This is a love story 5 years in the making, that stretches between Ohio to Florida, with many road trips and miles between.  Ironically enough, Sara and Aaron grew up in the same hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, and even attended the same high school!  Sara moved to Orlando after college, and Aaron moved to Columbus.  It wasn’t until 2013 that they were reconnected, when Aaron saw a video of Sara singing and reached out to her.  They began communicating back and forth, and a relationship slowly blossomed.  In November of that year, Aaron finally took Sara out on their first date during one of her visits home to Ohio!  I can actually remember this very day, because Sara and I were Black Friday shopping at the mall when she filled me in on the new development.  You see, Sara is my sister-in-law!  I had just started dating her brother a few months prior, and I can still recall the excitement on her face as she told me about this surprise date with Aaron Vaccar.  That first date turned into many more dates and road trips between Columbus and Orlando, and eventually Aaron moved down to Florida.  In the summer of 2017, he proposed to Sara on a carriage ride in St. Augustine, and plans for a Florida wedding celebration at the historical Estate on the Halifax were underway!

If you know these two, you know they are both avid Disney fans!  They incorporated a classy Beauty & the Beast theme into their wedding day, along with so many personal touches.  Both hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, a cookie table was of course a must!  This wedding was proof that with enough willing hands and hearts (and carry on suitcases filled with pizelles), a destination cookie table can absolutely happen!  Guests traveled from near and far to attend this celebration, spanning from Alaska, California, Missouri, and even Switzerland!  In a little white chapel filled to the brim with loved ones, Sara and Aaron exchanged their vows and shed all the happy tears.  As Sara’s dad escorted her down the aisle, I think every face had a smile so big it couldn’t possibly stretch any more.  Sara is widely known among her peers as “Sara Smiles,” and for good reason.  Her joy at marrying Aaron radiated through the church, and touched every witness gathered before them.

It was an absolute honor to play a part in this day both as Sara and Aaron’s wedding photographer, AND a bridesmaid!  This was my first time doing double duty, and I have to give major thanks to my second shooter Leila, who took the reigns when I was unable to juggle both a bouquet and a camera ;) Being asked to play either of these roles on a wedding day is such an honor, and being able to do both just made my heart practically burst.  Sara and Aaron, I hope you two are having the best honeymoon in the Smoky Mountains!  Love you both!!

Venue: Estate on the Halifax

Florist:  Bloominous

Wedding dress:  The Winner

Hair and Makeup:  Shelby George

Bridesmaid dresses:  David’s Bridal

Graphic Design:  Angel Chun

Wedding cake:  Your Cakery

Catering:  Aunt Catfish’s on the River

Live Entertainment:  Bay Kings Band

Videography:  Dante + Angie

Second Photographer: Leila Mullen Photography

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Family and friends who would like to purchase prints and view the full wedding gallery, please click ——–> HERE!

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Estate on the Halifax Wedding | Port Orange FL | Sara + Aaron

Great-Grandma Pecchia’s wedding purse and handkerchief

All the love for this girl!

Sara’s mom helped her into her dress, and Sara got to do a little reveal for her bridesmaids!

Aaron looking so handsome, and ready to see his bride!

Always the highlight of every wedding day, the First Look!

The Estate on the Halifax has so many gorgeous locations, it was hard to narrow it down for portraits!  Every twist and turn is just stunning!

Look at those good-looking gentlemen!  Navy suits are always my favorite!

Wedding time!!  Such anticipation!

Married!!!  I think they skipped down that aisle!

The bride’s father gave a welcome to all the guests, followed by speeches from Matron of Honor Jenna, and Aaron’s Best Man and dad, Carl!

There’s nothing like a live band at weddings to keep the party going!  The Bay King’s Band was amazing!

After the newlywed’s finished their dinner, we snuck out for some sunset portraits!  The overcast day didn’t quite give us a colorful sunset, but the last light of day is always so beautiful.  Love giving newlyweds the chance to enjoy a moment alone together.

Aaron had a little surprise up his sleeve for his bride!  He added this “Just Married” decal to their car for their honeymoon road trip!

And just because a little peek behind the scenes is always fun, Leila caught some shots of this bridesmaid in action behind the camera!  What a blast this was!