I had been looking forward to this day for such a long time! Morgan and Hogan had book with me a while ago, back before they were officially engaged, and I knew it was going to be a day filled with so much love and joy. I didn’t know Morgan and Hogan prior to this wedding process, but I have known Hogan’s mom for years and if you know Sheila, you absolutely adore her.

When she reached out to check my availability for this wedding, I was over the moon, probably initially because of my excitement for her, but then as I got to know Morgan and Hogan, I quickly became just as excited for them. Their tenderness and love towards each other is so beautiful to witness and I’m so honored that not only did I get to witness it, I got to document it. After Morgan and Hogan’s engagement session, Hogan’s mom texted me to thank me for being part of their story. This particular part of our conversation will forever be cemented as the most beautiful, welcoming sentiment of a child’s chosen partner: “We didn’t know we had a Morgan-sized hole in our family…we love her so much.” I hope every bride and groom gets to experience this kind of love when being welcomed into a new family.

Last October, “Hogan had planned a weekend trip to Amana to get away from our stressful and busy school lives. We had planned to stay around the same time that we would be getting married the following year. After an afternoon filled with shopping, food, drinks, and lot of talks about our future, we headed back to the hotel. I had an inkling that he may have been proposing and was disappointed when 10PM hit and it hadn’t happened. I ended up telling him that I thought he was going to propose, to which he explained that he felt bad because he couldn’t afford the ring yet.

“At 11:50PM, Hogan and I went on a walk because he said he just needed to walk around for a little bit. When we got outside and walked across the sidewalk, he proposed and explained the meaning of waiting until October 15th, even if it meant proposing at midnight. I felt terrible for being so impatient, to which he says it makes a good story.”

Hogan and his dad, Matt, made these ceremony pieces, which makes them all the more special.

Morgan’s brother walked her down the first half of the aisle…

…then Hogan’s dad met her and walked her the remainder of the way down.

During their ceremony, they had important family members in their lives add dirt to a tree to symbolize how their love will help grow the tree like they helped them grow.

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Venue & Catering: Hotel Millwright

Florals: Every Bloomin’ Thing

Dessert Bar: Golden Delight Bakery

Band: Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos

Makeup & Hair: Essence Salon

Bridal Gown: Heart to Heart Bridal

Maids’ Gowns: David’s Bridal

Invitations & Paper Goods: Minted

Videography: Gomes Films