Sam + Tyler: A Wedding at Lake Shawnee

The thing about Sam and Tyler, is that you sense immediately not just how much they love each other, but also what great friends they are. This isn't surprising when you find out they've known each other for a long time, attending the same middle school and dating at one point before their paths eventually brought them back together.

They chose the Ted Ensley gardens at Lake Shawnee for their June 1st wedding, and it was a perfect choice considering that Sam is a florist and works for Owens Flower Shop. The gazebo was adorned with sage-green sashes and bursts of florals, with the same flowers incorporated in Tyler and the groomsmen's boutonnieres and Sam and the bridesmaids' bouquets.

In lieu of a formal "first look," Sam and Tyler would hide themselves in pre-designated spots as the groomsmen and bridesmaids alternated walking down the aisle. As guests found their seats, Tyler tucked himself behind a row of greenery, and members of the wedding party walked the winding path from the Garden House to the gazebo.

As an instrumental version of "Stand by Me" played over the speaker, Sam and Tyler walked from their spots to join each other. Sam (who Tyler informed me earlier with great tenderness is a crier), had already been dabbing tears before they even saw each other, and as they walked to each other, she was overcome again with the emotion of the moment.

As the ceremony began, their officiant (and longtime friend) Ethan sent the rings through the guests for a ring-warming, which is when each person holds the rings and thinks lovely thoughts for the couple, or says a prayer, or just puts their own warm energy into the rings, before they make their way back to the couple. As the rings traveled, Ethan's words brought laughter and at times, tears, and after exchanging rings, Sam and Tyler came together for their first kiss as husband and wife.

They walked down the aisle with the wedding party and family members following behind. The noon ceremony had already been warm, and they had picked a shady spot by the water for family photos. The family portraits, as is pretty standard, were more formal, though some of my favorites were each group of siblings: Sam yelled out "Conga line!" for hers, and Tyler and his attempted a can-can line. As Tyler stood with his parents I asked if they wanted to kiss him on each cheek, and they sprang into action while Tyler laughed. I did the same with Sam and her parents, and afterwards she giggled and said "I don't know if that's ever happened before."

As everyone headed back to the Garden House for cold drinks, Sam and Tyler did a slow meander through the grounds for portraits. Sam had been handed what looked like a giant dandelion, and as she and Tyler sat on a bench they decided to blow on it. It was like a trick candle, stubbornly refusing to explode, but they weren't dissuaded! After a couple tries, the flower burst and sent little seed pods floating off into the summer wind.

After portraits of the two of them, it was time for their entrance back at the Garden House, which would lead straight into their first dance. As the group gathered on the hot deck with cold beverages, Sam and Tyler entered through the double doors and took their places. It was a sweet first dance that reflected both of their personalities perfectly, and as the song came to an end Tyler swept Sam into his arms for a dramatic dip.

The reception was now officially underway. Everyone made their way to tables inside the air-conditioned space and lined up informally for a buffet of sandwiches, mac and cheese, charcuterie, and salad. They were presented with two balloons by Tyler's aunt, which they were informed to slice open and find gifts hidden inside, and soon after they popped open a bottle of champagne.

It was a lovely, laidback reception. Friends pulled them outside at times for photo ops and boy band poses, and eventually it was time to cut the cake. They made the rounds, visiting with friends, goofing around with family members, and Tyler even eventually made it onto a nearby roof to share a beer with friends.