The best proof of love is trust

Tyler proposed in Magic Kingdom, a year ago today and it was magical. Just before the fireworks, with a hand carved box in front of the Walt Disney and Mickey statue in front of Cinderella Castle. He planned the whole thing out and put thought into the ring. It was gorgeous, vintage inspired, delicate, with elegant side details the most amazing diamond nestled between two perfect sapphires. An ode to the first piece of jewelry he got me on our first anniversary; a cross pendant with cz and lab sapphire. My favorite gem stone is the sapphire. It’s my mom and my aunt’s birthstone. My moms wedding ring is a sapphire and diamond band. We spent the rest of our first vacation in two years celebrating.

I knew with our jobs and my history in the industry that I couldn’t, no slash that, wouldn’t plan my own wedding. It’s too expensive, too emotional, everyone has an opinion and it’s so much better to have someone who is not as invested financially and emotionally to tell you when you’re being nuts. I also thought it’d be better if Tyler and our families still liked me by the time I walked down the aisle. I’m going to be honest, wedding planning is stressful, and I know what to do! I got a degree in event planning. I ran events and weddings. I can’t imagine the process as bride who doesn’t have experience in the industry. Everything is so overwhelming beginning with the budget to your guest list.

So we met with wedding planners and we found Cheyenne of Sweet Oak Events. She is perfect and the best person, I could have asked for to help us through the stressful process of planning a wedding. She does both planning and design, she’s the absolute sweetest and amazing and we trust her input for basically everything. She has similar values to us, and Tyler and I both felt she understood us as a couple and our vision.

In fact, both Tyler and my jobs are so demanding that when we were looking at one a day vendors (i.e. photographers, videographers, makeup artists etc.), there were times that I just texted her “Who do you think would be best for us, who would you hire?”. She would then send me in depth explanations of each vendor and we would tell her “xyz sounds awesome, lets talk with them then tell me where to sign and who to pay.” She has not steered us wrong. We’re now In the design phase of wedding planning and I’m so excited to have our design meeting in a few weeks! We still have seven months until the wedding but we both have comfort knowing Cheyenne is on our “dream team”.

We met with several photographers recommended by Cheyenne before we decided on Amanda of Amanda Somerville Photography. We decided on Amanda for several different reasons and we researched her portfolio and her vibe was what we were looking for. We wanted a fun, colorful, vintage, hype girl, with similar views to us. Someone who made us feel comfortable and allowed us to have fun.

Tyler and I had our engagement photos in September. I freaked about my outfits even though I had reassurance from my Matron of Honor, Cheyenne, and Amanda. Tyler freaked out because he hates to get his picture taken. We were nervous about getting these important photos done because to be honest, I have not had professional photos done since my senior year of high school. Thats been a hot minute in case you were wondering.

Other than picking out outfits, we also had to pick an engagement photo location. We’re getting married in a different state than where we live in, albeit it is close enough for us to drive. We wanted something that still represented us. We found an arboretum near our wedding venue and decided to go there. Tyler and I spend a lot of our dates going to botanical gardens and love looking at the beauty so we thought it would be fitting for us, plus we hoped the colors in the garden would pop. Amanda worked with us and agreed to the location even though it was also a drive for her.

We got up at 5 AM to drive to the engagement shoot. We got coffee, and listened to podcast on the drive down. When the sunrised I did my make-up in the car (I wasn’t driving). I was so proud that I did my make-up in a moving car! We met Amanda anxiously at our photoshoot location and she was awesome! It started out a little bit awkward because Tyler and I didn’t know what we were doing but Amanda made it so much fun. The three of us explored the garden, took the photos, talked, laughed, and everything was natural. She made me feel like an old hollywood beauty in my vintage inspired dress and mother’s pearls and the “Shine Bright” bracelet my grandmother picked out before she passed. She had Tyler feeling like a handsome prince proud to be by me. We were able to be ourselves which is so important in someone with someone who is shooting life’s major moments. I’ve seen so many couples who were so awkward with their photographer and I was so happy that we had someone who knew what she was doing, was creative, talked with us and got to know us as a couple. Bonus points that she also shoots film! Most photographers are digital only, but Amanda does both; because just like my love of old-fashioned feels and vintage clothing she feels like nothing can replace the feel of film. That what the photographs of my parents and grandparents were shot on and I love that.

When Tyler and I got engaged I wasn’t expecting make two new friends, but life works out how it’s supposed to. I look forward to working with Cheyenne over the next seven months and probably for other events in our future. With Amanda, I can’t wait until my bridal portraits and wedding day. I hope to hire her again for future photos after our wedding. I also can’t wait until our families and my girls meet these two wonderful ladies. I think they’re both going to help make our day amazing!

Until next time, cheers🥂🍾

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All credits go to Amanda Somerville Photography

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