Ali & Zach are Married!

I’ll never forget the first chat I had with Ali and Zach about the plans for their wedding day. It was a phone conversation and while I sat in my office with the view of my backyard, those two were at the Badlands National Park in South Dakota,  watching the sunset at their campsite for the night. Amidst their cross country road trip, Ali and Zach were simultaneously planning their wedding, trying to decide which city in America they wanted to move to, all while making some big career changes. Thats a lot of decision making for any couple in one year! But then again, were talking about Ali and Zach here... and after one phone conversation with these two I knew this was only the beginning of what they had in store for their futures. 

Speaking of that phone conversation so many months ago, I just have to say that the chemistry between these two was electric. I know, I wasn’t even with them in person but the amount of laughter and joy that I heard through my phone that night was enough for me to know that these two are meant for each other. Listening to them cut each other off to tell their versions of how they had their first date, fell in love, and so many other funny stories was priceless. I knew right away that this wedding day was going to be about love and joy. It was going to be about real moments. I knew that because I could see so much of this just through the phone that night, that they were going to make my job easy on the wedding day.

And they did.

Between Ali's contagious smile. (seriously, her smile!!) and Zach's hip style (aka his manly beard, cool glasses, and sneakers) I didn't have any trouble photographing this duo. But the thing that I loved most about Ali and Zach was that this day was about celebrating with their family and friends. And thats it. Nothing in between. Just real moments with their loved ones that they could remember and cherish forever. I couldn't have asked for a better request and these photos are a prime example of why I love what I do.   

So when two small town people meet in the heart of NYC and fall in love, you can only hope that incorporating a piece of the city they love and lived in for 8 years is reflected in their wedding day. Intertwining the Eastern Shore life with a perfect mix of city style is exactly what Ali and Zach did. With minimal modern accents, couture fashion, and so many bold and contemporary details, this day was the perfect fusion of country side meets Manhattan chic.

One of the last things I want to touch on is their ceremony. Being that Zach and Ali met while working at NBC in New York City, many of their best friends are also in the industry. Not only did they have a friend officiate the wedding for them but they also had a few friends get up and tell bits of their love story. I have never laughed so hard during a ceremony in my life! It was honestly hard to take photos because I just wanted to sit back and watch the show like everyone else! Ali and Zach didn't know what their friends were going to say during the ceremony so I loved capturing their reactions. Absolutely priceless and hilarious moments!

And finally, just to name a few of my favorite things...

1. Ali's Oscar de la Renta Wedding gown

2. The Royal Farm chicken they served as part of their entrees. It doesn't get anymore Eastern Shore than that people.

3. All of Ali and Zach's grandparents, because they were ALL so adorable. 

4. When the wedding party was introduced to the Game of Thrones theme song, carrying swords, axes, and all.  

5. But mostly when Zach surprised Ali, dressed up as Elvis and serenaded her on the dance floor <3 Magic. 

Ali and Zach, thank you so much for allowing me to document this incredible day. So much love and happiness pours out of these photos and I am so blessed to have been their to capture it for you. I have no doubt that your future as husband and wife in Charleston (and beyond) will be filled with even more adventure. 

Big thanks to all those who had part in the day!

Venue: Brittland Manor, MD

Rentals: Eastern Shores Tents & Rentals, MD + Taylor Creative, NYC

Food: Jacob's Pickles, NYC + Royal Farms Fried Chicken + Longboard Cafe, OCMD 

Florals: Flowers by Alison 

Hair: Haute Blow Dry Bar, MD

Make-up: Chloe Ferber, MD 

Donuts: Bib.On, Charleston, SC

Cake: Little Village Bakery, Chestertown

Dress: Oscar de la Renta

Suit: Joseph Abboud

Videographer: The Brand, MD

Alaska Adventure 2017

If you know me even just a little, then you probably know that next to photography, traveling is one of my greatest passions. I could even go as far to say that traveling was my first love. Photography, second to that. Before I wanted to be a photographer I wanted to be a journalist. So I could travel the world and tell the stories of others. It's funny how even though life takes you down a completely different path, you sometimes end up doing exactly what you were always meant to do. 

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part I

I have had a lot of people ask, what were you doing in Alaska!? So here's the answer. A wonderful friend and fellow photographer, Leah Adkins had reached out to see if I wanted to do a photography workshop a few years back in North Carolina. Unfortunately it didn't work out with our schedules but ever since then we have been keeping our eyes peeled for a workshop that both of us felt connected to and most importantly, it lined up with both of our schedules. For two wedding photographers in the middle of wedding season, this was no easy task. Until of course, we finally came upon Find Your North. With Jess Hunter and Levi Tijerina (two incredibly talented wedding photographers!) heading the workshop and well, because Alaska... it was a no brainer for us. 

Here are some photos I took from the first day we arrived in Alaska. Leah and I spent the entire day exploring and pulling over on the side of the road every quarter mile to take photos. I'll be honest, although it was refreshing to take photos of just the surrounding landscapes, I was out of my element after 4 years of having only people in front of my lens! Thankfully the moose showed up. 

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part II

Along with tons of presentations and education, Jess and Levi had two shoots set up for this workshop. Both in amazing locations, both with real couples. The first shoot was at Hatcher Pass. What an incredible day this was with Jaclyn and Ben. These two were on their final days of being engaged and tied the knot just a few days after this shoot! All the love to all the amazing contributors.

DRESS// a & be bridal shop FLORALS// That Feeling Co. MODEL// Jaclyn Beasley WORKSHOP// Find Your North

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part III

If you look up a packing list for a trip to Alaska, a raincoat is likely to be at the top. We got lucky and had great weather for the first couple of days but rain was inevitably going to arrive at some point. The truth is, I was't even mad about it! I loved the feeling it gave this shoot. Thankfully it was only a light rain and our hike at Whittier was still amazing. Huge shout out to Addison and Krista for being ridiculously adorable even in those conditions. 

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A FEW THOUGHTS

Traveling always humbles you and this was no exception. I just want to say that I am so thankful and appreciative that this is what I get to do for a living. I'm thankful for the incredible stories and couples I encounter. And on this trip I am especially thankful for the photography community that surrounds me. I cant wait to take everything I absorbed and learned while I was there and apply it to the future of my business. Hanging out with other creatives is inspiring enough but to do it in a place like Alaska was more than I could have asked for. I loved everyone I met and I only wish we could have stayed a little longer. All the love <3

- Sarah