Katelyn and Bryan had the perfect Kentucky wedding at the start of fall with the first leaves blanketing the grass. It started off looking a little gloomy, but as long as it’s not raining we will take it! By sunset the sun was peeking through with that golden hour glow. The rustic barn sat nestled among classic Kentucky rolling hills. Katelyn and Bryan’s closest family and friends surrounded them to celebrate a day that was a long time coming as Katelyn, Bryan, and their son, Ledger officially became a family. Mine and Bryan’s moms actually work together and that was how we got connected, which I’m so grateful for. Ever since their engagement session– where I even got some genuine smiles out of Bryan– this was a day I’ve been looking forward to capturing for new friends and familiar faces!
We started the day off after pulling up to the cutest white farmhouse where the girls were getting ready. Katelyn had all the details waiting for me with touches of blush and the cutest magnet with their invitation suite that resembled the barn where everything would later take place. One of the bridesmaids had generously offered her house as the setting for getting ready and I was so happy with this last minute location change, as the bedroom had some of the prettiest light!! Katelyn’s maid of honor helped her do the final fastening on her dress and we had to get a few more stunning portraits with that dreamy natural light.
Next we headed to The Barn at the Meadows in Berea for the remainder of the day’s events to unfold. It was time for a series of the sweetest first looks starting with Katelyn and her son, Ledger. I had the privilege of meeting Ledger at Katelyn and Bryan’s engagement session and he is a little cutie! He took his role in the wedding seriously and was ready to see his momma! She approached him and they shared a sweet little moment. She must have left him speechless, but his little smile said enough! Next it was time for a more eventful first look, time for Katelyn to see her Dad. When Katelyn rounded the corner of the barn and her Dad turned around they only shared a quick moment and embrace before her Dad was accepting a phone call in the middle of the first look– much to Katelyn’s disbelief and everyone else’s amusement. It ended up turning into a cute, funny photo-op!! The last first look was the one with the most anticipation leading up to it. It took place under the perfect tree with the prettiest overarching branch for a lead line and hints of yellow peeking through on the leaves. Behind them you could see the faint outline of the Kentucky hills. It was the perfect scenery and moment. Katelyn and Bryan have been together for years and were set up by mutual friends who happened to be members of the bridal party, so it just felt like such a close-knit atmosphere all day. This feeling was amplified, especially once Katelyn and Bryan got to spend the remainder of the day together after seeing each other.
After more bridal party portraits it was time for the ceremony. They had a beautiful set up outside the back entrance of the barn with vintage doors as the centerpiece for the ceremony surrounded by other beautiful decor and the hills and farmland in the background. Guests ranged from Katelyn’s fellow teachers, co-workers to their closest family. Their niece Finley was the cutest flower girl and made it known she wanted to be included, even in the walk back down the aisle with Katelyn and Bryan! They truly had the best littles as a part of their day and Ledger proudly took his place beside them at the altar as well. When Byran proposed to Katelyn he was sure to make Ledger a part of it too.
After the ceremony it was finally time for Katelyn and Bryan’s most awaited part of the day- where they got to dance and party with their friends. And dance, they did! The rest of the evening had a truly fun and lighthearted feel. When the sun started breaking through the clouds and the light was spilling into the barn throughout the dances, I knew I had to steal the couple away for more sunset portraits. Katelyn did an outfit change just in time for these, which ended up being some favorites as Katelyn and Bryan were just having fun being together. In the sunset photos and sparkler send-off, her new last name made an appearance on her jean jacket. As they walked through the sparkler tunnel twinkle lights from the barn glistened behind them. It was the best end to a perfect day!
Katelyn and Bryan, thank you so much for asking me to capture your day and I hope these photos captured that close-knit feel and your love for each other. Enjoy a few of my favorites!!
