PS – Remember that if you want to opt for a sneak peek, you have until 7 days after your wedding to let us know!

Lauren and Chip’s closest friends tried to put a finger on what their wedding would be like, and they described it to be “classy and elegant with a DIY flair” which we think couldn’t be a more perfect description!  One of the things Lauren told us during all of the pre-planning, was that they had a goal of incorporating as many people close to them as possible in the wedding. They felt that it wasn’t just she and Chip’s day, and so really wanted their nearest and dearest to be honored and recognized, too, as important parts of their lives.  We love all of the ways they did this – there are too many to recount! For starters, one of their dear friends painted the flower design that was used for their invitations (and makes a guest appearance via Ipad & Skype from Italy during the ceremony!), Lauren’s sister did her hair and makeup (how awesome is it to have a hairstylist and makeup artist for a sis?!), Lauren’s dress is a gift from a dear friend who had worn it previously for a debutante ball (she had looked for other options just to see – but none compared to this stunning dress & the special significance it brought from being from such a sweet friend!), Lauren + Chip’s first act together as husband and wife was to take a moment of prayer for the two of them together and then also make it an opportunity for everyone in the congregation to pray for them in their future and marriage (the photos of this moment are beautiful), L’s Dad plays the ukelele, and so they had him sing and play their first dance song (this is also the song that was the background to Chip’s proposal video!), and so, so, SO much more! Seriously y’all – this wedding is crazy full of great ways to personalize your day, DIY, and most importantly – love.  :)  Thank you so much for letting us be a part of  it, Lauren + Chip – we heart you!!

Ceremony/Reception: Carl House; Florist: I Do Flowers; Cake: Cecilia Villaveces Cakes; Entertainment: Black Tie Events; Dress: Gifted from a friend, alterations from Clara’s Wedding and Alterations; Hair/Makeup: Renee Locher; Soft Serve Ice Cream: Jimmies Ice Cream Company

First, there was the Mehndi Ceremony with all of the girls on the night before the actual wedding.  This is a celebration full of bright colors, henna, and lots of joy and laughter amongst women.  Um, LOVE.  The following day is the main traditional religious ceremony called the Nikah.  As with tradition, this is a segregated event where both S + R are asked to consent to the marriage from different rooms.  Just wait until you see the photos of everyone welcoming Raheel into the room where Sidra is waiting afterwards – it’s such a beautiful & happy moment.  Jen, our super talented Southeast Photographer, was there to capture everything and the results are stunning.  Truly, get ready to be wow’d!! We’re all obsessing over of the gorgeous shots of Sidra’s ornate jewelry and dress, her bridal shots, their first glance (oh. their. first. glance!), the couples shots, ok… maybe we’re just obsessed with everything about this wedding!  S + R included so many sweet little details to make the day fun & memorable too.  Be sure to check out the invitations designed by a college friend of S’s and printed in Pakistan, and the thumb print guestbook.

S + R we are so thankful to have been a part of your wedding weekend, lots and lots of OLAS love to you both!  x’s & o’s

Photographer: Jen; Ceremony: Savannah Rapids Pavilion; Caterer: Punjab Grill;

GENERAL INTERNSHIP INFORMATION

(once like a spark) photography, a young, fresh, artistic wedding photography collaborative with teams located throughout the United States, is so excited to announce our new internship program!  We provide interns the fantastic opportunity to apply business techniques in a modern, virtual setting.  As many as seven internships are being filled with interests in the following fields: Sales, Art and Design, Finance and Human Resources, Logistics and Marketing.  Each program would begin in mid to late May and would run for 8-10 weeks.  The opportunity to concentrate a portion of learning time in executive leadership will be offered to all interns.

We are looking for savvy, hard working, dedicated individuals who are passionate about entrepreneurism and small businesses to help us change the world of wedding photography. If this sounds like the internship program for you, give us a sense of your style and vibe by sending a resume and cover letter referencing the specific internship and describing your interest in the program, as well as why you want to work with a small business to amy@oncelikeaspark.com  If more than one position appeals to you, simply send a separate cover letter for each.  Deadline for application is Monday, May 14, 2012.