You see the unabashed tenderness in groom Brandon’s embrace of his lovely bride? You see the way he just holds on to her as if she were the most precious thing in the world? That’s because she is. And he nearly lost her, and the person responsible for bringing her into this world. The day before the couple’s July wedding, Stephanie and her mother were in a very serious car accident, one that injured Stephanie and sent her mother to the hospital by emergency transport. “I did not go to sleep until 4 a.m.,” Stephanie tells us. “All I could think about was the accident, and not the wedding. It wasn’t until I woke up that I realized, ‘Oh my gosh, today is my wedding day!’” And despite her and her mother’s physical pain, that wedding “was everything that I ever wanted,” she says. Captured in Civic Photos’ uniquely evocative, vintage-style images are all the rich, joyful colors, the magnificent Edible Designs by Jessie cake, the lovely Courtyard on St. James grounds and ballroom, the affection of friends and family, and most of all the love of Stephanie’s adoring groom, whom she met senior year in high school, and has been devoted to ever since. We’re grateful to Civic Photos’ Barrett Delyon Henry for sharing with us his iconic images. And we are so very thankful to Stephanie and Brandon for sharing their wedding with us, and reminding us all of the true meaning of that most meaningful day. Wishing you both all the happiness in the world!

Photos: Civic Photos ~ Bride’s Dress: Oleg Cassini ~ Bride’s Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell ~ Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Adorne Artistry ~ Cakes: Edible Designs by Jessie ~ Flowers: Carmen’s Floral ~ Reception Venue: Courtyard on St. James