It would be so easy to go on and on about how gorgeous this wedding by Sara Donaldson is. I could literally go on for days about the pretty navy bridesmaids dresses and how the flower displays and bouquets by Bella Flora of Dallas are insanely beautiful…but I think I’d be missing the underlying message in this wedding and that is one of love and commitment even in the toughest of times, like when this beautiful bride battled (and beat!) breast cancer with the love of her life by her side. Love really is a powerful thing of beauty. Click here for even more.
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From Sara of Sara Donaldson Photography… The latest entry on Magan’s blog post is titled, “If you love the life you live, you will live a life of love.” Maegan lives a life of love: Her wide-open heart and strong yet soft demeanor draw you in. Maegan was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks before her 24th birthday. With the help of her beloved, Ryan, she decided to do everything in her power to beat cancer. She endured chemo, radiation, multiple surgeries, infections and hospital stays, with Ryan at her side. Today, she is in remission, married to the love of her life, with a set of beautiful images that captured her truly enchanting November wedding day.
As I prepped my gear for their outdoor wedding, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was going to rain. I packed umbrellas and a rain cover for my camera as a precaution, considering the forecast looked lackluster at best…and thought to myself, it’s ok. If the heavens open up today with rain, it will be heaven’s happy tears. A bright-eyed beauty is marrying the love of her life today, supported and loved by him in a way not often seen. When I arrived at the venue, the amazing team from Bella Flora of Dallas was buzzing about, making the final touches to their exquisite set. Among the box of details I was to shoot, I found, to my tearful surprise, dozens and dozens of vintage hankies, wrapped with a sweet bow and tied with a tag that said, “Happy Tears.” The day swiftly went from gloomy and cloudy to perfectly sunny; the heavens opening up to showcase a perfect sunset and a beautifully mild evening as the backdrop for Maegan and Ryan’s proclamation of love. It was one of the sweetest moments thus far in my career to watch them through the lens that day. I am grateful to have opportunities in my life to provide such lovely people with lasting memories. What a joy. If you would like to learn more about Maegan’s battle with cancer, please visit Maegan’s blog.
From Jaime of Bella Flora of Dallas… When I first met with Maegan and Ryan, they had just decided to scratch their idea of a destination wedding on the beach and keep the nuptials in Ryan’s home state of Texas. Neither wanted a stuffy, super formal affair, but wanted to incorporate the bride’s love of Anthropologie and the groom’s love for cars into their special day. Maegan and Ryan exchanged “I Dos” at Vaquero Golf Club — the same place where they fell in love under a sky of bright fireworks on July 4th. To everyone’s surprise, a fireworks show erupted as soon as the bride and groom made their way back down the aisle. The entertaining show was the perfect precursor to the enchanting reception that was to follow. The porch at Vaquero where Maegan and Ryan had shared many meals had been transformed with a grand tent, glowing candlelight, and fluttery blooms in romantic tones. Guests sat at wooden tables complete with Jan Barboglio chargers, vintage china and paisley printed chairs. Lush garden roses, peonies, hydrangea, queen ann’s lace, and lisianthus spilled out of tall mercury vessels. The eclectic but sophisticated look was the perfect blend of Maegan’s dream and Ryan’s mother’s exquisite taste. Touches of Maegan and Ryan’s personalities were seen throughout the night. Guests snacked on a late night buffet of carnival foods complete with mini caramel apples, donuts, and caramel popcorn. Guests were given vintage hankies for their “happy tears” during the ceremony, and festive pashminas were displayed in a delicate chest that had been passed down through Ryan’s family. In true Isip style, the couple departed in Ryan’s dad’s roaring Ferrari. There was not a dry eye as the couple’s friends shared their love and appreciation for Maegan and Ryan. Less than a year before the wedding, Maegan conquered her battle with breast cancer, and Ryan was there with her every step of the way. Through the chemo, surgeries, and hospital stays, the couple grew even more in their relationship, and it was evident of their love on their wedding day.
Photography: Sara Donaldson / Venue: Vaquero Club / Event Coordination, Design + Flowers: Bella Flora of Dallas / Hankies: Vintage / Wooden Chest for Scarves: Family / Getaway Car: Ferrari / Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier / Pashminas: A California flea market / Cocktail napkins + Rentals: Bella Flora of Dallas / Wedding Cake + Mini Vanilla Cakes: Panini Bakery / Food + Chocolate Lava Cakes: Vaquero Club