Brandon & Lauren

a modern farmhouse wedding

I know a photographer isn't really supposed to have her favorites, but this is one wedding I've been looking forward to for a while. Not only do I know the bride's family, but I've had the privilege to watch this girl grow up. I've done family photos of her sweet sister and her family, I've been blessed with an amazing friendship with her beautiful mom, and I've been able to walk with them through some big valleys and laugh with them on the other side.

So when it came time to photograph Lauren & Brandon's wedding day, I just knew it would be something special. Their Sharon Woods engagement session was just so epic, I couldn't wait to get them in front of my camera for their wedding! It was definitely a day full of beauty, love, family, and friendship. Nothing could have prepared me for the tears, though! Oh my goodness! So many happy, meaningful tears (even some while I went back over the day's photos)! Getting to walk behind the scenes of this spectacular day was truly a blessing.

Hope's Way is a newer venue in our area and it did not disappoint! What a perfect place to have an outdoor, farmhouse wedding! From the beautiful arbor, the crushed pebble driveway, the delicate landscaping, and the party lights twinkling at dusk, this was definitely a place to enjoy the company of friends. While Lauren and her girls got ready in an upstairs loft, I was able to scope out some amazing locations to take portraits, set up their first look, and capture their amazing day.

Lauren's mom, Becky, is a dear friend, so being there to capture the moments before she watched her baby girl get married was so emotional. Becky knows I only have one daughter between my two boys. Several times during the wedding planning process, she reminded me how these moments with your baby girl are precious... and fleeting. Once she asked me, "does this remind you of Ashley" and I just ab0ut bawled. Not only am I so proud of my wonderful friend for helping her sweet daughter put together an absolutely gorgeous wedding, but I am so inspired by the relationship she has with her girls. Something I really learned that day... was what the culmination of all those #momgoals really looks like. Lauren and Becky have one of the sweetest mother-daughter relationships.

It wasn't just the moments between Lauren and her mom, though. The first look was absolutely precious! In a little grove, nestled on the edge of the property, Lauren and Brandon had their first look. Lauren looked so amazing that when Brandon turned around, he just couldn't find the words! It was so cute!

They had also arranged to share their own personal vows while they did their first look. While taking some photos from a distance, I noticed they were playing rock-paper-scissor. I kept watching, thinking it must be something special to them (I thought), but NO! They were trying to decide who would go first with their vows!!! Have you ever heard of a rock-paper-scissors game deciding who reads their vows first?!? Too funny!

This special couple was surrounded by their closest friends and relatives during their ceremony. Lauren's dad even surrounded the couple with prayer at the beginning of their wedding. He didn't just give her away; he handed her over with the most beautiful and loving blessing to both her and her new husband.

I had a lot of fun during portraits with this sweet couple! Even when I would tell them to make a serious face, they just couldn't help smiling at one another... and between the smiles, the barefoot bride, and the loving presence of their families, I have no doubt they're on their way to making a beautiful life together.

Have an amazing time on your honeymoon, Brandon & Lauren! I'm so glad I could be a part of this special day!