It was the second day of January, a new year was upon us, and a new chapter was starting for Lisa and Steve. The Black Sheep was buzzing with activity as last-minute setup preparations were taking place for Lisa and Steve's wedding. Steve was cool as a cucumber, joking around with his sons and soon-to-be stepsons. Lisa was excitedly getting ready with Carly, her daughter, and a few other special ladies. In the bridal suite, the ladies were oohing and ahhing over Lisa's wedding outfit choices. She had picked a beautiful ivory and champagne wedding dress with tulle and floral lace overlay. It was the perfect choice for a winter wedding.

She had redone some of her mother's jewelry so that she could wear it for her wedding as well. Her parents had both passed away, so Lisa was very intentional about the personal touches she brought into her wedding details. She included her mother's pearls, tied her parents’ wedding rings to her bouquet, and included Lilies-of-the-Valley in her wedding florals (her mom’s favorite flowers). Lisa wanted to make sure that her parents were there in spirit as much as possible.

One of the great things about the Black Sheep’s wedding space is that the modern feel is beautiful and welcoming for every couple to make this blank canvas the vision of their dreams. Lisa and Steve had created a warm winter wedding theme and chose warm wooden chairs, candles, and greenery to adorn every table. The grand fireplace was the backdrop for their wedding ceremony, adding to the cozy factor. Before they were to say, “I do”, Lisa and Steve set aside some time so that they could share a First Look. Steve's eyes welled up as he saw Lisa for the first time, a vision in her stunning dress. They whispered sweet nothings to each other, quietly embraced, and stole a few kisses before the excitement.

Guests soon filled the space, waiting eagerly for the ceremony to begin. The couple invited their children to be their wedding party, a meaningful gesture as Lisa and Steve prepared to promise forever to one another while blending two families together. Their unity ceremony was a family of lighting of candles, where Lisa and Steve and their children all lit their own individual candle, and then collectively lit the family flame. Everyone in the room cheered as Lisa and Steve shared their first kiss. At the end of the aisle, they were greeted by warm hugs from each of their children. As the Black Sheep flipped the ceremony space and turned it into a reception hall, Lisa and Steve took some family photos and couple’s photos in front of the fireplace. It was a quite chilly day, so we spent a limited amount of time outside. We knew that there would be more photo opportunities to come in the evening when the lights on the patio turned on and showed off the Winter Wonderland that was just outside the large doors.

Lisa and Steve had ample time to mingle with their guests during cocktail hour who munched on a build your own popcorn bar and refreshing custom cocktails from the bar. Everyone tucked into a delicious wedding dinner and heard speeches from Lisa and Steve's sons. They all expressed how thrilled they are that these two came together and how inspiring their love story is. Lisa and Steve are the true embodiment of meant-to-be and are so perfectly one another's match. It's an honor to spend time with them and be inspired by them.

Lisa and Steve mingled with each table, making sure that all of their guests knew just how much they appreciated them taking time out of their lives to celebrate with them. After cutting into a cheesecake that their dear friends had made, Lisa and Steve headed to the dance floor for their first dance, swaying back and forth to “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts – how fitting! The dance floor was soon filled with youngsters who were emphatically dancing to the retro tunes that were bumping through the speakers.

When my second shooter and I left that evening evening, we knew that the party was just getting started and that some of the best memories were yet to come (like a humorous bar tab and after-party that shall not be mentioned from this moment forward! 😉). Lisa and Steve, we wish you a lifetime of happiness, continued friendship, adventure, and love that deepens as the days go on. We are so honored to have been able to celebrate your wedding day with you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Much love and appreciation,