This gorgeous fall Sabrina Cedars wedding wasn’t just beautiful due to the amazing venue and gorgeous color palette.

Chelsi and Brennan’s wedding at Sabrina Cedars was filled with so many heart-felt moments that made it just that much more beautiful. From the dudes just hanging out and drinking beer, to all the support Chelsi received the entire day from her girls, to the moment when she walked down the aisle and they saw each other for the first time, to breaking it down on the dance floor. Those moments and all of the little ones in between made this day beyond special, and I’m so excited to share them with you.

First thing’s first. Sabrina Cedars wedding venue is BEYOND amazing.

If you ask me, we’ve needed a venue like this in Abilene for a long time now. A big modern white barn is the perfect place to get married! For real, white is always a dream to my photographer self. It makes for such beautiful photos and helps with lighting so much! When Chelsi found out about Sabrina Cedars wedding venue, she absolutely fell in love. She told me that she had always dreamed about getting married at a venue that was as beautiful as Sabrina Cedars, but never actually thought it would become reality. She said, “It was so magical and just down right gorgeous!! I still can’t believe my wedding was at such a beautiful place!!”

Brennan was adamant about not doing a first look.

He really wanted to have the moment he always thought about, where he sees his bride walk down the aisle for the first time on his wedding day. I know so many photographers and other people really push for a first look, and sometimes it is necessary for winter weddings or later ceremonies. However, I am all about a couple doing what make them the most excited, and I think the thought of seeing Chelsi come down the aisle was what made Brennan so ecstatic.

That moment did not disappoint for either Chelsi or Brennan. Brennan couldn’t help but shed tears as his bride appeared to him for the first time. My heart was beating super fast for him! Another thing I loved about this moment was that it actually turned out to be the most emotional moment for Chelsi as well. I think a lot of times there is all this talk about the groom seeing the bride for the first time, but it’s just as impactful for the bride to see her groom! Chelsi said,

“He looked so handsome! When I first saw him, it finally felt real. I had been saying all day ‘it doesn’t feel like I’m getting married!’ But when I finally saw him, it did. I just lost it. I can’t really describe the way I felt, but I’ve never felt that way before.” 

The ceremony was purposeful, meaningful, and absolutely stunning.

I mean, you could just tell how overjoyed Chelsi and Brennan were to be standing there together. I could see so much love in their eyes. They decided not to do their own vows because they didn’t think they could make it all the way through without just falling apart. But even though they were repeating their officiant’s words, the meaning of those vows were still felt deeply. Chelsi explained that it felt like those were the most important words she’s ever said, and she couldn’t take her eyes off Brennan the entire time.

Those were the most important things to take note of, but there are several moments throughout this day that stick out to me.

• The portraits with Brennan and Chelsi couldn’t have been better timing. The sun was coming down just right, and we got to do all of their pictures in that gorgeous golden hour light we all know I adore.
• The speeches were so heartfelt. I love speeches because I get to know my couples in a deeper way than I ever could. I realized just how loved these two are, and what great friends they are. Chelsi and her maid of honor have been there for each other pretty much their entire lives, and her speech was so sweet.
• We all know how great a wedding is based on the dance floor. Well, let me just tell you this dance floor was POPPIN’. I got to see a whole new side of Brennan, and it was just my favorite thing.

I’m so thankful to have gotten to know these two! Capturing their day was a highlight of this fall season. If you or someone you know is engaged, I would love to chat! Hit me up!

VENDORS:

Venue: Sabrina Cedars

Planner/Coordinator: Weddings by Sarah Ann

Florist: Fussy Chicks

Makeup: Bridal by Maia

Videographer: Crosslet Photography + Videography

DJ: HIT Productions 

Dress: Blushing Bride Boutique

 

While you’re here, check out the last few weddings I’ve gotten to photograph!

Shelby + Ryan

Sarah + Thomas

Ariana + Saul