Strong Mansion in Dickerson, Maryland was the setting for the June 30 wedding for Lauren Dibert and Samuel Degraft.  My team and I will not forget this wedding for a long time–it was culturally vibrant and a true celebration of love.  The most intimate moment we have witnessed at a wedding was the couple meeting before the ceremony without actually seeing each other. They held hands around the corner, talked and prayed for their ceremony, reception and marriage to be blessed. And that it was and shall be a union that is blessed from the start.

Lauren made a stunning bride!  Starting the day in Frederick with hair and makeup, Lauren dressed in a strapless lace gown and simple, yet elegant veil.

We loved the colorful robes and matching slippers.

Sam and his groomsmen headed to the mansion where they relaxed until the girls arrived via limousine. The guys looked sharp as well.

Limo ride.

Lauren’s lovely arrangement was created by Scentsational Flowers.

Because they used traditional vows during the ceremony, Lauren and Sam took the opportunity to exchange their own book of vows to each other before the ceremony.  They met at the corner of the upstairs rooms at the mansion without seeing each other. This had to be one of the most heartfelt and touching moments in all the weddings I have ever witnessed.  This is the kind of relationship every parent should hope their child would find–one grounded in their faith and devotion to God. 

This was the most amazingly beautiful moment for a couple to share before they take a lifetime vow before family and friends.

It was a brutally hot 95 degrees with full sun during the late afternoon ceremony. Strong Mansion was lush green and beautifully landscaped.

Pastor Joel shared a message based on passages from Colossians 3:12-17  and 1 John 4: 7-12 .

Lauren and Sam blended sand using a glass unity heart.

Family members from around the world attended the event.

The wedding party looked stunning in their champagne colored attire.

Let the party begin with MC Kofi Williams. Lauren just couldn’t stop smiling. She danced to “Cinderella” in a choreographed number with her dad, and their emotional connection showcased their close father-daughter relationship.

Sam and his mom danced to “Sweetie Pie”.

The red velvet and chocolate tiered cake was created by Once Upon a Crumb and gently fed to each other.Sometimes, they agreed during the shoe game, and other times, their answers were from different perspectives.

Learning a few dance moves, including “squish de bug.”

Greeting family and friends.

Lauren and Sam changed into traditional attire representing Ghana’s native wedding dress.

Guests helped say farewell to Lauren and Sam at the end of a festive wedding celebration and the beginning of a loving marriage.

Special thanks to my team, Christi Thomas and Clay Wegrzynowicz for their terrific assistance and efforts to capture memories for Lauren and Sam to enjoy for a lifetime.

@2018 WattersWorks & Company, LLC  by Della Watters, Certified Professional Photographer, Bedford, PA