Some people dream of owning fancy cars. Or playing in rock bands. Or being in movies. But for Stacey and James, their dream was family and legacy. To be a family. To start a family. To grow and cultivate their family. It was one of the first things they talked about when I met them, and it’s a theme that quite obviously carries through their entire life. I knew on their wedding day that it would be very family-focused, and it definitely was. She clutched her skirt extra tight to avoid stepping on it as she caught a peek of the last minute guests arriving to the ceremony. The seats were filled with family. And friends who felt like family. She smiled from ear to ear. It didn’t matter so much to her that her dress was gorgeous or that the food was perfect or that the music was just right. What mattered was the family she loved was there to watch her start her own.

James knew it would never be easy. Family was hard work. But that’s what made it so rewarding. And in any case, it wasn’t what he was focusing on now. The hard parts would come later. And they would get through them together. Today was all about the beginning. The start of something new. New hope, new life, new joys, new wonders, new family. And now he wasn’t dreaming alone. As the music swelled, so did his heart. The beautiful woman coming down the isle toward him was not only pledging her heart to him, but also promising to dream with him. And to make that dream of family come true.

Venue: THE COUNTRY LOFT

Photography: ALICIA ANN PHOTOGRAPHERS

Beauty: A TOUCH OF COLOR

Florals: BLOSSOMING BLESSINGS

Dress: LUCILLE’S BRIDAL SHOP

Catering: THE BEAUTIFUL TABLE

Cake: OVENS OF FRANCE

Photo Booth: BE THE STAR PHOTOBOOTH

DJ: POWER STATION