It was aptly described as a wedding for friends and family from near far and father to gather in Sonoma for what promised to be a day filled with love, laughter, and contentment. But it was filled with so much more simply because a boy fell in love with a girl whose soul lights the world on fire. Samantha can walk into any room and make someone feel like they're the most special person she could spend her time with. And no one knows this better than Taylor, the man who acts like the match to Samantha's flame.
For as much as the couple ignites love around them, people can't help but be attracted to their light. They emit a positive, joyful energy and invite others into their love as if they'd been there, just waiting for the right moment for paths to intersect. This was apparent when they said I Do in front of 125 of their closest family and friends at Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma.
Samantha and Taylor were voted as America's sweethearts for The Knot Dream Wedding and there couldn't have been a couple who deserved it more. The wedding was more than a moment to document a marriage, it was a day set aside to highlight two souls who are determined to make the world a better place. Together.
Sam and Taylor, I don't have all the right words to say, but what I can come up with this: THANK YOU. This is a rather small thing to say for how much I appreciate and adore you, but it's all I have. You made me feel like the luckiest photographer to document your love and I'm happy to call you friends. Cheers to health, joy, and making memories! Much Love and Appreciation… j*
Samantha wore a stunning Pnina Tornai dress…
All of the details for Jenny Yoo mint bridesmaids dresses…these girls rocked the look!
(And now would be a good time to mention that Samantha's sister and friends were absolute rock stars…they made the day extra special and ensured everything flowed smoothly…and they even offered to help edit my photos so I could join them at a pool party the night of the wedding. If that isn't awesome, I don't know what is!)
These Badgley Mischka shoes made for a fabulous combination with her stunning wedding dress…
This was the final bridal look voted for and provided by Revlon
Just look at all these gorgeous girls ensuring the bride felt her best…
I loved this group of amazing women…good attracts good and Samantha proved this by surrounding herself with lovely gems…
Upstairs at Chateau St. Jean, Taylor finished his final touches…
The day was whirlwind and there were a ton of camera crews, press, vendors, and producers running around like crazy, but this I hope this photo of Samantha proves there were moments throughout the day when she felt overcome with peace…
And just look at these gorgeous views of Chateau St. Jean…I mean, com'onnnnnn!
Pops of color for a winery wedding? Yes, please.
Just for kicks, here's a small sampling of a few of the crew members for this LIVE wedding…to say it was a wild adventure would be an understatement! 😉
Samantha's dad, Bob, couldn't have been more proud walking his daughter down the aisle…
The wedding ceremony took place at noon, so while it was extraordinarily bright and hot, the couple simply enjoyed every moment while saying their vows in a vineyard…
Samantha and Taylor's friend, Tim, orchestrated an amazing wedding ceremony and personalized every aspect of such a special moment.
Now THIS is a First Kiss done right!
Officially official…
In an unfortunate turn of events, Samantha's mom wasn't able to make the wedding ceremony. She's battling cancer and Samantha is her primary care taker, but doctors advised against traveling to Sonoma for the wedding. As a way to incorporate her mom, she placed a locket around her bouquet to carry her mom with her all day.
Just after the ceremony, the couple snuck away for a few photos alone…
The vineyard at Chateau St. Jean was lush and green…too perfect!
Many thanks to Fairmont Sonoma Hotel for catering such an amazing event…
I need to take a moment and thank the ever-amazing Jeannie Savage of Details, Details and Rhiannon of Farmgirl Flowers for creating a beautiful reception. Their teams had about 15 minutes to ensure the wedding reception was flawless and they pulled it together with ease and grace…SO impressed by them!
Jeannie had an idea to have the happy couple sit in the shade and enjoy a few moments alone and enjoy the breeze…
I love how they love each other…
The wedding reception was at Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma, one of the prettiest wineries in Sonoma and best makers of wine. I may or may not have nominated myself as an official taste tester. Obvs.
A few seconds into their First Dance, the music stopped and the couple was surprised to hear one of their favorite country singers, Canaan Smith was going to serenade them with a special song…this was their reaction…
You might say Taylor was more than happy to enjoy the moment with his bride…
I doubt Samantha could've been any happier…
As part of The Knot Dream Wedding, they announce where the couple will go on their honeymoon…everyone was a wee bit excited to announce they'd be leaving to Tahiti soon!
As part of The Knot Dream Wedding, the couple participated in an episode of The Food Network's Cake Wars…the cake was debuted at the wedding…
…and they loved every bit of it…
Wonderful and heartwarming speeches were made…
…and the party was officially started by THIS groomsman…
Though it was a bright and hot day, the dance floor was full and everyone enjoyed a gorgeous Sonoma afternoon…
Samantha and Taylor enjoyed the last dance on a crowded dance floor…what a perfect way to end a Dream Wedding…
Once guests departed, I had some time for bridal party photos along the Chateau St. Jean property…
Then we had the chance to enjoy the afternoon and document their first moments as husband and wife…
Oh, Sam, I can't even deal with your beauty…really.
I'll end on this note because Samantha told me this door was special to her and Taylor and they envisioned getting a photo on their wedding day in front of it. Sam, I hope I did you right. xoxo.
Many–MANY–thanks to this amaaaazzzing creative team who made this day possible…
Venue: Chateau St. Jean
Coordinator: Jeannie Savage of Details, Details
Floral Decor: Rhiannon of Farmgirl Flowers
Catering: Fairmont Sonoma Hotel
Rentals: Bright Rentals
Linens: Wildflower Linen
Hair: Nicholas Cole and Michael Braun
Makeup: Ashleigh Ciucci for Revlon Makeup
Cake: Tina Bojanowski for The Food Network's Cake Wars
Band: Ivy Hill Entertainment
Video: You and Love Video
Photo: Jasmine Star
