Timber Valley Lodge in Fayette, AL turned out to be the perfect space for Madeline and Cole’s family and friends to come and celebrate. We enjoy the beautiful landscape at Timber Valley Lodge and the peaceful serenity that this venue creates. The Lodge gives a great spot for getting ready with plenty of natural light for some a great filming look. And at night the spacious Lodge allows for plenty of room to party and for your guests to enjoy your reception events.

The wedding day was full of sunshine and a light breeze. Madeline and Cole chose a traditional southern wedding and decided not to see each other before the ceremony. Throughout the getting ready and portraits, you could see the anticipation building as everyone was so excited to see Madeline walk out of the lodge and down the hillside to Cole. Madeline and Cole chose to spend some time sharing letters with each other during a First Touch. They also shared a private prayer during this time.

Wedding Ceremony in Alabama

About 5 minutes before the wedding processional, Jonathan realized a stray rain shower was headed our way. He ran to the car, literally, grabbed our umbrellas and we actually prayed that the storm would go down another path. Of course, our equipment has been through rain, snow, beaches, and waterfalls. We like to use the umbrellas to keep our lenses dry during the ceremony so that there are water droplets don’t form on the film during this special time.

We quickly realized that sometimes our prayers are answered in ways that are more special than we could have created. As Brother Hershel began the service, Madeline and Cole joined hands and the rain started to fall. The best way to describe it was a peaceful rain. No thunder. No lightning. Just a calm rain shower from the Southeast and bright sunshine to the Southwest. This created a special memory for everyone as a rainbow appeared from the East. Such beautiful imagery of God’s faithfulness as the two shared vows and exchanged rings. Madeline and Cole used a Unity Candle at the end of their ceremony. I can only imagine the smiles and giggles shared during this time. Everyone was smiling as the ceremony ended and guests walked back to the Lodge. We all knew this rainbow-filled ceremony was an amazing climax to these two becoming one.

I asked Cole and Madeline to share a little about their story. As you’ll hear in the film, these two have enjoyed a long-distance relationship. Their two aunts introduced them and they quickly recognized God’s love and faithfulness in their relationship. What’s a one-word description of each other and your relationship? Madeline said, “I would describe Cole has loyal. He would describe me as loving. I would describe our relationship as a blessing.”

And I absolutely love what Madeline says they love most about their relationship. “I love how fun but yet laid back it is. Cole & I can have the most fun just going on walks or cooking in the kitchen together. Just being together makes us the happiest! I also love how we have never doubted what’s meant to be between us. We both say we knew from day 1.” We, Jonathan and I, have a similar feeling about our relationship. We’re going on 10 years and it felt like from day 1 we knew.

Cole proposed to Madeline over Thanksgiving break (happy engagement anniversary!) The day after thanksgiving all the girls in the family went to get their nails done. Madeline didn’t think much about it because they’ve done this a few times together! Well, when they got back that afternoon they started decorating for Christmas. As they were putting the Christmas tree up, Cole walked out and handed Madeline an ornament with the ring in it. So sweet!

Madeline and Cole, thank you for the wonderful wedding day memories. We’ll never forget running to the car 5 minutes before your ceremony to grab our umbrellas. Noone saw that rainshower coming, but God definitely painted a beautiful picture during your wedding vows. Cherish all the little things God gives you and know He is faithful in the promises and rainbows.

Jonathan & Jill

Videography | Magnolia Tree Media / Photography | Joanns Photo / Venue | Timber Valley Lodge, Fayette, Alabama Hair & Makeup | Hillari Forrester / Planner & Design | Lytheda Barnes / Florist | Lytheda Barnes and Paige Dorsey / Caterer | Vonda Sanders / Bride’s Cake | Tammy Smith / Groom’s Cake | Tina Hopper / Dress Designer | Allure / Ceremony Musicians | David Kilpartrick and Sara McCafferty