Alexa, “cue August by Taylor Swift”. But really, Chloe and Drew’s wedding could not have been a more perfect August summer day. From the classic, neutral color palette, elegant details, to the dream team of vendors it was an amazing day. I first met Chloe when I started doing photography for the local boutique she was modeling for. Most of the time it felt more like we were friends than coworkers at these shoots! So, you can imagine my excitement when Chloe’s name hit my inbox. We began planning and I have looked so forward to this wedding! After photographing Chloe and Drew’s engagement session in a snowy wonderland scene at Jacobson Park earlier this winter, we were ready for a nice summer day to set the scene. This plan was off to a rocky start when storms were rolling through and the overcast, cloudy sky was looming overhead. The clouds parted, and we ended up having some perfect moments!
Another reason I just knew this was going to be a good day was the fact that it was taking place at my favorite venue, Heart of Grace. Any day I get to return to this venue and step foot in the bright white oasis, walk up the staircase, hand gliding on the cool black metal rail, waiting to join the laughter and fun pouring out from the bridal suite– that’s a day that’s unmatched. This venue literally makes it hard to take a bad photo. I was greeted by one of my favorite planners who had already taken the reception space to a new level with the hanging greenery. The venue owner is also always amazing to work too, taking care of all the other vendors so well. DREAM TEAM. Chloe was already ahead of the game, ready to go in the cutest pair of pajamas, with a feather sleeve detail adding a vintage feel. The girls were having the best time together! The getting ready portion of the day was filled with Chloe’s classy details and some fun moments with her best girls. We started some bridal prep moments and as we captured Chloe getting into her dress with the help of her momma, I forgot for a moment that she is a trained model who knows how to pose herself well. She started serving looks complete with the sass, class, and bubbly essence of who she is– and I’m not really sure if she even needed me aside from the camera in my hand. Talk about making my job easy!! We kept discussing how very “Kentucky Bride” this day felt.
The guys spent their morning getting ready in the groom’s suite complete with a pool table for them to hang around. Then it was finally time for a series of first looks. Chloe shared the sweetest moment with her Dad, then turned the corner before we could fully set it up and saw her brother, but with her go-with–the-flow ease, Chloe still embraced the moment and we all laughed. Then it was time for the biggest first look of all. We had Drew all set up outside the front doors of the white barn. Chloe made her descent down the stairs and we paused as she prepared to turn the corner. She then tapped Drew on the shoulder, and their love for each other was almost visible as they were able to see each other for the first time that day. We went straight into portraits trying to beat the chance of rain that was still looming in the air. We got some amazing moments and started our way back towards the venue, just as the first drops began to fall. Everyone was so flexible and the planner assured us it would pass so we proceeded with the original hopes for an outdoor ceremony, in my favorite spot shelter under the canopy of trees in the cove area. When it was time for the ceremony, I loved being greeted by some familiar faces from the boutique. The anticipation built as the bridal party processional began, all leading up to the moment Chloe walked across the bridge, arms linked with her Dad, making her way to Drew. Then we went directly right into what may actually be the SHORTEST and quite possibly SWEETEST ceremony I’ve photographed. I’m glad I stayed in the middle aisle because next thing I knew they were exchanging rings and to my surprise I was already hearing the officiant announce “It is my honor…” and something to that effect. My second shooter and I exchanged a glance of surprise at how quickly this commenced. But when I say it was also the sweetest, I thought it was special to see the most joyful tears and emotions both Chloe and Drew expressed making their way back down the aisle. It was like all the emotions and reality of the day was combined into that one moment. It was the perfect ceremony for them, as it gave us that much more time for them to focus on what was really important to them, the people and celebration.
The reception details were some of my favorites because in another Taylor Swift reference, the theme they chose would “never go out of style.” The different shades of champagne and taupe neutrals in the runners and napkins, the white and green florals were all so timelessly beautiful. It was so elegant and chic, perfectly in-line with Chloe’s style. The greenery wall featuring a sign showcasing the new last name was a centerpiece for the event. Some things that stood out about this reception were the heartfelt speeches and the what seemed to be a united goal of all the guests to celebrate and honor this couple on a day that was a long time coming; Chloe and Drew were middle school sweethearts. We got a glowy sunset after all the rain earlier and just in time for Chloe’s outfit change and captured some more portraits; the guests hanging outside of the venue enjoying their drinks even cheered as we walked over to the bridge and pond for some portraits. We ended in the field with capturing some fun movement. Chloe and Drew then headed back inside to dance the night away with all their people, from family to sorority and fraternity members.
Chloe and Drew, thank you so much for asking me to capture your day and I hope these photos show even a glimpse of your consistent, overflowing love for each other. Enjoy a few of my favorites!!
VENDORS:
VENUE: Heart of Grace Farm
PLANNING/COORDINATION: Luleigh’s
FLOWERS: Betty’s Flowers
CATERING: Tri-County Catering
CAKE: Mallory Miles
