Sabryn + Jared: May 23, 2021

The best word I could use to describe Sabryn and Jared’s wedding is this: WHIRLWIND. We showed up to beautiful Big Oak Ranch on Saturday excited to capture the big day. As usual, we found Sabryn finishing up her hair and makeup, and we grabbed her dress and bouquet to start photographing details. As we were finishing up, we received news of a family emergency. There were lots of questions, phone calls and “I don’t know’s” for about half an hour before Sabryn and Jared made the decision to indefinitely postpone their wedding and head straight to the hospital. In eleven years as a wedding photographer, I’ve never experienced anything like this but I knew Sabryn and Jared were making the right decision by putting their family first, even thought I can’t imagine how hard it was to put a halt on a day you’ve so looked forward to and put so much effort into. We left Springville that morning unsure of what would happen. Later that evening, I got a call from Sabryn, who told me that they had received the best possible news and the wedding was on for Sunday! The only thing lost would be 24 hours. So we repacked our gear, hopped in the car and on Sunday May 23rd, we picked up where we left off. After such a harrowing experience the day before, the sense of joy was palpable. Everyone was excited to be back and get on with the day. Sabryn and Jared’s first look started off with a bang– well, more of a “pew” when Sabryn used a nerf gun to get Jared’s attention. From that point on, the mood was set. Sunday was filled with laughter, hugs, and quite a few tears. Along with her bridesmaids at the front of the chapel, Sabryn had a photograph of her friend Morgan, who I’m sure was smiling down on her as she recited her vows to Jared. A surprise for the bride and groom came when Sabryn’s uncle stood up, followed by the entire crowd, to serenade them with “Lean on Me,” a fitting song for the day they had just had. They ended their day with a stunning fireworks show from Sabryn’s dad that left everyone in awe. As I look back on Sabryn and Jared’s wedding weekend, it really puts into perspective how things that seem so important can actually be trivial compared to what really matters. Sabryn said it best in a Facebook post on Sunday morning: “To the bride stressed– I feel you. I was you. I stressed and planned, and planned and stressed. Then the worst happened and none of it mattered– nothing was more important than family.” I am so truly happy for Mr. + Mrs. Blackwell, and so thankful we got to be there to celebrate with them.