I am not really sure how to start this story off except to say that this was one of the most amazing days I have been a part of in my photography life. Drew and Steph met at 13 years old on a camping trip and have been interested in each other since then. Fast forward to 21 and now married. My favorite part about their childhood romance is that Drew followed Stephanie around asking her to play card games. For their engagement photos and some more insight into their story check here: Drew and Stephanie Engagement.
Their relationship truly is amazing. There is so much talk about dating and courtship nowadays and the semantics of it all - I have know idea what I would call theirs but whatever it was - how it played out is the sweetest story ever. Their whole day was pure and wholesome and so God honoring that I don't know how to put it into words. We were privileged to go to the rehearsal as well - which was also amazing...Drew's dad spoke about relationships and what to look for in a spouse...it should have been recorded! I feel blessed constantly that my daughter Jessy who shoots with me gets to witness incredible relationships and gets to know amazing people. I was able to speak to the junior high girls on Proverbs 31 last week and as an intro I talked of Ruth and how her reputation went before her as a Godly woman - if you don't know all the parties involved in this magnificent love story - all these people's reputations proceed them and when you finally meet them someday, you find that they are as true, Godly and genuine as has been told you - just as Boaz had heard of Ruth long before he met her.
I just love this couple and both families - I hope we get to see them soon as I miss them!!
Kylie wrote a song for them called CHAPTERS ... it is at the bottom of the post...so as you enjoy their day in photos you will have a treat at the end...
AND if this isn't enough photos for you - the whole chabang is right here:
http://tracydodsonphotography.pass.us/drewandstephanie There are collections - if you click the 3 lines at the top left of the page (see photo below) it will bring up all sorts of collections. My favorites come up first in the collection called photographer favorites.
So leave them some love in the comments and go hug them!!!
Enjoy our day...
Vendor line up:
Venue: An amazing backyard in Newhall. Such a sweet couple. They had recently moved there and did so much work to get it so beautiful. Thank you to the Rogers!
Decorations: Stephanie herself - yes she is this amazing.
Wedding Coordinator: Courtney Melonas - she did a great job! First wedding she ever did by herself and literally was perfect. I have a STRONG belief in having a day of wedding coordinator and she was on top of everything and made the day run smoothly. For her contact info, email me.
Paper Flower Bouquet: Melinda Welsh (made out of all Drew's letters) - AMAZING
Music: Jacob Williams and Kylie Dempsey
Gown: Vera Wang
Bridesmaids dresses: Francesca's
Tuxes: Chantilly Bridal
Rentals: See Party Rentals
Pastor: Matt White
Food: In and Out!!!
Food: Red Basket Catering 661-965-4805 - salads and extras - amazing and well done.
Desserts: Tonya Harris - perfect dessserts.
Bathrooms: Mission Valley Sanitation
First dance song: "Then" by Brad Paisley
Kylie Dempsey's Song written specifically for Drew and Stephanie's wedding day...
~Chapters~
A boy on a bike on the beach in the summer of ’04
Met a girl with a smile unlike anything he’d ever seen before
But they were both so young; end Chapter One
So the boy on the bike got a pen and some paper in ’05
With one leap of faith he wrote on a page what was on his mind
And it said
I guess I’m not very brave
I can’t say this to your face
I’m pretty sure you know by how I’m acting
You may not feel the same way
If you don’t then that’s okay
I like you and I wanted you to know
What’s a girl to do; End Chapter Two
A boy and a girl formed a friendship and then something better
And they both knew in the years as they grew they had grown together
So he said
I guess I’m not very brave
I couldn’t say it to your face
But I know you knew by how I acted
I think you feel the same way
There’s so much I want to say
I like you and I wanted you to know
Will you go out with me; End Chapter Three
Chapter Four they held hands
Chapter Five Paris France
And learning how to love long distance
Chapter Six he comes home
Chapter Seven their love grows
Imitating Christ loving his bride
A boy and a girl on a beach in October of last year
Got on one knee and he pulled out a ring and fought back the tears
As he said
I guess I wasn’t very brave
I couldn’t say it to your face
But I know you knew by how I acted
All these years and now I know
I never want to let you go
I love you and I needed you to know
She said yes that day; End Chapter Eight
A bride dressed in white with her dad by her side while her groom waits
Adventure will start when they unite two hearts on this wedding day
Starting their new life; End Chapter Nine
