Not only is this Historic Cedarwood as pretty as they come, it’s as special as they come too. Captured by Sara Kristen Photography, this is the union of two people that have so much heart is seems to shine through every image. And although the details were basically perfection, their focus on charity and their story of love (the description is worth the read) takes center stage, making this gallery heartwarming to say the very least.
[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/CyzVl2uKroY 600 338]
From Sara Kristen Photography…This beautiful and inspiring wedding was unique because it centered around giving back, helping an organization called “ordinary hero. It’s a non-profit organization that seeks to bring public awareness to the orphan crisis and provide opportunities to change the lives of children in need.
I’ve noticed that more brides recently are wanting to make a difference and include something in their wedding that will help support charities or build their community. With this wedding, the bride and groom wanted to honor their family’s story – past, present, & future. Which included the groom’s late wife who passed away a year before, just after having adopted a beautiful baby boy from Ethiopia through the “Ordinary Hero” program. Here’s a video of the groom telling his story (you might need a tissue, I cried buckets when I watched it) .
From the Bride…For a girl who really never “dreamed” about my wedding day, I admit that it turned out to be everything I could have ever hoped for or imagined. To say that the day was “perfect” just won’t suffice. I don’t necessarily believe in things being “perfect”, but I do believe in things being just what you need – and for me, my wedding day was what I needed…and what my husband and his 4 beautiful children (who are now my 4 beautiful children) needed. It was a day to celebrate a relationship that only God could have orchestrated. While, in turn, giving honor to my husband’s late wife, Beth, who passed away a year ago in August. In lieu of wedding gifts, we decided to accept donations to a memorial fund set up in Beth’s honor. We asked for donations that would help women & orphans in Ethiopia provide a better way of life for themselves & for their families. This is what made my wedding day so unique – it wasn’t just about me or my husband or even our kids. I know that doesn’t necessarily go with the norm – but there are too many people in this world who need help and if I can use “my” day to focus the attention on the needs of others than that makes it all worthwhile.
My favorite memory from the wedding would have to simply be the ceremony. I know it may be cliché to say that, but it was honestly the one thing that calmed my nerves & kept me smiling. The vows were beautiful & I was excited to be entering into a new life with Michael & the kids. I especially like that we could share this moment together.
Photography: Sara Kristen Photography | Dress: Maggie Sottero | Bride's Shoes: Toms | Catering: Chef Christopher | Makeup: Ulta | Ceremony Music: Nashville Wedding Guitarist | Dress From: Ever After | Event Styling, Planning, Flowers And Design/décor: Cedarwood Weddings | Hairpiece & Earrings: Ever After | Invitations & Paper Goods: Designs in Paper | Location: Cedarwood Weddings | Video: 29eleven | Wedding Cake/Cupcakes: Patty Cakes