Every once in a while, a photography booking turns into something much more meaningful. Charlene and Sean’s 10-year vow renewal was one of those moments for me—a full-circle connection that started long before we ever stepped foot inside the church in Bremen.


I first met Charlene through a local Facebook group, but not for photography. She had placed an order with my in-home bakery, Batter & Crumbs Bakery, for her 40th birthday cake. I still remember that cake perfectly because it was such a fun challenge: two separate number cakes—a “4” and a “0”—built with flavors she loved. Charlene told me she liked decadent cakes and wanted something along the lines of chocolate and tres leches. I explained that a decorated cake wouldn’t be as soaked as a traditional tres leches, but after chatting it through, she trusted the vision and placed her order.


She even asked me to surprise her with the flavors, so I created a chocolate-covered-strawberry-inspired cake: one chocolate layer, one strawberry layer, strawberry filling with whipped frosting and chunks of chocolate, and all the buttercream details topped with chocolate-covered strawberries. When I posted it, people loved it—and so did she.


Not long after, she ordered another cake for her daughter’s third birthday, a K-Pop Demon Hunter cake. We bonded instantly over the fact that my own three-year-old was obsessed with the exact same thing. It became one of those small-world connections that sticks with you.


Fast forward a bit—one day I noticed Charlene posting again in the group, this time looking for someone to film her vow renewal. It was such a special milestone for her and her husband, celebrating 10 years together. I messaged her and said, “Okay, this might seem random because I’m your cake lady… but my main business is actually photography and videography.” We talked it through, went over prices, and eventually booked the date.



The Day Of:

The vow renewal was held inside a beautiful church in Bremen. Even though I had worked with Charlene before, this was actually our first time meeting in person—not just her, but her husband, kids, and mother as well. The entire celebration was intimate and personal: just the two of them, their three children, and her mom. Probably the smallest wedding-type event I’ve photographed, but honestly one of the most relaxed.


When we arrived, the church was already decorated for Christmas, which added such a cozy, warm backdrop. We only had a two-hour window, so we got straight to work. We started with photos inside the chapel, then moved into a quick practice run so she could still have the traditional walk-in moment with music.


Before we knew it, it was time. Cody filmed from the main camera angle while I photographed with my Sony and caught behind-the-scenes footage. The ceremony went by in a blur—the sweet kind.


Afterward, I wanted to capture some intentional, cinematic moments. Anyone in photography or videography knows how fast ring exchanges happen, so we had them re-do slipping the rings on each other in slow motion, plus a re-do of their kiss—just to have those moments displayed beautifully in their final film.


Charlene also wanted a first dance, and this is the moment that stuck with me the most. They re-danced to their song with no distractions—kids off to the side, her mom watching quietly, and just the two of them in their own world. Cody and I recorded and photographed, but honestly, we just stood there soaking in how sweet it was.


We wrapped up with more photos inside and out, some walking clips, and even a few Christmas portraits in front of the church’s huge indoor tree. It was simple, quick, and easy—but so meaningful.


Our Little Tradition:

And because it wouldn’t be a “me and Cody” work day without it, we ended the evening with Tropical Joe’s. Even though Bremen isn’t far and it’s not a new place, it’s our little tradition to grab something different whenever we work together.


Charlene and Sean’s vow renewal was a reminder of why I love what I do. Connections that start in the most unexpected ways somehow turn into moments I get the honor of capturing forever. I’m so grateful they trusted me—not just with their cakes, but with such a special milestone in their lives.