We knew it was going to be a special day as dawn broke clear and beautiful, and found Derek’s co-workers and friends from Cane Creek Farm already roasting the pig over a smokey hickory-flavored fire in the fire pit. By noon, family and friends were busy putting the finishing touches on the tables, filling the coolers with ice, and testing out the new sound system in the “Hay Barn”.
At 2 o’clock, we invited the groom’s father and the wedding officiant Eric to hop in the back of our truck for the ride across the pastures to the Sydnor home, where Derek and Sarah are getting ready. “Boys upstairs, girls downstairs”, Cindi Sydnor tells us as we arrive.
I knock on the door and Sarah open’s it… glowing in her short, perfectly poufy, textured, yummy goodness of a wedding dress. “It has pockets!”
A few minutes later, just as Sarah is looking in the mirror and trying to decide which is the perfect way to tie on her cute ribbon sash, the phone rings.
Its her mom and her sister calling to let her know they’re here.
With perfect timing they sweep in to help Sarah decide on the perfect accessories, from her grandmother’s pearls to her mother’s gold necklace.
Even for an unconventional bride, there is something nice about the continuity of some wedding traditions. Like the knowledge and remembrance of the many women before us who walked down the isle with hope and optimism wearing something old, new, borrowed and blue.
Grandmother’s old heirloom pearls. Shiny new red shoes. Mom’s borrowed necklace. A silvery blue ribbon sash.
Sarah and Derek opted to do a “First Look” before the wedding. As family members looked on from the porch, Derek waited under the shade trees in his subtly plaid suit and signature bow tie. With his back turned, handsome, looking out over the rolling hills of Braeburn Farm, Sarah approached. She stops just a few feet away, looks at him, and says “I’m here.”
(Checking out the pockets)
Soon the rest of their families join us for photos with the bride and groom.
