Because Amy was in one place on the East Coast and her fiance, Tom, had been in another…I never got to meet Amy & Tom until their wedding day. Amy was referred to me by a friend of hers, as well as by a friend of her mom’s whose very unique wedding I shot a couple of years ago. I actually talked with Amy’s mom before I talked with Amy…and her mother was so sweet and genuine that I knew her daughter would be the same. I was right. 🙂 And I did get to know the happy couple a bit beforehand through emails. Their telling of their story cracks me up!
The two met on Match.com four years ago, despite the fact that Amy nearly had taken her account down. But in one last search, she noticed Tom’s photo (I think the monkey on his shoulder in it helped…) She made the first move–via a “wink” through the site. Tom recalls thinking, “Ooh great, somebody who meets my strict expectations of education and doesn’t look weird–what a relief.”
Does that not sound like the beginning of a forever-type of relationship? haha
Their relationship progressed from emails to an in-person meet up (in Auburn, AL, where Amy was living at the time.)
Seeing one another in person is very different from what your mind envisions through email and shared photos. So their first impression of one another at that date was this:
Amy : “Thank goodness, he’s not short.”
Tom: “Awww, she’s very beautiful, and I’m just tall enough.”
Amy found herself feeling like Tom could be the one after one date when Tom told her she had strawberry seeds stuck in her teeth after downing a smoothie. She was embarrassed, yes, but that sort of honesty is something she highly regards in a significant other. Not long after, on another date, Tom said words that would make just about any female swoon. He told Amy, “This feels like home.”
SIGH. SIGH. SIGH.
So it really is no surprise that the two sealed the deal after a romantic proposal in the mountains of northern Georgia (the ring was at the bottom of a mimosa!!)… they picked a date and ended up with one of the most popular ones of the year–09.10.11!
And the entire day was such a joyous occasion. It all started out with the threat of rain, but just in time, the skies cleared and they had a wonderful, personal ceremony and reception at the Hawken House in St. Louis.
Tom is half Thai, and the day before their traditional wedding, Amy & Tom were married in a Thai Buddhist temple with their close friends and family as witnesses. I heard it was a beautiful ceremony, and that theme only continued the next day. For starters, the bridesmaids got to rewear the traditional Thai garb that was made by Tom’s aunt. I was stunned at how beautiful the orange and golden dresses were, and they definitely added an authentic feel.Not to mention the bridal party was just downright awesome. They had me giggling all day.
And what made the day even better for ME was having such a talented photographer as my assistant. Michelle Ross of Under Grace photography in St. Louis was awesome to work with (and I’m still very grateful for the DELICIOUS chocolate chip cookie she brought me!!).
So let’s get on with the photos of this amusingly refreshing couple…
In Amy’s words…
“Tom is the sweetest man’s man I’ve ever met. I was first drawn to him for his warm skin and his dark hair and eyes, but as I got to know him he made my heart melt. He is so caring and compassionate, but also has the guts to stand up for what he believes. For me, Tom strikes a perfect balance between his loyal, comforting personality and his edge that makes him interesting and drives him to challenge himself. He works hard at everything he does, a trait that I’m so very thankful for. What is more, he supports me in my goals and makes them as important as his own. I love Tom most because he is my loyal teammate who I can always depend on. “
In Tom’s words…
” Ever since our first date when I spent the bank’s money and time to take her on dates during the week in Auburn, I have felt whole with Amy. She sees through my faults and does not try to change who I am. I am very lucky to find my Amy, a person who has a lot of compassion, beauty, and smarts to match my ‘smartassness.’ I truly love Amy because I know that her love for me is as passionate as mine is for her, and that we are a team….team Tamy.”
I didn’t mention above that Amy & Tom are hard workers with high educational goals. And clearly they also had a high goal of planning a wonderful wedding. Mission accomplished.
Best wishes, you two!! xo
