for couples and families in the various small towns that dot our landscape. This past weekend, Emir and I found ourselves in the small town of Stuart, Nebraska. And though its population may be tiny (roughly 600 people), its heart is ginormous. In these small towns, putting on a wedding is a community event in every sense of the word. Not only is practically the whole town invited to the wedding, but everyone pitches in to help. Sarah told me that people she'd never even met (from neighboring towns) came to lend a hand with the decorations because—that's what neighbors do. Amazing.

Of course, that small town magic doesn't start and end with weddings. When one of the local farmers was injured and couldn't work, the rest of the neighboring farmers got together to plow and plant his fields, as if it were their own.

Stories like this are a dime a dozen in small town America, and as much as I love living in the city, there will always be a piece of my heart that belongs in small town USA. :)

Thanks for entrusting us to capture such a special celebration and for inviting us to be part of the local magic for the day. Congratulations to you all!

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The reception was held at the local auditorium which was completely transformed into this dazzling visual feast!

Thanks to Etsy, Sarah was able to have a custom silhouette cake topper made—sensational!

For the record... this is a gymnasium. Can you believe it? Everyone came together to completely transform this space into something utterly magical!

These gorgeous robes are from Plum Pretty Sugar...

Darren was awaiting Sarah at St. Boniface...

I love these ceremonies where the priest stands in the aisle and the entire congregation gets to see the couple exchange their vows...

Both Darren and Sarah's dads are named Scott. Here, Darren's dad (known as "Old Scott") gave everyone a good excuse to smile...

Darren's mom Linda wipes a tear...

To jump start the party, guests gathered in a circle and several bottles of Sangria were passed around while everyone showed off their dance moves while Jerry Jeff Walker's "Sangria Wine" poured through the speakers...

Down the Aisle: Lindsey & Jason

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As far as I could tell, Lindsey and Jason's wedding went off without a single hitch! (Except for the part where I stepped on Lindsey's veil while the crowd cheered their exit from the church—oops!) Meticulous planning, dedicated hand-crafting, and a holiday weekend that happened to fit quite nicely in between classes in Lindsey & Jason's graduate program. Phew! You did it! I hope you're all basking in the after glow of a fab, fab day!

Down the Aisle: Jennifer + Brett

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"I don't wish you completeness, as it interferes with drive and ambition, but may the two of you together, be greater than each of you apart." Paraphrasing from Jennifer's dad Steve whose toast left few dry eyes in the room. He went on to say, "Grab each other up by the lapels and be stronger, braver than you are apart. Do things you would never have done on your own..." I could've listened to him talk all night. Jenny and Brett are off on a grand new adventure, and their sendoff was incredible. What a couple. What a day!

Down the Aisle: Mallory + Sean

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Sean and Mallory's wedding was a  reminder of why I love my job and continue to do what I do. Getting to see two people embrace a new life together, surrounded by family and friends who love and support them—does magical things to your heart.

I was kinda obsessed with the tile pattern on the squeaky clean bathroom floors. Mal's cute toes make a lovely addition.

Sean made this cool headboard. Pretty sweet, eh?

This is their jaw-droppingly awesome new home. What a charmer! I adore the old-fashioned address numbers on the house, with the address written out, "Twelve Thirty Three."

Then it was on to the church where Sean was getting ready...

Sean's brother Collin is serving in the Armed Forces, currently in Kuwait. He got to watch the whole ceremony via Skype!

Even though Collin couldn't be there in person, he was very much a part of the celebration. Here, his mom Wendy says hello.

Why let vast distances keep you from giving a toast at your brother's wedding? Collin chimed in with a heart felt message for his brother via a prerecorded message.

It was well received. :)

Sean and Collin's mom was touched, as were we all.

You did it! Congratulations you two. And thank you for sharing your heart's joy with me.

Love Shoot: Karen + Jason

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Eighty acres! Say what?! These two love birds are planning their dream house on a whopping eighty acres of heaven a few miles north of town. Right now the property is filled with rolling hills, a pond, Karen's dad's fishing boat, and a tree swing carved with "Karen & Jason: Happily Ever After." (Obviously made with love.) I almost burst into tears when Karen told me how her parents surprised them with the swing. (I'm a sucker for sentimental things like that. When I moved to LA a billion years ago, my dad gave me a jar of dirt from my parents' yard with a label that said "You're Always Close to Home." Talk about a tear jerker!)

I can't wait to meet the rest of their families when their big day arrives in just a couple months!