As Summar + Stewart held each other for their final dance of the night I couldn’t help but think that the lyrics could not have been any more fitting. anyone…and I mean ANYONE who knows these two would agree. The lyrics read:
“Let it be said of us, while we walked among the living. Let it be said of us, by the ones we leave behind. Let it be said of us, that we lived to be a blessing for life.”
The day was incredible. With over 400 family members and friends in attendance, it was proven that Summar and Stewart are surely loved. It was a true CELEBRATION! There were two heartfelt and sincere toasts and several song dedications in addition to countless words, gestures, tears, and emotions shared with them on their wedding night.
As I mentioned in Summar’s bridal post, she is a woman of character, selfless and God-focused. And Stewart….well, I think Stewart’s buddy said it best when he told everyone in the room that Stewart is the man he looks up to most. He is strong and unwavering from a Christly path. He treats others with respect and gives Summar his unconditional love.
Summar told me her favorite aspect of the wedding decor was the color palette: Black, White, and pops of Red.
Her gown is from A-Nets and is just GORGEOUS on her!
But I think what both she and Stewart REALLY loved was being able to spend the day sharing this moment with their closest friends.
Summar and Stewart decided to wait to see each other until Summar walked down the aisle…HOWEVER, they did exchange gifts during their preparation time. Summar wrote Stewart a note and stuck in inside the pages of the bible she gave him. And Stewart gifted Summar with a Nook to enjoy on their honeymoon.
Summar has A LOT of friends. But what I admire about her is the care and love she gives each one of them. These friendships are beyond typical. They’re lifetime friendships that go so much deeper than just hanging out and having fun. Summar has dedicated her life to leading others to Christ, and in return God has gifted her with a wonderful support group.
She is SO happy. 🙂 🙂 🙂
La Famille did a wonderful job with Summar’s hair and the same goes to Amber Sonnier of Salon Indigo for her Makeup.
On the way to the church, Lane stuck a dollar in Summar’s shoe. It was a gift from a woman Summar + Stewart met at a recent Saint’s game.
She told them that financial problems can be a detriment to any relationship.
So she signed it, asked Summar to wear it in her shoe, and promised she would pray for them.
This is why I love Heather Bobbit. lol….
As you can see, these guys are a really fun group. They are all SUCH gentlemen and treated me with the utmost respect.
I would also like to send a special thanks to Kaylynn for capturing the day with me and for grabbing the shot below. Super studley!
I got to spend a little bit of time with them before the ceremony which was nice. And I’ll say it again, What an AMAZING group of men. WOW.
Beautiful ladies…just beautiful.
Just before the ceremony began, Summar’s closest friends took a moment to pray over her. One bridesmaid recognized that God is creating stories of our lives. And she thanked him for allowing each of the girls to be a part of Summar’s story………
And to guide her and lead her in this new part of her life.
The gate that stood behind Summar and Stewart during the ceremony was custom built and beautiful!
And this was the moment he saw her.
Now….you’ll understand his reaction: Look at Summar…..
The ceremony was led by Dennis Malcom of Trinity Bible.
And at this moment of the ceremony, I actually felt tears streaming down my face. When I looked around there were tears everywhere. The entire bridal party approached Summar and Stewart and while Shane sang, they prayed over them.
This is one of the most beautiful moments I’ve seen in my entire life.
It was a very emotional ceremony…and one filled with love. Lots of it.
It never fails. I always get choked up with I see such a tough man like Stewart’s dad wiping tears from his eyes.
Mr. and Mrs. Summar Childress
After the ceremony ended, each couple walked….I mean STRUTTED out to “It Takes Two.”
Working with such a large bridal party was no easy feat, but this crew ROCKED it out!!!!
And after everyone made their way back to the hummer, I spent a little bit of time with the newlyweds.
The reception was held at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette….and WOW!….was it beautiful!
Summar’s cake was done by Kathleen Short of Short and Sweet. And yes, I tasted it…MMMMMMMmmmmm
Their wedding really was perfect, which can be attributed to a variety of things including Valerie‘s magic planning skills.
Flowers were created by Flowers Etc…..ggoooorrrggeoouuusssss.
When they busted in to “Half-Time” by the Ying Yang Twins, the party had officially started.
Even their first dance was a lot of fun to watch. They Jitterbugged to “Ain’t No Mountain….”
And the toasting began….
It started with Summar’s dad and finished with Stewart’s. Both toasts were so heartfelt and spoke of Summar + Stewart’s journeys to find each other and the happiness that each family felt now that they have a new addition to their families.
Summar danced to “I Loved Her First” with her dad and Stewart and his mom’s dance followed.
This. Wedding. Was. FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I’ve never seen a woman with so many groups of friends!!! This was her Awesome Foursome (her closest friends in 4th grade)
and they dedicated the song Rump Shaker to Summar.
And then Summar and her mom and all the girls and their moms sang “We Are Family” together.
The Ragin Cajuns dedicated “Boom I Got Your Boyfriend….”
And the great music can definitely be attributed to LafayetteDJ Jamie Knight.
Summar and Stewart even had their own Second Line inside the venue…probably the LONGEST line of people at a wedding. EVER! 🙂 🙂 🙂
And the dancing continued. This kid tore UP the dance floor.
I’ll admit I didn’t realize exactly how MANY people were there until everyone crouched down during “SHOUT!”….lol 🙂 🙂
Before we knew it, the night came to a close. Summar and Stewart had their final dance to “The Blessing.”
….And all of their friends and family lined up with their bells for the exit…..
No, I didn’t leave with them. 🙂 This is just an image that we snapped inside the Limo.
I am lucky enough to have spent the night enjoying such an amazing wedding with an incredible couple.
Thank you so much for choosing me as your photographer.
Summar and Stewart, WOW…WOW…WOW..
I’m sure the night was like a whirlwind for you because it felt that way even for me. As a couple, you inspire me. You inspire others. It is said of you, just like in “The Blessing” that you lead a God-centered and selfless path. You both are such strong and caring people that I can only imagine what the future holds for you. Summar, thank you for being such a great friend and for always standing for what you believe in. You will be missed when you move, but I couldn’t be happier for you all the same. I wish you and Stewart a lifetime of love and happiness.
I hope your days in Costa Rica were peaceful and enjoyable. And I’m glad you’re home safe.
Catherine
What a beautiful wedding! You can tell that they are loved!
Thank you for sharing the union of these two beautiful people. I am honored to have had the privilege of sharing a little life with Summar Rae and many of the beautiful people who were there. The pictures and tribute are awesome Cat!
One of the greatest wedding re-caps I’ve ever seen. Very well done Cat!