This wedding at I Do at the Barn was one I’d been looking forward to for a long time! Emalee had booked me a while back shortly after getting engaged for her and Tyler’s day. I’m pretty sure she messaged me from the beach vacay where the proposal took place, so that is always the best compliment! This family has started to feel more like friends to me as I had the privilege of capturing Emalee’s brother’s wedding a few years back. Ever since then I look forward to anytime I get to encounter them as they are always so welcoming!!!! This day had a classic, timeless feel with a stunning Kentucky venue on the outskirts of Richmond setting the stage and Emalee’s spring color palette of dusty rose and blue colors with greenery making a subtle statement.
As we walked inside I was greeted by some familiar faces and found Emalee in the bridal suite finishing up her hair and makeup and surrounded by her girls, plus the vintage furniture and expansive counter area the suite offered. I gathered all of Emalee’s details, which she had perfectly prepared and thought through. One of the details was the custom boutonnieres made from shotgun shells which was fitting since Tyler was a big hunter. His groom’s cake reflected this passion as well. His ring with the faux wooden design paired perfectly with such details. After some beautiful shots of the dress hanging from the loft above and the lights all around with the elegant chandelier in the foreground it was time for Emalee to get into her dress! As Emalee slipped into her dress with the help of her sweet mom, her niece Violet was resting up for her flower girl duties later in the day, taking a nap on the makeshift pallet nearby! Throughout the day Emalee was surrounded by the best people which was evident in her bridesmaids who were so loyal and stayed by her side all day!! From the very beginning and their bridesmaids first look, these girls were the most supportive hype girls!! After beaming at seeing Emalee in her wedding array for the first time, they even went straight into fluffing the train and primping Emalee without me even having to ask!! When I expressed this, it turns out they were just practicing fixing everything for the ceremony– which was a win-win since it makes for a cute photo!
Meanwhile the guys were getting ready in the groom’s suite, which sat tucked away in the loft area of the barn. There were more familiar faces among the bridal party as I went to high school with the groom and several of the groomsmen, so it was great catching up and getting to reconnect with everyone! The groomsmen were found hanging out and jamming to country music as one of them came prepared to provide the soundtrack for the day with his guitar in tow. After some photos of Tyler finishing up getting ready with the help of his guys, it was time to head back downstairs for Emalee’s first look with her Dad. This was an extra emotional first look as the close relationship she shared with her Dad was evident. This took place under the greenery covered arch just around the corner from the barn. After tapping her dad on the shoulder, Emalee kept exclaiming for him to stop in response to his reaction, so she wouldn’t cry all her makeup off. This was done in the sweetest way though and they had also acquired quite the audience for this first look!
Emalee and Tyler didn’t want to see each other until the ceremony and the expression on Tyler’s face as Emalee made her way down the aisle seemed more than worth it! There were so many guests in attendance they had to add chairs behind the wooden pews.
After the ceremony ended, Emalee and her grandma shared an especially sweet moment during family photos as they honored her grandfather, who had passed away. Tyler also embraced Emalee in this moment and you could just see the tangible love and remembrance all around. Throughout the whole day it was evident that family was of utmost importance to this couple! After wrapping up family photos, it was finally time for Emalee and Tyler to enjoy being together as we ventured around the property for some beautiful portraits. Emalee’s veil was one of those with a generous amount of material that just dared us to play with it for some photos. We started along the fence line and ended at the pond that had a certain glow about it with the light bouncing off the glassy surface.
Finally it was time to head back towards the barn for the reception. The I Do at the Barn is one of my favorite barn venues as the light-stained wood photographs beautifully with a clean look. The space, all decorated for the reception, featured pretty dainty tablescapes tying in the dusty blue color of the day. Another emotional moment mirroring the first look with Emalee’s Dad earlier, was Tyler’s dance with his sweet momma. I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the room. After all the special dances commenced Emalee’s bridesmaids joined her on the floor, little Violet eventually stealing the show with her moves. They served Mexican food at the wedding as this was a favorite of Tyler and Emalee’s! This bride and groom opted for a private moment to take off the garter, which was the first time I’d seen this and thought it made for a sweet moment and Tyler got a laugh out of Emalee!! To end the night, we had to do a few more portraits with the wooden awning accented with purple flowers and some subtle twinkle lights.
Emalee and Tyler, thank you so much for having me capture this day! The love you all share is so sweet and I love any time I get to spend with you all and your family. Please enjoy some of my favorites showcasing the story of your day!
VENDORS:
Videographer: In Time Videography
Venue: I Do at the Barn
Hair & Makeup: (Tabitha Carter & Gabby Borgne –Posh Salon)
Planner: Chelsey Crawley Five Feathers Events
Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal
