It is always incredibly special to stand by a bride on her wedding day and document the love that she shares with her groom, but when that friend is one of your friends from kindergarten, it is even sweeter. August 13th was a beautiful day and I am so thrilled that Susan and Pat tied the knot!

Some of you may remember Susan and Pat’s love story from their engagement session, but to briefly recap, these two quickly fell in love after admitting they had feelings for each other one summer when they were both working at a camp. Fast forward just a few months. Pat got a job offer in North Carolina. Susan decided to move down to be with him. That Christmas, they were T-boned by an 18 wheeler on their way back up to upstate New York to visit their families. Susan was in a coma for five days, and spent more than two months in the hospital. They didn’t know how severe the damage was going to be, or if she would ever be able to walk again but luckily, Susan recovered smoothly, and Pat stayed by her side throughout the process.

Needless to say, this wedding day held a special weight in all of our hearts.

The day was warm, and the weather looked ominous, but the clouds behaved. Susan got ready on the property of their venue with her two sisters, good friend Amanda, and soon to be sister-in-law. The girls wore stunning, convertible tulle gowns, in different shades of purple.

Susan’s sisters, Sarah and Laura, helped her into her gown. Susan’s gown had beautiful back lace detailing and a silk shawl that draped from her shoulders. She wore her grandmother’s wedding and engagement rings on her right hand.

Pat was down the road, getting ready with his close friends. They were all celebrating this next step in his life.

By the time the ceremony was upon us, I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the church. Susan and her dad walked down the long aisle, and Pat had the sweetest grin on his face. They exchanged rings. The rings were engraved on the inside. It had their wedding date, their initials, and “3 laws.” I asked Susan what that meant after photographing them earlier in the morning, and her response left me with goosebumps. She said, after the accident, Pat would ask me three questions every night. “Are you upset or angry about anything in our relationship? Did I make you happy today / are you happy right now? Do you know that I love you more than anything else in the world?” Those three questions got shortened to the three laws…and before bed every night they still say, “three laws?” I can’t even handle that….

After the ceremony, the new husband and wife excited the church through a cluster of bubbles.

The reception was held at Freedom Run Winery in Lockport, NY. Rows and rows of grapes led guests to the barn at the back of the property. The wind blew through the property that evening as everyone enjoyed their meals.

In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, Susan and Pat opted for smaller cakes and cake pops! Such a fun idea! Everyone enjoyed sampling the different flavors (well, at least I did…. 😉 ).

The evening was filled with so much love and laughter! The barn was decorated with photos of loved ones and images from Pat and Susan’s relationship. The guests tore up the dance floor throughout the evening!

Pat and Susan, your love is inspirational. I respect you two and what you have built together over the years. You’ve stood by each other’s sides through ups and downs and encouraged one another to chase your dreams. Your commitment and dedication has clearly been rewarded. I am so happy for you both! Congratulations!

Venue: Freedom Run Winery // Dress: Victoria’s Bridal Shoppe //  Officiant: Father John Leising // DJ: CJ Sound // Coordinator: Anita Stockton from Freedom Run Winery // Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo // Hair and makeup: Sasha Rodgers // Desserts: Buffalo Cake Pops // Florist: Pallister House Floristry // Favors: Magnolia House Honey