Sara and Steve met in high school. “[We] shared toasted pop tarts with friends in a music practice room. Things really heated up from there,” they told me in their wedding questionnaire. I smirked when I read that the first time, and I knew we would all click. When I have a first consultation with a bride I encourage them to trust their gut and choose a photographer that matches their vibe, that they enjoy being around, even if that photographer isn’t me. This is crucial to successful wedding photography, since the couple will be working more closely with their photographer than anyone else on their big day. Let the following photos testify to how much fun Alex Boerner and I had working with Sara and Steve at Magnolia Manor Plantation in Warrenton, NC. It never felt like work. Sara and Steve offer some good advice about keeping “the big picture in mind” on your wedding day. They take it from here. Prints can be ordered at the link at the end of the post.
1. What was most important to you in planning your wedding?
We wanted it to be as easy and painless as possible for all involved, including ourselves. Weddings can easily turn into giant stress monsters, and we wanted to be sure and keep the mood celebratory
2. What did you learn about yourself and your relationship in the process of planning the wedding?
We’ve been together for nine years. So, truthfully, we didn’t learn a whole a lot that was new. It was affirming that we were generally on the same page during the whole process. We were a strong team and kept the big picture in mind– having a big party with all the people we love!
3. What was the biggest challenge?
The venue we chose was close to all-inclusive, which really took care of all the most common challenges with wedding planning. The hardest part for us definitely came during the event itself. There were so many people from so many parts of our lives that we wanted to spend time with… Then, suddenly, the night was over!
4. What advice do you have for other brides out there?
Remember what this celebration is really about… Hint– It’s NOT about color combinations and seating arrangements! It’s easy to get lost in the things that don’t matter.
5. What was your favorite moment from the day?
Taking our shoes off at the end of a most excellent and successful night. Man oh man.
6. What factors other than photos went into your decision on a wedding photographer? Why did you decide to pick me?
We wanted a photographer who, like us, wouldn’t sweat the small stuff. From the start, the mood with you was lighthearted and easy, which was exactly what we were looking for. But it was also clear that you took your job very seriously and would capture the authentic essence of our day.
7. From booking to delivery of images and seeing the results, what in your mind made it the right choice for us to collaborate? Did anything surprise you?
When you came out to our venue with us a few weeks before the wedding to scout photo locations, our wedding site coordinators were shocked; in ten years, they said, a photographer had never taken this extra step. You, on the other hand, seemed amazed that any photographer wouldn’t take this extra step. This was a testament to your professionalism and sincere commitment to our day.
It didn’t hurt that on the way home, you spearheaded a mission to rescue an abandoned puppy on the side of the road. We knew we’d made the right decision.
8. What’s next for you as a couple?
At long last, we’re headed on our honeymoon to Thailand. Three weeks of delicious food, beaches, hiking through jungles, and hanging out with elephants… We can’t wait!
ORDER PRINTS FROM THIS WEDDING HERE