“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. ”

— Justice Anthony Kennedy

There was a big rainstorm right before Samantha and Meredith's ceremony at Old Sherill's Inn. The guests were still enjoying a pre-ceremony coffee hour, which is now my very favorite wedding tradition that I hope gets repeated over and over again. Friends and family mingled with Samantha and Meredith as the rain came down. At ceremony time, the clouds parted and the sun came out, and together we all walked towards their ceremony site. Samantha and Meredith, and their dog Big, walked down the aisle together, following their parents and siblings into a space filled with love and joy. Their friend Heather served as their officiant, offering beautiful words as a starting point for their union. At one point, family members were invited to add soil from their homes to a pot holding a new tree to be planted at Samantha and Meredith's home. The soil, she said, carried with it memories of skinned knees and backyard games, each story a step in the path that led to this moment.

I don't believe there was a dry eye during this beautiful and heartfelt ceremony, myself included. To say this was a genuine, joy-filled, loving moment would be an understatement. It was an honor to photograph it, and I left feeling like I had witnessed something profound, and made some new friends along the way.

Blessings for your life together, Samantha and Meredith. You indeed create together something greater than you once were. XOXO