Sarah Robertson and Tanner Killam are outdoorsy people. Case in point: When they started dating their junior year at Oklahoma State University, they began going on Sunday hikes together, and it’s also how their wedding story started—on a walk. “He had gotten me a Bible with my new name on it. It wasn’t like I was shocked he asked me to marry him,’’ Sarah recalls. “We were on the same page in our relationship. At the end of our walk, we came to this little pond, and he got down on one knee.”

Marriage was the natural step for their fast-blooming relationship. “When we got together, we both knew this was it,” she says. “When you know, you know.”

It was also no surprise that the nature-loving couple chose an outdoor wedding. They selected The Venue at Waterstone in Celina, a versatile barn. The bride, an interior designer, planned and executed her vision with her mom. She drew the line at rustic, knowing that was not the look she was going for. “We were very focused on natural elements,” Sarah says. “At the same time, we wanted it to be elegant, but also very comfortable and green and luscious.”

Choosing an October date gave the couple the best chance for great outdoor weather. It was still pleasant and early enough in the season that the trees had not yet changed color, the better to set off their palette of blush, navy, and burgundy with accents of gold. But glorious weather and beautiful decor were still just secondary for the bride.

“While the whole thing is something you plan for, you still don’t anticipate how special it’s going to be,” Sarah says. “Making that covenant with Tanner, I didn’t understand the gravity of that until we were there that day, walking down the aisle with our closest friends and family being there for us.”

The events from proposal to “I do” happened quickly over a seven-month period that included the engagement, graduation, moving to Tulsa, starting a new job, and oh—planning a wedding. “People thought I was crazy,” she says. “I just luckily was able to soak it all in. By the end of the day, it was all about marrying the man of your dreams, so that’s what matters.”

Sarah chose a Willowby by Watters gown with an illusion neckline, fitted lace bodice, and tulle skirt. “I’m totally like a flower child,” she says. “I wasn’t trying to be a fancy girl. I wanted to feel like the most beautiful version of me.”

The couple, having just recently graduated from college, chose a large wedding party to accommodate their expansive friend group. After the wedding and party of their dreams, Sarah and Tanner jetted off to Antigua to start their own best-is-yet-to-come with nothing but blissful memories.

“Some people don’t remember their wedding day because they were so stressed,” Sarah fondly recalls. “I just told myself, it’s not about the wedding. It’s about marrying the love of your life.” 

—Connie Dufner

Nature and faith served as constant companions for an outdoor-loving couple’s gorgeous nuptials.