Sarah and Sami's The Gardenia Wedding

Sarah and Sami's wedding day at The Gardenia Venue in Valley View was one of my very favorite weddings to date. Not only because the entire day was as beautiful as could be in the stunning, freshly completed venue, but also because Sarah and Sami have become such sweet friends to me. They are so special in so many ways, and it was such an honor to me to be chosen to capture their day. I can think of several moments throughout the day that really captured my heart, but the exchange of vows between them will forever be engrained in my memory. They both spoke of meeting, working together, and how Sami was known to Sarah's friends as "the guy from work." After a failed attempt at taking her to Mexico (I mean what girl wouldn't want to go to Mexico with someone they barely know? haha), Sami finally made enough of an impression to have an actual name between Sarah and her friends. The rest was history. Their vows touched my heart many times, but the most profound being a moment Sami was vulnerable enough to share with Sarah and their closest 150 friends.

Through tear-filled eyes, Sami said, "My mom knew I would be okay because three days before she passed away, Sarah was born." As I clicked my shutter, I could feel myself fighting back tears. I turned to walk to the back of the chapel, and it was clear that every guest in attendance felt the same way. There wasn't a dry eye in the little, white chapel that held Sarah and Sami's closest friends and family.

While Sarah and Sami both used their exchange of vows to share several sentiments that tied them together as one, it was that moment that truly stuck with me. The faith of knowing Sarah was meant for Sami at birth is one that just melts me into a puddle. If you have seen these two together, I think you would be in agreeance -- they are meant for one another. They are full of joy, full of life, and full of love for each other. They cried together, they danced together, and they celebrated the beautiful life they are building together.

Sarah and Sami, thank you both so much. Thank you for being a testament of love and for choosing me to be a part of your day. I am forever grateful to the two of you for allowing me into the most special day of your life. You have a friend for life in me, and I cannot wait to continue to follow your journey!

We had the most incredible group of vendors that contributed to making their day amazing, and I truly cannot recommend every single one of them enough!

Venue: The Gardenia Venue

Coordinator: Jenny Candelaria

Photographer: Baili Nettleship Photography

Florals: The Lace Bouquet

DJ: It's Your Night Entertainment

Cake: Heavenly Tailored Sweets

Catering: Korner Cafe

Bartenders: HD Liquid Catering

Hair: Urban Eve

Makeup: Tease to Please

Coffee Bar: Night Owl Coffee

Getaway Car: Toast and Coast