Julie & Daniel | An Intimate Candlelight Wedding in Southern Maryland

Some weddings are special because of the people you meet, the stories you get to tell, and the memories you get to preserve. And then there are the weddings where the bride is your little sister.

So…is this a blog post about Julie and Daniel’s wedding, or a very elaborate love letter to my little sister? Honestly, probably a little bit of both. LOL But I promise the Shupe’s are the stars of this story.

A Morning Just for Them

Before the dress, the ceremony, the candles, and the celebration, Julie and Daniel shared one of my favorite parts of their wedding day: private vows over coffee. Just the two of them, their sweet pup Oscar snuggled up beside them, and the promises they had written for each other.

I set up a tripod on their porch and stayed inside, photographing them through the window so they could have the privacy and intimacy of the moment without a camera in their faces. It was quiet and completely them. And if you look closely at the photographs, you’ll notice one little detail that made the morning even more meaningful to me…the couch they were sitting next to had a chew mark from their late pup, Theo, who had recently passed. It wasn’t planned. It was simply part of their life together, and I love that a tiny piece of him happened to be there for such an important moment.

Casa Dei Sacco

Later that evening, Julie and Daniel gathered their closest friends and family at the beautiful home of one of Julie’s best friends, whose parents were so gracious to open their home for the celebration. Naturally, a place this beautiful needed a proper nickname. So for the evening, we lovingly dubbed it Casa Dei Sacco.

And honestly, once the candles were lit, the flowers were in place, and everyone arrived dressed for the occasion, it felt like the perfect wedding venue for them. The entire evening was intimate, romantic, and incredibly intentional. They were married just before sunset, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them, with candlelight glowing everywhere and a string trio providing the music.

Our Uncle Michael officiated the ceremony, which made it even more personal and special. Another favorite detail was their ring warming ceremony, where their guests held their wedding rings and offered prayers and blessings for their marriage before the rings were exchanged. Every single detail of the evening felt thoughtfully chosen and full of meaning.

A Very Special Day for This Photographer

Every client I photograph holds a special place in my heart. But getting to document my little sister’s wedding was something entirely different. She’s my absolute best friend in this entire world, and I wanted desperately to be present for her day…not just behind my camera the entire time. That’s where my dear friend Candace came in. Candace photographed the ceremony and reception for me, which gave me the incredible gift of stepping away from my camera and simply being Julie’s sister.

I got to help her into her gown. I got to watch her marry her soulmate and cry without worrying if my shots were coming out okay. I got to be present for the moments that mattered most. And I got to give a speech.

Which, in true Amber fashion, began with me tapping the microphone and asking, “Is this thing on?” A little Britney Spears circa 2002 moment, obviously. And then I proceeded to cry my way through a speech about my little sister and my new brother in law, Daniel! Because apparently I wasn’t emotional enough already.

One More Thing I’ll Never Forget

Julie and I also shared a special dance to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Which funny enough, the lyrics just fit us perfectly. It was just the two of us and honestly, even thinking about it now makes me cry haha. There are some moments you photograph, and there are others you simply want to memorize. That was one of those moments. My little sister. My best friend. Watching her begin this new chapter of her life. I’ll never forget it.

Mr. + Mrs. Shupe

Julie and Daniel, I am so incredibly happy for you both! You have something really beautiful in each other, and I feel so blessed that I get to watch your marriage unfold. Julie, you’ll always be my little sister, but I’m even more thankful that you’ve also become one of my very best friends. And Daniel, thank you for loving her so well, for choosing her, and for becoming part of our family.

I pray the Lord continues to bless your marriage, guide your steps, and fill your life together with grace, joy, laughter, and so many beautiful memories.

To end the Night

And then, because apparently we hadn’t made enough memories already, we ended up in the pool before the night was over. Of course we did. Julie set the tone, because she’s funny like that and the rest of us followed.

It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day. Candlelight. String music. Happy tears. Dancing. Family. Friends. A little bit of chaos and a whole lot of love.

Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Shupe! Cheers to your forever!!

Vendor Highlights:

Lead Photographer: Amber Chole Photography 

Day of Coordinator: Enchanted Weddings by Emily, LLC

HMUA: Kristen C. Artistry 

Florals: Southern Maryland Flower

Entertainment: Invincible Entertainment & Kennedy Quartet 

Catering & sweets: Chesapeake Catering Company

Bartending: Leslie

Rentals: Baileys 

Decor: Bride – lots of antique finds and intentional planning

Dress designer: Jenny Yoo

Suit: Serendipity Bridal

Second Photographer: Candace Nicole Photography, LLC