Sarah and Ethan were married in front of their family and friends on January 11th, 2025 in Savannah, Ga. This was the date that everyone had planned for. What we didn’t know at the beginning of planning for the wedding was that God had a whole different story for Ethan and Sarah. This story written below is what Sarah’s mother wrote to be read at the ceremony on January 11th, 2025. A modern day fairy tale for two beautiful souls who got to begin their lives together a little sooner than anyone planned.

“January 11, 2025 or is it July 25-26, 2024?

Fairy tales: idealized or romantic fictional stories, often to an unrealistic extent.

From meeting at a July 4th celebration while shooting clay pigeons for the first time to living in Japan, Sarah and Ethan exemplify the essence of a modern day fairy tale.

From dreams crushed to dreams fulfilled, God shows us through this couple that He still works in the lives of man and that His plans are better than anything we can imagine.

A text made because of a bet with Caleb won Sarah her prince charming. Military orders to Spain changed last minute and taking the advice of his sister, Elise, “to go for it” led Ethan to his princess.

Multiple plane rides, long road trips, and even more delays of departure for Ethan allowed for these two to grow in their relationship.

Marriage books were read and discussed and long phone calls were made in their times apart that served to strengthen their bond to withstand the many challenges they faced, and will continue to face, as they begin their life together.

The day came and Ethan made up his mind- Sarah was going to be his forever.

A diamond was purchased in Virginia and carried to Savannah, by none other than the unknowing Sarah, in a gift from Ethan’s mom to Sarah’s.

A ring was designed and made. A perfect plan laid out. Family and friends arranged to be in Savannah to celebrate the engagement of this special couple.

Then, rough weather at sea brought Ethan to San Diego, California ahead of schedule. Orders to Japan were being confirmed, and Ethan got news that threatened to sink his ship.

He and Sarah had to be married by August 1st or she could go to Japan with him. Frantic phone calls were made and loopholes were sought out. But in the end, Ethan had no choice but to call his beautiful princess and tell her they had to get married.

Not even engaged, all surprises shattered, heartbroken, and no time to plan the wedding of her dreams, Sarah boarded a plane with her dad and headed to San Diego to marry her prince.

It was beautiful – on Coronado Beach on July 25, 2024 – just a pastor, a witness, a prince and a princess, starting their life together, and defying all obstacles that have been placed in their path.

Love prevailed as God has been directing every detail from changed orders to storms at sea!

So, they were married, before they were even engaged

A week later Ethan arrived in Savannah for the engagement and celebrations. He planned to propose on Sunday, August 4th. A photographer was hired in a surprise engagement party planned to replicate their first date.

But the One who controls the weather sent another storm – Tropical Storm Debby was going to hit Savannah on the 4th.

Another obstacle and another victory!

Sarah got her surprise engagement as their beloved photographer, Maggie, came to Savannah early ahead of the looming storm, family and friends scrambled to change up the plans, and Ethan proposed on a beautiful Friday afternoon, August 2nd.

And here we are today, January 11, 2025. Months of planning have come and gone. We are here today to celebrate the love between Ethan and Sarah; to celebrate the many challenges they have overcome. To praise the God of Heaven, who has been with them through this entire process; guiding, directing, and teaching them. The Almighty God who goes before them, with them, and behind them to Japan. The God of love who will sustain them as they focus on Him as the head of their union.

And so, we stand here now. Just moments before Sarah’s bridesmaids watched as her hair was fixed and her makeup applied.

But now, Ethan, look at her. From her pearl-lined veil to her pink satin slippers, she is your Cinderella.

Ethan, behold your bride.

Sarah, behold your groom.

Ethan and Sarah, you truly are a modern day fairy tale!”

_{Margaret Elizabeth Photography delivers romantic and timeless photography for couples who want their photos to stand the test of time.}

_{Photographs that will tell the sweetest and most intimate moments of your day for generations to come.}

If this sounds like you please check out more of this Charleston Wedding Photographer‘s work by visiting our Instagram page. Wedding and portrait inquires can be made through our contact form.

I am thrilled you are here and cannot wait to hear from you!