On a beautiful October day, after a drive along familiar country roads with fall hanging in the air, I made my way down the long drive leading up to the venue, Rustic Ridge where Laine and Courtney would finally get to tie the knot. The impressive barn features a clean, light shade of wood and sits atop rolling fields and hills, a perfect display of Kentucky landscape. The bride, Courtney, is one of my sister’s best friends and I’ve had the privilege to capture a series of important life events for her over the past couple of years from graduation, to engagement. Getting to capture her wedding was just the cherry on top! It was an intimate celebration surrounded by their closest family and friends. The fall wedding featured classic touches and soft fall tones with unique accents.
To start off the day the girls helped each other with hair and makeup and all the finishing touches, while all sporting their matching rust colored pajamas. I think everyone helped Courtney get ready in some way from her mom, to sister, and bridesmaids. Courtney was just radiating beauty this day and her eyes popped against her florals and soft hues. After getting in her dress with the help of her mom, it was time for a first look with her Dad. His reaction was so sweet! Back in the groom’s suite Laine was getting ready filled with the anticipation of seeing Courtney, while his groomsmen helped with his jacket and finishing details. Then we captured some separate bridal party photos! With a slightly smaller group we made the most of our time and got some fun portraits of the girls with the vintage cars positioned outside the venue.
When it was finally time for the ceremony, the remaining slew of guests filtered in the barn and made their way out the back door to the area where it would take place. The dark wooden arch with floral arrangements giving a hint of boho stood out against the field of tall tan grass and trees with lingering color in the distance. The bridal party began their processional emerging from the vast barn doors. The bride’s entrance drew nearer and nearer, obvious in Laine’s face as he eagerly awaited. When the music shifted and the barn doors opened, revealing it was finally her turn to walk down the aisle, the way Laine looked at Courtney was the epitome of how every girl dreams their groom will be looking at them at the end of the aisle someday. This is especially true of every girl who has watched 27 dresses! The couple shared with me they were most excited for their vows which showed as they shared before their loved ones.
After the ceremony ended, joy and cheers erupted and shortly after family photos commenced. Now it was time for a favorite part of the day– bride & groom portraits. These are always even more fun when I’m friends with a couple like Courtney & Laine. It helped that they share such a tangible love and their personalities brighten everyone they encounter, especially on this day. Not to mention how well they compliment each other! They were clearly content to just be together! We started with some portraits out back adjacent to the ceremony spot. We ended out front capturing more with the vintage cars– they belonged to Courtney’s Dad and family. The fact that they were sentimental made them even more of a showstopper and I was slightly obsessed with the taste of class they added to the day!
Despite a smaller guest list, the party prevailed and all of Laine and Courtney’s best people showed out on the dance floor at the reception. The decor included plenty of personal accents like a photo wall showcasing their relationship over time. I loved seeing some engagement photos made the cut! The energy and fun atmosphere of Courtney dancing to T Swift with her best friends was unmatched! I actually got to experience the Taylor Swift Eras tour with Courtney, so you know my assistant for the day (who happened to be my bestie) and myself had to join in on the fun and belt out some Taylor lyrics ourselves! I stole Courtney and Laine away for a few more sunset pictures and after a slightly overcast day we were blessed with a generous sunset and glow! I couldn’t get enough of the cars so we had to do a few more! To end the night, the couple exited rustic ridge through a tunnel of sparklers and hopped in their *getaway car* as Courney’s sister took them for a little joy ride.
Courtney & Laine, thank you for having me capture your day! I am so grateful to get a front row seat to the love you all share. Enjoy some favorites!
VENDORS:
Venue: Rustic Ridge Wedding Barn & Venue
Brides Dress: Vow’d
Bridesmaid dresses: Birdy Grey
Groom’s/Groomsmen Attire: Mens Wearhouse
Caterer: Olive Garden
Cake: Emi Lou’s Sweets
