Nunzi’s parents have been members of the Augusta Country Club since before she was born. A decade ago, Brad joined as a member, and got to know Nunzi’s Dad and they started playing golf together. For years, the bride’s dad would come home from golf and tell his daughter about this great guy he played with — someone he just knew she’d hit it off with. Still, she brushed it off time and again… until fate finally stepped in. One day, they happened to cross paths and struck up a conversation. They quickly discovered they had a lot in common — and even shared the same circle of friends. Turns out, Dad really did know best! 3 years later, Brad proposed, and they both immediately knew that they had to get married at the same place where their special connection was made!

I met Nunzi years ago at a Christian retreat weekend. We haven’t seen each other much since then, but she said she knew she wanted me to photograph her wedding before she was even engaged! They wanted a big wedding with everyone they cared about there, and specifically mentioned while talking to me that there would be “more people, and less formalities”, which I love!

When I arrived that September morning, Nunzi was getting ready with the girls in the venue’s new bridal suite, which Nunzi actually helped design and decorate! The couple chose to do a first look, and it was so sweet watching them see each other for the first time that day! I quickly learned that Nunzi’s natural reaction to pure happiness is laughter — and she spent the entire day proving it. She laughed when she saw him for the first time, laughed walking down the aisle, and laughed through every joyful, love-filled moment that followed. It made for the most beautiful collection of candid, joy-filled photos. I appreciated all the small details that went into the day, like the customized pearl Nike Air Force 1 shoes that Nunzi decorated herself and the personalized golf tees as reception favors. I was surprised to see the matchbox favors, since I don’t think I’ve seen matchboxes given out at a wedding since I was a kid! I asked Nunzi about it, and she said that when she was little, she remembers finding the matchboxes from her parents’ wedding and vowing that one day she would have them at hers. And she made it happen!

Their ceremony was held at the edge of the lake, and as they exchanged vows, I noticed so many of their friends and family wiping away tears — overwhelmed by the beauty of seeing two such genuine souls come together. Their reception had the warmth of a big family dinner – glowing candles and soft florals lined the tables, a delicious meal was served by the venue, and heartfelt toasts were shared by their closest loved ones. I especially loved watching Brad and Nunzi’s moms throughout the day; their smiles never once faded. As soon as the music started, the celebration came alive. The dance floor was packed, the laughter contagious, and the joy carried late into the night.

What an incredible day! The only little snag (literally!) came when a bridesmaid’s dress got caught in the wheel of a golf cart, but it was quickly fixed and became one of those stories everyone will laugh about for years to come. They quickly got it stitched up during cocktail hour, and no one was the wiser!

Thank you so much, Nunzi and Brad, for trusting me to capture your special day! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer!

Also, thank you to all the amazing vendors who made this day possible!

Thank you to all the vendors who made this possible:

Venue and Catering – Augusta Country Club, Manchester, Maine

DJ – Matthew Towey of the Music Man DJ Service, Maine

Floral – Golden Blooms, Camden, Maine

Stationary Design – The bride! Nunzi Graziano, Augusta, Maine

Stationary Printing – The Copy Center Plus, Winthrop, Maine

Rings – Day’s Jewelers

Wedding Dress – Wedding Angels, Portland, Maine

Alterations – Brenda Pinkham, Cozy Cottage Alterations, New Gloucester

Hair and Makeup – JVM Bridal Artistry, Bangor, Maine

Coordinator – Joc Caldwell, The Nightcap Bar Co., Augusta, Maine

Rentals – Markham Tent Rentals, West Gardiner, Maine

Dessert – The Italian Bakery, Lewiston, Maine

Officiant – Karen Munson

Photographer – Andrea Simmons Photography, Maine

Second Photographer – Laura Stevens Photography, Maine

Videographer – Harry & Lyss Productions, Maine