Jay and I stood in Sam’s parents backyard, just beyond the Amazon purchased tents that her parents had purchased two days before in response to the potential forecast. The ceremony was scheduled to start in about thirty minutes. Sam was hiding away in her parent’s bedroom. Being that they had reached out on Sunday about shooting their Forest Hill Backyard Wedding, it was the first time we had met. Jay and Sam had met three years prior at the Elkridge Firehouse. They are both volunteer firefighters, a passion they both share. As we took Jay’s formal portraits, I asked “who made the first move?” He chuckled and responded, “Sam did.” As we stood under the tent, Sam emerged from the basement back door, you could see Jay hold back his emotion. Sam walked out carrying a beautiful seasonal bouquet wearing a knee length white dress radiating joy. Her smile was ear to ear as she walked down the sidewalk, arm in arm with her dad.

As I talked with Sam and Jay the day before to briefly go over their Forest Hill Backyard Wedding timeline and family formals list, Sam shared what was most important to them. “It’s not about the details, it’s about our people.” Their close friend and mentor from the firehouse was given the honor to officiate their ceremony. Which he did in such a personal and beautiful way, that filled their ceremony with laughter and sweet moments. It was a true representation of them. They have such a natural calm way about them. Despite having never met them and only spending two hours with them capturing their Forest Hill Backyard Wedding, they were an ease to pose. Capturing the love between them was simple.

Sam and Jay, congratulations! Thank you so much for reaching out and asking me to be there for you guys. It was such an honor to capture this day for you and to be one of the only 18 people present as you said your vows. I hope you enjoyed you mini-moon in Ocean City and that you’re soaking in all of the goodness that is being married. Welcome to the married club!

Venue | Parent’s Backyard
Florist | Wash Day Floral 

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