When it came time for my sister Samantha’s wedding, I was honored that she wanted to host it here on our farm! With an intimate guest list of just 50 people, I wanted the layout to feel just as close-knit as the occasion. Instead of scattered round tables, we opted for a single, long table that brought everyone together for a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It was the perfect choice for a day centered on connection and love.
One of the most special moments happened before the ceremony, when my Aunt Sue and I gave Samantha a bracelet. This bracelet was more than just jewelry—it was a meaningful heirloom. Aunt Sue had given it to our mom on her own wedding day, and we wanted Samantha to carry that legacy with her. Losing our mom two years ago has been incredibly hard, and not having her with us on Samantha’s wedding day was especially emotional. But instead of focusing on sadness, we made sure to honor her in a way that felt warm and full of light.
The officiant for the day was Lisa, who we lovingly refer to as our “second mom.” Having her lead the ceremony made the moment even more personal and touching. Though the ceremony was originally planned for outside, a rainy day created the most beautiful mist over the mountain. The weather ended up adding a magical, dreamlike quality to the photos, perfectly capturing the intimacy of the day. Samantha and Brandon wrote their own vows, bringing laughter and tears to everyone in attendance. It was heartfelt, raw, and completely them.
During the reception, Brandon shared a touching dance with his mom while Samantha danced with her three sons, both moments accompanied live by the incredible Alyssa Golden. For my toast, I wanted to honor Samantha’s strength—a defining trait of hers since she was a child. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 18 months old, Samantha has consistently beaten the odds, doing so with unmatched resilience. There was a time in her childhood when we weren’t sure she would make it out of the hospital, and during that time, Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” became her and our mom’s anthem. To them, it was a song about defying the odds and making it through together.
After my speech, I asked everyone to join Samantha on the dance floor for a moment in memory of our mom. Alyssa performed a beautifully reimagined version of “You’re Still the One,” with lyrics reflecting a mother watching her daughter get married from heaven. (You can listen to the song HERE, but be sure to have tissues handy.) During this dance, as Samantha held her son close, the bracelet we had given her earlier broke. Knowing our mom, we couldn’t help but laugh through our tears, taking it as her famous reminder to “put your big girl pants on.” It was such a bittersweet, beautiful moment that perfectly embodied our moms spirt.
The rest of the evening was filled with delicious woodfired pizza, an endless array of desserts, and dancing the night away. To cap it all off, Samantha and Brandon changed into matching sweatsuits—a fun and adorable end to a day that was uniquely theirs. Samantha and Brandon’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration of their love but also a blending of two families. Every wedding we host here is special, but this one will always be my favorite.
Photographer: Carly Watson Photography | Planning: Lovely Weddings and Events | Catering: Lupo Rosso Woodfire Pizza | Floral: Everjoy Flower Farm | Entertainment: Alyssa Golden | Dessert: Electric City Bakehouse
