Savannah and Andrew’s wedding has a backstory that’s difficult to tell. Their recent years together haven’t been all filled with easy laughter or carefree days. There have been tears, anxious thoughts, and unceasing prayers. There has been strength, courage, resolve, and maturity beyond this couple’s youth. And there has been love. So much love!

When Andrew was diagnosed with cancer, it was not a battle he had to fight alone. His family fought, too. And Savannah, the love of his life, remained firmly at his side. Theirs is a tested and proven love. It’s the stuff that lasts, and we were inspired to see the beautiful way these two embody it. Somewhere along the way, the Make-A-Wish organization came into the picture to celebrate Andrew’s courage in this battle. As you might have guessed, his wish was the same as Savannah’s. The wedding date was set! And Eileen and I felt so honored when our friend Sara asked us if we’d want to be a part of this wedding. (We photographed the wedding of Sara’s sister Kimberly, and we just love this girl so much!) The entire occasion was miraculous. I use the word “miraculous” sparingly, but I believe it applies here. Cynics will tell you there’s no such thing as a medical miracle — that the circumstances of our lives are coincidental, not divine. Well, I’ve been blessed to know people like Savannah and Andrew; I have no room in my heart for cynicism. Yes, I’m happy to admit that every effect has its cause. But let us never forget that every breath is a miracle. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. Yet Savannah and Andrew were allowed this one day, and it was a truly great gift!

Another “coincidental” and completely unexpected blessing on this day at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa was working alongside our dear friends and another former “Blume couple,” Dave and Emily Burton. After we photographed their wedding (which she designed herself), they moved to Florida where Emily began her very own and very successful event design business, Emily Burton Designs. We love them and their generous hearts, and it was such a treat to capture their beautiful work for the elegant vintage garden wedding.

While in the hospital, Andrew and Savannah met a beautiful family whose toddler son was diagnosed with Leukemia. You’ll see his and his sister’s precious faces below; they played the parts of ring bearer and flower girl for their big buddies. Earlier, this sweet little man would brighten Andrew’s day with his silly antics in the hospital room. As time went on though, his little body became weak. His mom and dad were so happy to see him work up a faint smile for this portrait in Andrew’s arms. Later, I took these parents and their two precious kids aside for a brief mini-session, playing some of the same games I often use to make portraits fun for kids. Amazingly, when it came time for family tickles, he raised his limp arm and gave it his all, tickling his delighted big sister. These photographs mean so much even to me now; I hope his family can treasure them, too. Since last weekend, their handsome young man is no longer with them. I’m proud to have met him, and I can’t wait to see him one day in heaven.

Joy is so much stronger when you know life’s value. Savannah and Andrew’s wedding was a unique and tremendous celebration! It seemed as though the laughter was louder, the well wishes were more sincere, every moment was brighter and saturated in gratitude. We had so much fun! And, thank God, Andrew is in remission now! That in itself is cause for celebration, and I know it means the world to this awesome couple. But I’ll tell you this: fighting this battle has meant a lot to them, too. It’s made them who they are, and they’re even stronger for it. In fact, you should really get to know these two. I’ll let them speak for themselves. Enjoy the images. And please do something today, friends, to support a cure! (Click here to donate to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, where Andrew has received treatment.) Thank you!

So what’s the story, guys? How did you two meet?
“We officially met a few years after my mom taught Andrew in school. Thanks to social media (Facebook), we ended up re-connecting in the years that followed. We have been dating since Andrew was a freshman in high school and I was a sophomore. The rest is history!”

Savannah, how would you describe Andrew?
“Fun-loving, spur of the moment, always up for any last minute trip or plans that I make. Caring and thoughtful- he always plans the most fun and meaningful dates. Brave and strong–sometimes to a fault. He can rise up to any challenge and make the most out of even the most difficult situation–his previous cancer diagnosis in particular. Even though I could see the pain in his eyes most every day during his battle, he never failed to be the one to give me a hug and encourage me. Selfless and inspirational–I look up to him for so many reasons. He puts others before himself and strives to see the good in everyone. Positivity is an understatement when it comes to how he views life. He inspires me to chase my dreams, and he has the kindest heart of anyone that I have ever met.”

Andrew, what do love about your bride?
“Savannah is definitely one of the most hard working girls that I have ever met. She never expects anything to be given to her. If she wants something she goes and gets it done herself. She is the perfect mix of being serious when she needs to be or going out and relaxing with friends and having a good time. Savannah is an overall well-rounded women who is very mature, especially for her age. She loves spending time with family and friends. When you are around Savannah you always find yourself laughing; there is never a dull moment with her. She is always there for me when I need her, and she is always the one person that I can depend on no matter what.”

What do you hope your friends will say about your wedding?
“We hope our friends say our wedding was very “us”. We hope they see how genuinely happy we are and how blessed we feel to get to celebrate our day with them. We want them to feel like they got to be a special part of our day instead of feeling like they were on the outside looking in. Hopefully they will enjoy all of our personal touches to the naturally beautiful venue!”

Vendors//
Venue … Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Photographers … Blume Photography
Designer/Florist … Emily Burton Designs
Coordinator … Sara Lawrence, Make-A-Wish Georgia
Videography … Ryan Lindsay, Imagine Video Productions
Wedding Cake … Crafty Cakery
Groom’s Cake … Baker’s Man
DJ … Lethal Rhythms
Linens … Nuage Linens
Details, incl. garter set, handkerchief, ring bearer pillow, and basket … Southern Ever After (on Etsy)



Watch Savannah and Andrew’s slideshow video below. Or view and order artwork from their complete online gallery here!