How they met – Sarah and Wes:
“As many of you know, we met during our service in the Peace Corps. Sarah will tell you that our first interaction took place during an icebreaker exercise in Philadelphia, but for Wes, we truly first met the second night in the Philippines on a dock with mutual friends talking about what we wanted out of this crazy experience. While the story of how we met may differ depending on who you talk with, we both knew there was something different about our relationship from the start, and we were ecstatic when we found out we would be spending our first 90 days training together in the amazing seaside city of Dumaguete.
For the next few weeks, we spent our time learning the language, soaking up the culture, and exploring the city together. It was during this time that what started out as a friendship slowly turned into something more. In the months and years following we developed the strongest friendship and relationship we’ve ever known. We spoke every day via text, email, Facebook, Gchat, Skype and about 50 other modes of communication.
Although those first years were tough, it helped us build a strong foundation that has fostered so much growth in our relationship these past 6 years. We would like to thank all of you for allowing us to share our story with you and for sharing our wedding day with us.”
I met Sarah and Wes after they were referred to me by Jessica and Matthew. I knew instantly I was going to love this couple when they told me that, while living in New Orleans, they adopted a rescue dog and named her Nola.
Sarah had just completed med school and was starting her residency at Johns Hopkins, so the couple wanted a very natural and low-stress day that they could really enjoy.
From the start, I knew this was going to be a very relaxed wedding. Sarah and Wes both began the day at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine, where both the wedding ceremony and the reception were held.
They chose to see each other before the ceremony, which meant we were able to take some time with private and group portraits out on the dock.
The lighting out on the water was so stunning. It complemented the bridesmaids’ dresses nicely and made Sarah’s dress pop.
The ceremony was held outdoors and was very intimate. Sarah’s brother, Patrick, officiated.
The phrase “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” which was included on the decor at their reception, was a theme for the day. It’s a common Cajun French phrase that means “let the good times roll,” and they certainly did.
During the reception, Wes’ sister, Nicole Pryor Dernersesian, surprised the party by singing “At Last” for the couple. She was so talented. and it was a very touching moment for the group.
Overall, I felt this was a truly special wedding for me because I was able to do what I do and do it well. I had a great team with me – Kelly Anne as the second photographer and Kam assisting.
There was so much happiness and so many candid moments to capture, and because it was planned well and I had an awesome team with me, the day went off without a hitch.
Details to know:
Bridal Boutique: L’elite | Dress: Peter Langner | Groom’s Attire: Joseph A. Bank | Hair and Makeup: River’s Edge Spa and Salon | Caterer: Nonantum Resort | Flowers: Fleurant Flowers & Design | Entertainment: Eye 2 Eye | Videographer: David Schmitz | Second Photographer: Kelly Anne Backus | Assistant: Kam Mitchell | First Dance Song: Let’s Stay Together, Al Green |
Thank you, Sarah and Wes, for being so kind and inviting. I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!
xoxo . . .
