Every now and then I meet a couple who were absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt meant to be together.  Sammi and Ben are one of those couples.  High school sweethearts and English teachers, these two have a shared love for literature, theater, Dungeons and Dragons, all things nerdy (Sammi’s words, not mine!) and the Lord of the Rings.  Hence their beautiful Morningside Inn wedding whose decorations and theme were inspired by their love for Tolkien and especially the Shire.

When Ben and Sammi told me they were planning a Shire themed wedding I was ecstatic. My love for the Lord of the Rings goes back to fifth grade when I first read the books and my life was changed. I had never read anything so beautifully written before and I absolutely devoured them. To this day they are my favorite books and Tolkien is my favorite author.  I couldn’t wait to photograph Ben and Sammi’s Shire themed wedding and what better venue than Morningside Inn?  With the beautiful rolling green hills I almost felt like I was in the Shire.

That moment it finally hits you that you’re about to marry your best friend…

I love the color scheme that Sammi chose for her bridesmaid dresses! The bridal party walked down the aisle to the Shire theme song. So perfect 🙂

Ben and Sammi’s vows were some of the most beautiful and touching vows I have ever heard. There was not a dry eye in the audience (including my own!) See what I mean about Morningside Inn looking like the Shire??

The wood floors and chairs inside Morningside Inn’s reception hall continued to add to the Shire feeling.  Guests received a Tolkien inspired bookmark and Sammi and her mom made the centerpieces themselves.  Each table was named after a town in the Shire.Sammi actually made this adorable clay hobbit version of her and Ben!  I love his little pipe and the bit of hair on their feet 🙂

While Ben seems pretty quiet and subdued at first, Ben (and Sammi) surprised me with some serious dancing!

What else do you use to cut the cake with at your Shire themed wedding than an Elven sword?

Congratulations again Ben and Sammi!  It has been so fun getting to know you two and your Morningside Inn wedding was beautiful, creative, and so very you 🙂

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