Love’s about doing what’s expected, isn’t it? The day-to-day tasks. The little things here and there. The small acts of love, and kindness, that say, “I love you,” over and and over again. It’s doing the dishes. It’s folding laundry. It’s remembering to hang towels instead of throwing them on the floor (Jordan’s fatal flaw). It’s showing the person you love every single minute of every single day, I’m here. I’m committed. I’m in it to win it. I’m all in. But for a dynamic relationship, for a thriving marriage, expected isn’t enough, is it? It’s the foundation, but it’s not what takes it over the finish line. What is? Appreciating the expected without forgetting to surprise. Because expected says, “I’m thinking about you right now,” while surprise says, “I’ve been thinking about you all this time.” And, just like milk needs cookies, expected needs surprise. That’s what was so beautiful about Tara and Lee’s Sanctuary wedding this weekend designed by our friend, Kayla, with Some Like It Classic. They get expected. They also really get surprise.
Before their ceremony — our first Greek one, which, Jordan, being Greek himself (opa!), was very excited about! — they surprised each other with gifts, which they opened at the exact same time. She opened her black box laced with ribbon, her bridesmaids surrounding her in their blush dresses. He opened his alone, seated on the steps outside his room. As he read each word she wrote on the card, he teared up. She smiled, then teared up, too. She opened the box, a Harry Winston necklace to match her ring. So elegant. So timeless. So permanent. So… them. When he opened his, a teal Tiffany & Co. box appeared, custom cufflinks inside. His initials. Her special touch. Their wedding date. This is where expected and surprise collide — and it’s why Tara and Lee’s love is so beautiful. So thoughtful. So intentional. Two things that every marriage needs, and they certainly have. But the day wouldn’t have been complete without (true to them) one more surprise that even he couldn’t have predicted: a special appearance by Sparky the Sun Devil, his beloved college’s mascot — who you know got his very own #DemosSandwich.
Tara and Lee, thank you so much for welcoming us into your family for the day, letting us capture your stunningly gorgeous wedding celebration, and reminding us that the only thing better than loving each other expectedly every day, is making as many of them as we can a surprise.
the WEDDING TEAM…
Event Designer: Kayla at Some Like it Classic
Band: Shinning Star Band
Bride’s Dress: Rosa Clara
Bride’s Ring: Harry Winston
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade
Bridesmaids Accessories: Tiffany Pearl Earrings
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Leykoff
Catering: The Sanctuary
Ceremony Location: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Ceremony Music: Chuck Sedgwick
Coordinator: Brittany Martenson
Dessert: Classic Cakes & Confections
Draping: Quest Drape
Floral Design: The Flower Studio
Furniture Rentals: Lounge Modern Revival
Groom’s Ring: Harry Winston
Hair Stylist: Ruca Bowmen
Invitations: Celebrations in Paper
Linens: Southwick Linens
Makeup Artist: Ashley Nicole
Paper Products: Celebrations in Paper
Photographers: Amy & Jordan
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Transportation: Roscoe and Louie
the GEAR USED for this WEDDING…
Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 50 1.2
Canon 70-200 2.8
Canon 100 2.8
Canon 24-70 2.8
Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT
Entire Gear List
