I walked into the salon on a cloudy Chicago summer day to greet my dear friend on her wedding day.  As she sat in the salon chair, she was poised, calm, but you could sense her excitement.  Faith and I got to become dear friends last year while I was living in Ghana, West Africa.   Faith was teaching at the International school in my neighborhood on the east side of the city of Accra, and during one of the many times we sat on the sidelines cheering on our friends on the soccer field – I remember hearing about this boy. His name is Sam.

Faith + Sam’s story takes us around the world and back.   Faith has been teaching at the American International School in Accra, Ghana for the past 5 years and Sam is a First Lieutenant in U.S. Army, stationed in Hawaii.  The two met years ago while helping Faith’s sister move out of her college dorm room in 2008.   Faith and Sam spent that summer bouncing between Chicago and Monmouth, IL spending whatever time they could together.   The Fall came and Faith followed her dream to teach overseas with NICS (Network of International Christian Schools) and moved to Ghana, Africa.  Faith and Sam parted ways …but they both knew this was not the end of their story.  Four years later, during the summer of 2013 when Faith was home for summer break – Sam took a risk.  He reached out to her and asked her to get coffee.  Sam knew he didn’t want to walk through this journey called life, with anyone else by his side.

I am so honored and amazed that I could be there to celebrate with my sweet friend who I met in Ghana, West Africa (small world!) and had the privilege of documenting her wedding day.  After spending this past year 10,000 miles apart – (Ghana – to Hawaii) it was such a sweet time to see Faith and Sam glowing with excitement to finally be together.   Faith, you are such a sweet friend and a caring person –  and it brings me so much joy to see the happiness that Sam brings to your life! I wish you the best as you start this new adventure living in Hawaii together! Don’t worry – we’ll be sure to come visit ;)

Special shout out to my amazing godmother and friend Julia Watt. She was my second shooter and did such an incredible job!

Faith’s niece was too darn cute!

Lindsay from Bella Flora did an incredible job on the bouquets!

I loved reconnecting with my friends from Ghana that all came out to be a part of Faith + Sam’s day!

Faith. You really are a stunning bride.

The weather channel had forecasted heavy rain all evening…I love when the sun surprises us and proves the weatherman wrong. 

One of my favorite images from the day.

Faith showed us how it was done when she broke out the Azonto dance! A traditional dance we all learned during our time in Ghana!

The Ghana Crew representing. It was so special to reunite with these amazing friends after moving out of Ghana a year ago!

 

The incredible team of vendors:

Venue: Carriage Greens Country Club

Florals: Bella Flora 

Cake Artist: Cakefections

DJ: Brett Friedman – www.strictlyfundjs.com

Bride’s Gown: Vera Wang

Bride’s Shoes: Nine West

Hair + Make-up: Mario Tricoci

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Photography: Kelly Lemon Photography – Second Shooter: The fabulous Juli Watt!