Down the Aisle: Lauren + John

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It's not everyday that destiny literally calls to you. Friends for years who had drifted out of each other's lives, Lauren and John were pulled back together with a mysterious phone call.

John was at Boot Camp, with phone privileges only on weekends, his phone was packed away in a bag, closed within a locker when it apparently self-dialed Lauren. Obviously, it didn't leave a message, so Lauren, not recognizing the number, called back only to get John's voice mail. "What's up?" he asked when he returned her phone call. "Ummm.... you're the one who called me," she replied.

After years apart, that unexplainable phone call ignited a reconnection that lead to a wedding. That definitely calls for a celebration!

Congrats you two!

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!