It’s no secret that wedding days are usually a pretty emotional affair. There are usually plenty of happy tears, laughter, and so much genuine, uncontainable joy in the air during a wedding day. It’s contagious and I just love it! And sometimes there’s a hint of sadness and reflection, usually because someone is missing. Taylor & Renée’s wedding day was a wonderful, amazing mixture of all of those emotions and it was absolutely beautiful.

Renée & Taylor attend the same church that Andrew & I do, which is how we came to be their wedding photographers! Renée has been to El Salvador with our mission team and they are both regular attendees of Sunday morning Bible study. Renée’s dad, Bill, was also an active member of our congregation until he went to be with the Lord this past December after battling cancer. While Renée’s dad was physically absent on her wedding day, they honored his memory in some of the sweetest ways I’ve ever seen – I definitely encourage you to scroll through the entire blog post to see what I mean. They also had a little table near their ceremony space filled with pictures and trinkets dedicated to the memory of loved ones who were unable to celebrate with them that day. Renée explained to me in an email that their goal for their wedding day was obviously to celebrate their marriage, but also to express to their guests just how much the couple appreciates and loves them. They wanted their friends and family to experience the joy that comes from Christ’s love, and to show that our love for others is only possible because Christ loved us first! These two have such a sweet and unique relationship and the biggest hearts, and Andrew and I are so humbled to have been a part of their amazing day!
Braehead Manor provided the most stunning backdrop for this wedding day. Taylor & Renée love history like Andrew and I do, and the Manor house is brimming with gorgeous historic elements. We loved shooting in such a beautiful space. Renée & Taylor said their vows just next to the house beneath the most gorgeous tree I’ve ever personally seen, and it was glorious. So simple and beautiful. There were also a LOT of little details throughout this wedding that have such heartwarming back-stories. I’ve detailed the stories with the images as you scroll through this post, so please be sure to read the captions, and grab some tissues!

Taylor & Renée, thank you for trusting us to capture the memories of your wedding day. We love you and hope you’re having a magical time in the Happiest Place on Earth!! See you soon!!

xoxo,
Amanda

Though they were just engaged over this past Memorial Day weekend, the couple chose to get married on September 10th – Bill’s birthday.

These cute little pins to the left are a nod to the couple’s love for Disney, and their Honeymoon destination!!

These next few images are sweet tributes to those who were missed on that special day.

I almost didn’t notice this….that’s Bill’s hat there to the right. He wore it often. It was placed there for the ceremony.

And this was gifted to Renée the morning of her wedding. That’s her Dad’s handwriting. Cue. The. Waterworks.

You are so stunning, Renée.

Taylor had a BEAST pin on his bout….!! Is that not the cutest?!

First look 🙂

Andrew took this amazing shot with Bill’s hat in the corner…

Married!

That shot on the left melts my heart – the bride and groom hugging their sisters!

Renée’s poor Momma broke her foot just before the wedding! They made the wheelchair look good, though!!

Another one of Andrew’s…I’m so grateful he was able to capture these little moments.

So cute!! Love this one.

Each of their reception tables had a different theme. They worked so hard on these and they came out so cool!!

They also had personalized glasses for each of their guests. This one was for Taylor’s sister, Chelsea, who served as his “Best Woman!”

So their cake was German Chocolate, which was Bill & Renée’s favorite. The first birthday Renée had with Taylor, he baked her a German Chocolate cake. Then on the last birthday Renée had with her dad, Bill made her a German Chocolate cake. It was only fitting 🙂

One of the couple’s favorite things to do together is have breakfast & coffee. They had a morning wedding with brunch and it was AMAZING! I will now be suggesting an omelette bar to all my brides ;

The bride & groom’s sisters each gave toasts and they were amazing! The tears were flowing around the room. Such sweet words. These siblings love each other dearly.

Cornerstone Church Family!

We escaped the heat and humidity for a bit and took some portraits in the house. LOVE the colors and that staircase!!

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.