Sam stands in the middle of the sun-filled ballroom. Everything is brighter today, the white linens whiter, the tableware shinier gently spread on round tables, fresh cut roses of blush pink strikingly contrasted with burgundy, appear especially delicate and fragile held up on bright green twigs in gleaming golden vases. Somewhere from the direction of the kitchen, glasses clink with fidelity while the waiters softly murmur.

Everything is ready for their wedding at Ashton Gardens Dallas. An apprehensive Sam looks around and frowns, has he forgotten something today and when will it reveal itself? Jolly groomsmen approach, one pats him on the shoulder, and another tells a joke. Sam looks off above their heads, nodding amiably in response while the pats persistently and cheerfully fall on his shoulders.

A photographer approaches and beckons, it was time to meet the bride. The merry band move forward, but the photographer adds – only Sam.

Sam follows the photographer outside to a lush and secluded courtyard, a small fountain is featured and a solitary stone bench. With his back now to its entrance, he sighs for now he knows she is about to appear. An eternity passes until the photographer pair raise their cameras, shutters flutter intensely, Sam knows that she approaches from behind him.

A whisper, she calls him, Sam feels it rather than hears it and turns around. Hands gently folded in front of her, Sam sees a tender and anxious Rachel with her white lace dress emphasizing a delicate silhouette. Her whole face and essence fills with joy as he takes her hands and gently pulls her toward himself. He smiles; it seems he finally remembers what that something was, that has been bothering him all morning.

She laughs and turns to showcase her dress, he laughs in return, pulls her closer and kisses her. 
“Let’s get out of here” one photographer whispers to the other. “Let’s let them talk in peace without our cameras.” Quickly they disappear from the courtyard, leaving the bride and groom alone.

A couple of minutes later, Sam and Rachel appear in the path from the courtyard, holding each other’s hands and beaming with smiles. They were now ready for the day ahead, for all the smiles, for tears, for congratulations, for photos, for toasts and for more pats on the shoulders – for everything – for anything. Together. Forever.

   

The Creative Team

Photography: Valentina Vladi

Venue: Ashton Garden Dallas

Floral design: Teri’s Floral

Hair: Ashley Johnson

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes