It’s been months since their wedding and yet whenever I think of Stacy and Brad’s day, it still takes my breath away for a beat.  Not because the bride was gorgeous (and she was) or the decor was breathtaking (and it was) but because it almost wasn’t.

The day before Stacy and Brad’s wedding I received an email from Stacy telling me she had been in a car accident and reading it made chills run down my spine.  She said she was bruised and had some broken bones and her bridesmaid was still in the hospital but they’d decided to still go ahead with the wedding.  It took my breath away yet I didn’t fully grasp just how bad the accident was until I arrived at Stacy’s parents house.  There I found Stacy, who looked perfect, but it was quickly obvious just how much pain she was in.  She had underplayed the accident to me and through the day I found out just how terrible it was and just how lucky they were to walk away alive.  All day all I kept assuring Stacy was that no matter what she was THERE – the rest was details.  She did her best to make it the best – and they really, really did make it the best.  If you didn’t know about the accident, it’d be hard to know what was going on beneath the surface.  I heard they had seriously considered limiting the wedding or calling it off – I’m so damn proud of Stacy for not only deciding to go on with it but to enjoy it.

While it wasn’t the wedding day she may have had in her dreams it still was a wedding that dreams are made of.  Brad was an absolute gem all day – making sure she was OK, making sure she had whatever she needed and making sure to keep a smile on her face and a protective arm around her in case she needed to lean on him.  He went along with whatever she wanted to do to make her wedding HER day – be it sitting on a bar or dancing their first dance with a scooter in tow.  They really are what one dreams of when they envision a perfect partnership and it was such a joy documenting their day.

Catering:  Across Town Catering / Ceremony: St. Henry Church / DJ: Superior Sound Company / Reception: St. Henry American Legion

I adored Stacy’s dress!  It was so beautiful!

The lace and beaded details were swoon worthy!

Stacy’s bridesmaids were simply amazing – doing everything they could to make the day go easier for her.

Luckily we ended up with a bit of time before we were needed to head to the ceremony so it gave Stacy time to write her letter to Brad that she had meant to do before but due to the accident hadn’t had a chance to do.  She looked so beautiful I couldn’t help but take a photo… or ten.

Luckily someone had a chair that was perfect for Stacy to use the day of the wedding so we were able to hide her cast!

There was a perfect shaded nook in front of the church that worked well for the photos before the ceremony!

These boys were SO darn cute.  The one on the right was staring at Stacy all day with heart eyes.  It was the most adorable thing!

Stacy originally wanted them to read their letters on either side of the door (you’ve probably seen the image that inspired the thought on Pinterest!).  However, due to her injuries standing wasn’t a great idea and there really were no good doors to use so we improvised and they read their letters back to back with Stacy seated.  She snuck a peek though and I’m glad I captured the moment!

Brad was good though and he waited for this moment to see Stacy!

Originally she was going to try to use her crutches to go down the aisle but crutching with a wedding dress is no easy feat!  Instead they opted for the safer scooter and I am SO glad she did because instead of worrying about the placement of the crutches and balance she was able to keep her eyes on Brad.  As you can see, that made her smile and it was perfect!

The ceremony went as planned and Stacy amazed everyone by still standing and sitting through the Catholic service like she would have pre-accident.

I’m telling you, she’s amazing.

After the ceremony we went for pictures at a nearby spot we’d picked out weeks before.  It was absolutely beautiful but very, very hot.

These two though didn’t care… they were married!

We managed to corral their bridal party for a few photos as well!

St. Henry is a really neat town.  It’s in the middle of nowhere (and I say that with love!) and is on the western side of Ohio.  I had never been there before so there were a few wedding traditions I had to be clued in on.

One of these traditions is that all weddings end up at the local watering hole for a few drinks between the ceremony and reception and most of their guests go as well.  It’s kind of an informal cocktail hour if you will.

One of the traditions for the wedding couple is to have their photos taken on the bar.  I was told by someone that the wedding couple typically stands on it (!) but we were able to improvise with them sitting on it instead.  Whew!

They had a wild bridal party… can you tell?  They were all so fun!

After the drinks were had it was time to head over to the local American Legion where their reception was.  Their bridal party formed a tunnel for their entrance!

They smashed the cake!! AND IT WAS AWESOME!

Their toasts were beautiful and perfect.  Just enough humor, embarrassing stories and love!

After dinner the dances commenced – starting with the first dance.  Stacy wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to but with a bit of scooter placement and slow music to sway to she made it work!

Next was the Father/Daughter dance and these two made me so happy.  I saw in her Dad the same protective fierceness my father had for me and it was lovely to be a witness to it.

How beautiful is Brad’s Mom!?

The garter removal was hilarious!

After the formalities were over Stacy and Brad mingled, danced and had the best night of their lives. This picture makes me so happy because despite it all, they persevered and had a great day!

Of course, I have to finish with the rings!