We definitely started off 2021 with a BANG! Anne Marie and Sammy had the most beautiful, sunny March wedding day (thankfully after of this rain we have been having!) and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. There are so many reasons this wedding is going to be a huge highlight for me.

First, it’s Anne Marie…she was one of my best friends in college and we spent countless nights in my apartment laughing and dancing. She was one of my very first models! She’s also a #dakotaherseysenior, so now that I’ve photographed her as a bride is just such a full circle moment.

Second, this was my first Greek Orthodox wedding!!! I love tradition and exploring new cultures, so when I heard they would be going through the same ceremony that has been used for hundreds of years I was very excited to be a part of it. The ceremony was so special…and then the party afterwards was a BLAST! There was a traditional band with all of the dancing and dollars being thrown everywhere (this is how they tip the band!), plus a mix of more modern music. The dance floor was never empty!

I was actually really surprised at how calm Anne Marie and Sam were all day. Usually there’s a slight anticipation in the air, and while I could tell they were a little nervous, it was mostly excitement. They had been through so much to make this day happen –– SO thankful for Summer Jones Events and her saving the day multiple times!! — so to see them completely enjoy their day without any concerns was so good to me.

They chose to do a first look so we could have ALL of the photos done prior to the ceremony (giving us more time for portraits and to party!). The moment Sammy saw Anne Marie was so sweet…he had the biggest smile and they immediately ran into each other’s arms. In true Anne Marie fashion, she showed off her dance moves in the dress so Sam could admire all of her angles (hehe).

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start off my 2021 wedding season or to celebrate one of my sweetest, most deserving friends. I’m still wrapping my head around how she is a bride AND how she was that gorgeous!!!!

Anne Marie and Sam, thank you so much for asking me to play such a huge role in making this dream day happen. I loved meeting your families, hearing their thoughtful words and blessings for your future, and laughing on the dance floor with everyone. As Sam’s mom said “may the world be a better place because the two of you fell in love” –– I truly believe it will be!!! Love you two!

Thank you to the wedding vendors who made this day beautiful:

CEREMONY VENUE: Saint Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
RECEPTION VENUE: The Carolina Barn
COORDINATION: Summer Jones Events
FLORALS: Johnson Florist
HAIR + MAKEUP: Lauren Osbourne
VIDEOGRAPHY: Profish Media
DJ: Tommy King
WEDDING DRESS: Blush Bridal
INVITATIONS: Betty Kelly’s Gift Shop
DESSERTS: Nothing Bundt Cakes
RINGS: Rhudy’s Jewelry
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: AZAZIE
GROOMSMEN TUXES: Men’s Warehouse