Susan and Sunny’s wedding at Foxhall Resort was a day filled with Autumn scenery and a true celebration of love and family. Grey Collective photographer Eliza Morrill had this to say about the down-to-earth couple’s vows: “…exchanged overlooking the fields as the sun set, surrounded by friends and family, Sunny said to Susan the two words he most often hears her say: “thank you”—thank you for agreeing to be his wife and making him a better man. Susan spoke of how Sunny is the true reflection of his name—“Sunny like the weather,” and I don’t believe that there was a dry eye on that mountain.” Perfection, right? Lovely planning and coordination by Samantha Warren, colorful florals by Estorie Floral and a rustic cake display by Cecilia’s Cakes make this fall affair truly inspiring.
What made the wedding special and unique?
The ceremony was our biggest focus of the whole day. My dream for our wedding was that our friends and family would feel seen, and known, and loved. We know this is God’s intent for every person, and that’s why marriage is the perfect picture of how He feels about us. My sincere hope is that people left the wedding feeling celebrated and so loved – because we sure love them.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
My mom, Matron of Honor, and I went to The Sentimentalist in Atlanta, and I could not be happier that we did! It was actually the only store we went to. Their team is incredibly helpful and made the whole process so enjoyable and personal. They really figured out my style and what I was looking for, even before I did. I loved the very first dress that I tried on, and I kept comparing every other dress to that one. At the end of our session, I just knew the first one (by Rebecca Schoneveld) was “the one”, and we placed the order then and there.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
In addition to photography (shout out to the amazing Eliza!), there were two elements to the day that were most important to me: food and music. I wanted the food to be delicious and personal – like you’re sharing a table and great meal at someone’s home. Shauna Niequist, anyone? We wanted options that were healthy and delicious, and lots of them! Sun in My Belly did a phenomenal job executing this vision. We also ordered about 9 differently flavored satellite cakes from Cecilia’s so that people had tons of options. And s’mores. No one was going home hungry!
As for music, this started with the ceremony. My dear friend coordinated musicians, sound, etc., and it was the best and most personal wedding gift that anyone could ever give to us.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
From the bride: Sunny and I wrote our own vows, and I’ve never felt so honored or loved. I’ll never forget the commitment we made to one another in those sweet moments. Not long after our vows, we had the opportunity to take communion and pray together, overlooking the beautiful landscape at Foxhall. The beauty of God’s creation is one of those gifts in life that always hits me hard – really hard. I was overwhelmed as we stood together, and it’s like I was experiencing love in a brand new way. Just like the fields we were overlooking – it was so expansive.
I can’t believe I get to walk alongside Sunny for the rest of our lives. When it comes to a life-long partner-in-crime, I hit the jackpot.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
We’ve actually worked together for the past four years – in the same department, but different teams! About three and a half years ago I actually set Sunny up on a blind date with a friend of a friend, because I thought very highly of him. Fast forward, and Sunny and I grabbed dinner with a mutual friend that he knew in college, and I’d known in elementary school. We had a great time! Sunny and I had ridden together from our office, and ended up chatting for a long time in the parking deck when we returned. We agreed to hang out a couple of days later, but just didn’t invite our mutual friend. It didn’t take long to realize how much we both enjoyed being together. Selfishly, I’m so thankful that blind date years before didn’t go too far!
We love to hike together, so it was only fitting that Sunny proposed on a hike. The moments leading up to the proposal were hilarious, which is fitting for us, and made the thing a huge surprise. I asked him if he wanted to sit down, and he told me he’d rather kneel. I thought he was kidding, but then he did. Cue my water works!
Photography: Eliza Morrill Photography www.elizamorrill.com // Planning + Coordination: Samantha Warren | Forever and Then Some // Floral Design: Estorie Floral // Venue: Foxhall Resort, Legacy Lookout // Bride’s Dress: The Sentimentalist // Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew // Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Caterer: Sun in My Belly // Cakes: Cecilia’s Cakes
// Hair + Makeup: Hope Ferguson // Band: Love, Peace & Happiness Band // Second Shooter: Maggie Armstrong