Tell us your love story

Josh will be happy to know that I’m finally admitting it: I pursued him (initially, at least!). We were both living in Arlington, VA at the time, and from the moment I saw him at a crowded bar in our neighborhood, I knew I just had to meet him. Several weeks passed by from our initial meeting, and it seemed the flicker of hope of seeing him again was dimming. With a stroke of luck, a mutual friend at the time helped to introduce us. Our first date was at 7:15AM at Greenberry’s Coffee in McLean (I was late), and then his courting began. Josh would frequently bring me coffee, lunch, and sent beautiful bouquets of flowers to my old office. My heart was touched. He supported me in my dream to attend Physician Assistant school, and even when I was accepted into Emory University and made arrangements to move to Atlanta, GA, he stayed by my side through the distance. He proposed to me live on Sirius XM The Highway (our favorite country music station) in Nashville, TN on December 30, 2016, and you can probably guess what my answer was. The rest, of course, is history!

Tell us a story behind your most special wedding accessory

My most special wedding accessory was my 14K gold and genuine silver hook bracelet from St. John’s Bracelet Company. Josh has a matching bracelet, and he purchased these for us on one of our first trips together to St John in the winter of 2015. These bracelets almost never leave our wrists. It holds so many memories and a promise that we made to love each other, way before we officially said “I do.

What made you choose Brookgreen Gardens as your wedding venue? Did it have any special significance to you?

I grew up going to Brookgreen Gardens as a young girl during our annual trip to Pawleys Island, SC, it always reminded me of one of my favorite books, The Secret Garden. Of course, the main character’s name is Mary! Walking through the gardens year after year, even though I feel my years passing by, something about Brookgreen Gardens remains timeless. The time spent in this place is for peace, reflection, and drawing closer to God. Simply put, it’s one of my favorite places on earth. It’s the landscape of my dreams, with magic braided into every root. When I shared Brookgreen Gardens with my husband, he fell under its spell too. I couldn’t imagine a more precious location to share with our family and friends on one of the most important days of our lives.

How was the experience of finding your wedding dress? Did you know what you were looking for?

I was never one of those girls who grew up dreaming of their wedding dress or planning their wedding. Of course, I have some pretty clear cut likes and dislikes that define my style, but the moment Josh and I got engaged is the moment I started seriously looking. Maybe I was just waiting for the right time! To my surprise, I found what I wanted fairly quickly. My eyes were drawn to Martina Liana’s elegant, detailed, and alluring designs. Martina Liana’s Style 753 caught my eye nearly a year before I even met the dress in person. I felt that it was made for me, and it remained on my mind no matter what other dresses I chanced. Martina Liana 753 is the first wedding dress I ever tried on and now it will be the last I’ll ever wear.

Tell us about your most memorable moment from your wedding day

For me, easily, it was our ceremony. Walking down the aisle with my dad, my hero, and seeing Josh at the end of that aisle for the first time. Being surrounded by family, friends, nature, and the sunlight streaming through the trees, the whole world seemed to pause for a moment just for us. I loved hearing and reading our vows. That moment felt so personal, so non cliche. Easily, it was my favorite and most memorable moment. – Mary

Seeing Mary walk down the aisle for the first time. Everything I had waited for after nearly 2 years of engagement came true. My emotions let loose, and I felt like my heart was going to explode. Yep, I get to be with her for the rest of my life, how amazing is this? This is real.  – Josh

What were you looking for in a your wedding photographer?

I wanted to find someone who knew how to capture the natural elegance of the world. I didn’t want photos that appeared to be trying too hard, either by being too contrasted, too edited, or too trendy. I wanted timeless beauty and elegance, but with all of these natural elements I also wanted to be transported somewhere a bit whimsical and magical. Pasha Belman Photography checked all of my boxes. His photographs remind me of feathers, each one is delicate, light, colorful..but powerful. And it was not just his photos that drew me in, Pasha himself is just a genuine gentleman. His wife Natalia is beautiful, respectful, and talented! Pasha called to discuss my visions over the phone from day 1, he was responsive to my questions, confident in his directions, and truly seemed passionate about his work and the relationships that he captures through the lens. I would hire Pasha again for any of my future photography needs!

What advice would you give to the newly engaged couples about planning for their big day?

Take your time! There is no need to rush, despite what others may tell you. We had a long engagement of over two years before we tied the not, and we wouldn’t trade it for the world. We had plenty of time to plan, and to grow as a couple. My other advice is to hire a wedding planner, it will be the best money you spend toward your wedding guaranteed. We were able to enjoy every moment and every aspect of our wedding because of Stunning & Brilliant Events. Sara is simply the best.