This wedding is extra special to me for many reasons, the most important one being that the bride, Sarah is my cousin who has honestly felt more like a sister growing up. We’ve spent many slumber parties; summers filled with church camp and the annual Wilson campout; to getting to celebrate all of life’s big events together, her wedding being one of the biggest so far. When Ethan proposed– at their venue– and the wedding planning began, Sarah asked if I would be willing to be her photographer and a bridesmaid. I don’t do both for everyone but for Sarah I had to make an exception. So how did I pull this off you might ask? I knew I would need help and the first people I thought to ask were my dear friends, Sam and Sara of Samuel Stallard Photography. This day would not have been possible without them and being able to trust them with my cousin’s wedding when I needed to be in some of the moments, meant immensely more than they know. Another reason this day was special is that I got to be a part of all the wedding festivities. We captured Sarah & Ethan’s engagement in Cancun, Mexico which was an adventure in itself and dream location! Their wedding was a slightly different vibe with the fall color palette featuring shades of rust and jewel toned green, plus accents of pumpkins and pampas grass in the decor. The wedding took place at a venue near to the bride’s heart and close to home, The Heritage Farm in Brodhead, KY. Not only is the venue where Ethan proposed, but it is owned by Sarah’s Maid of Honor’s family. The night before, when my sister and I drove up country back roads to the venue, it looked like a classic Kentucky landscape surrounding the stately historic home with farmland nestled in rolling hills and horses roaming inside the fences.
The wedding festivities officially began that night with the rehearsal dinner and the bridal party stayed the night in the house, the fun starting early. Kenzie, the Maid of Honor gifted Sarah a karaoke mic at some point and I stated “it’s the gift that keeps on giving”, a point Sarah continued to prove throughout the wedding. That morning we all begin getting ready and the whole day felt like a family affair and camp reunion mixed together! Our cousin, Kylie did Sarah’s hair, an old camp friend was the videographer and Sarah’s Dad officiated their ceremony. We all helped with each other’s hair and makeup, but took a break for lunch to try some of Shelia’s, the bride’s mom, famous hot dog chili. I gathered all of Sarah and Ethan’s details, among which included some photos of their beloved animals and custom cufflinks for Ethan. His boots were a favorite part of his attire and he gifted all the groomsmen leather travel toiletry bags. Sarah and her mom also exchanged gifts including a beautiful Bible. Her sister-in-law, Samantha helped fix her veil. Ethan and Sarah read each other’s vows and opened gifts during these morning moments as well. Ethan and his groomsmen started off the day with fun “game day” style entrances into the venue. Bridesmaids photos included some eventful moments including a ladybug landing on Sarah’s necklace for good luck and all of us creating a human shield so Sarah’s Dad didn’t see her before their first look.
Finally it was time for the ceremony and more meaningful details paid tribute to loved ones that were missed. I mentioned this was a family affair with Sarah’s Dad leading them into marriage, but additionally Sarah did a lot of the signage herself as she dabbles in calligraphy. Something she was really excited about was the live painter she hired to depict the day and ceremony on canvas. This was neat for guests to observe as they walked by and added to the experience. As if I didn’t already know, Ethan’s face when he saw Sarah walk out the doors of the house solidified the fact that he is worthy of my cousin’s affection! I think everyone had smiles plastered across their face in this moment. They stood under an arch adorned with florals and warm fall tones coated the trees in the background. It was a beautiful ceremony and friends and family sat on classic wooden pews taking in the scene. After family photos we captured bridal party photos and it was finally time for some bridal portraits. It took a whole team and a lot of convincing for the horses to finally cooperate. Ethan and Sarah know I could take portraits all day, but to Ethan’s relief I tried to keep it short. A tree with some yellow leaves hanging on and the contrast of blue hills along the horizon made for a dreamy Kentucky backdrop.
After some eventful entrances we ended the night in the barn that opened up to the dance floor space under twinkle lights for the remaining reception festivities. I loved that Sarah gave all of us in the bridal party a chance to share a short little speech, something her brother Zach did at his wedding. This gave their best friends and family a chance to shower them with love and funny anecdotes from the past. Remember that karaoke mic, the gift that keeps on giving?! By the end of the reception it was basically a personality trait, an extension of Sarah as she danced and belted lyrics to her favorite songs with her people. Finally when things came to a close, Sarah and Ethan made their way through the tunnel of guests under the twinkle lights as bubbles surround them.
Sarah and Ethan, I am so happy for you all and glad Ethan is officially part of the family. We’ve waited for this moment for years and I hope it was nothing short of what you imagined! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day in so many ways. Please enjoy more of my favorites!
VENUE: The Heritage Farm
FOOD: Sabor Americana
VIDEO: Black Box Media
FLOWERS: Pam’s flowers and gifts
BRIDE’S DRESS: Loft of London
