sweetwater branch inn wedding: tamara + casey

They sat in the middle of the room, their most favorite people in the world standing around them. One by one each person got up to say a few words. Some of them spoke about a particularly fond memory, and others simply spoke of the admiration felt for the brides. Of their bravery to be who they truly wanted to be. The tiniest voice in the room sang out in a song so sweet that it filled the entire room with warmth and eyes full of the happiest tears. It was magical.

Being in that room that night, being blessed enough to know the two women at the center of it all, it was impossible not to feel lucky. Not only to know them, but to know that you were witnessing a love so great, it had conquered any obstacle to get them to that day. A love so great, that no matter where the coming days would take them, in each other they would always find home . . .

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Casey and Tamara are married! Ever since their romantic and ever-so-sweet engagement session at the Ringling Museum, we have been SO excited to spend their wedding day with the two of them! And this day?! It was WORTH THE WAIT. We traveled up to Gainesville where we were spoiled with a beautiful fall day, and as soon as we stepped out of the car we realized the day was truly going to be magical because there was glitter everywhere! (Which was actually leftover from the Color Run earlier that morning, but we liked to think of it as the sky crying happy tears for them ; ) The two of them got ready separately, and then after some individual picture time saw each other for the first time that day in an intimate courtyard ceremony. We loved how family-oriented the day felt, with the kids walking the two of them down the aisle and carrying the rings, and Tamara’s brother playing all of the music.

The reception was an awesome celebration, with an amazing blue grass band and tons of dancing. But as awesome as it was, our most favorite part of the night came when things got a little quieter. The brides decided instead of a traditional toast they would open up the mic to anyone wishing to say a few words, and SO many people came forward and toasted them. There were sweet stories, well wishes, and quiet a few teary speeches. It was one of those moments you feel like should be in a movie, but was in real life (and even BETTER).

Casey and Tamara, thank you for inviting us into your family for the day, and for entrusting us with your love story! You two truly have a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, and we were so happy to be the ones to document it.

Love + Laughs,

Sarah & Ben

Vendors:

Ceremony/ Reception: Sweetwater Branch Inn

Makeup: Megg Clement

Hair: Megan Hill

Wedding Dress: Mod Cloth

Coordinator: Sarah Larson

Florist: The Plant Shoppe

Band: Wax Wings