Her morning was spent foraging botanical greenery in her neighbor’s yard for their reception space, followed by a hair and makeup appointment. Haley tied her dress herself, looking expectedly out the window as sweat lightly dripped down her face. Eric was to arrive any moment, and the summer heat wave had already made its way into the first week of June. He nonchalantly walked up the stairs to greet his bride, and she lovingly watched as he tried multiple times to tie his bowtie just right.

We wandered the property hearing thunder in the distance. The forecast called for rain, but the southern climate makes it impossible to predict scattered storms. Their families arrived and like an avalanche, the rain fell.

Their family crowded in the historic bungalow, watching the windows like a movie screen. Everyone whispered hopefully that it would pass before guest arrival. The owner hurriedly tried to dry the benches with a leaf blower with the precipitation still dripping off the leaves. As fast as it arrived, the rain halted as Haley walked down the aisle.

While they exchanged personal vows, the sun rays beamed through the forest. It was a sight that distracted the crowd, even the newlyweds. They kissed. Friends threw flowers. Everyone hugged.

Barefoot with flowers in hand, Haley took in the last bit of that magical light with her groom. They returned to the party to toast to forever. As the sky turned pink like cotton candy, the fireflies danced around the farm, waiting to be caught by the flower girls.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Photography:  Megan Gielow
Second photographer:  Bailey Batten
Venue:  Rock Quarry Farm
Dress:  Grace Loves Lace
Coordination:  Carolyn Kineen
Catering:  Happy Cardinal Catering
Florist: Bowerbird Flowers
DJ:  DJRyan the DJ
Hair + Makeup:  Ashley Watts Beauty
Ring:  Anna Sheffield
Stationary:  Tankerville Press