Sometimes you get connected with couples for reasons beyond your own understanding. This couple is truly special in how they live life and share their joy with others. I was able to follow Jessica and Jerad’s wedding story from beginning to end; the surprise proposal, the engagement session, and finally the wedding day. I go into every wedding day with the hopes of serving my bride’s as if they were my own sister. I left this wedding day thinking that this couple just served me and ministered to everyone in attendance. I’m so happy we were brought together and that God’s face was shining on their wedding day. I know they will continue to bring joy to many more. Thank you Jessica and Jerad for sharing so much with me.
The SouthWind Plantation is a truly unique wedding venue. It boasts breathtaking views in every direction complete with mountains, woods, and a creek. Brides from all over the country seek out this Southern location for an intimate barn wedding. I had the opportunity to speak a few moments with the property’s proprietors. This couple was incredible to work with. The stories they told of heartache and joy over the last 5 years really resonated with my own personal story. After the 2011 Alabama tornadoes hit the property, the owners had a vision to create a beautiful barn out of reclaimed timber from the damaged trees. The result speaks for itself in the wedding gallery.
A beautiful dress on a personalized hanger. Just one of many personal touches that made this day memorable.As a gift Jessica provided each of her bridesmaids with their own robe on a personalized hanger with their name and the date of the special day.I think one of my favorite wedding hashtags would definitely be #shewenttojeradsEach guest received a perfect blend of coffee as a wedding favor. It seemed only fitting since the couple had their first date at a coffee shop.Jerad provided his groomsmen with some essentials for the day. Some suspenders, Cliff bars, socks, bow ties and much more.After playing some frisbee football, the best man wants to make sure Jerad’s tie is perfect.Jessica’s special ladies pause to take in this special moment. Stylist Amy Smith makes the final adjustments on her romantic up-do.Jessica and her bridal party are all smiles as they get ready in the bridal cottage. Jessica was so organized for her wedding day. She was a bride after my own heart with itineraries for everyone making it very easy to follow the photography timeline. I work with my bride’s months before their wedding day to help them schedule the day so that they can achieve the most out of their photography vision.The elegant lace wedding dress compliments Jessica perfectly. Emotions really start to build during this time of the wedding day.Jerad sneaks away for a moment to read a special letter Jessica wrote for him on their wedding day. My second shooter did an amazing job following the guys around and capturing a lot of fun moments. I always recommend a second shooter for couple’s seeking a true journalistic perspective of their day. It’s always fun for the bride to look through her gallery and discover what her groom was doing in preparation for the ceremony.Jessica takes a moment to read Jerad’s thoughts he wrote in anticipation of their special day. The videographer and I were the only ones invited to peek into this moment. I kept my distance and Jessica took in those words that she will likely never forget.Definitely the most anticipated moment was the first look before the ceremony. Clearly it does not disappoint. Jerad is in awe of his bride.Such a gentleman. Jerad is swept away by Jessica.Jerad leads Jessica by the hand as they embark on their lifelong journey together. My second shooter has such a great eye for detail.The couple sneaks in a kiss before the ceremony. Such a romantic setting all around them.Jerad and Jessica snuggle up to each other in front of the beautiful barn door. Jessica added a lot of personal touches to the barn which really made it feel like home.Jessica’s bridesmaids look simply regal in shades of purple. I wish I could take credit for this sweet pose, but the girls had this pose ready for me.It’s all fun and games with Jerad and his groomsmen…and maybe a little dancing.Kathryn Ann Weddings doesn’t miss a single detail. Everything is ready for the guests to arrive to this outdoor ceremony.Jessica’s father savors this moment with his daughter before walking her down the aisle.This precious flower girl scatters her flower petals like a pro in her purple tulle dress.Even though they shared a first look, Jerad is still moved as Jessica walks toward him down the aisle.That moment. That moment you hear the music and you know it’s time. It’s time to stand, turn, and hold your breath for the first glimpse of the bride coming down the aisle.I’m not sure I’ve seen a groom this excited. He even convinced Jessica to do a dip for their first kiss as husband and wife.The sun setting over the vows adds to the enchanting fairy tale atmosphere.Once again Jerad swept Jessica off of her feet and this time into the reception hall for food, family and friends. Everyone enjoyed their choreographed ballroom dance.As the sun was setting over the reception, I got a few more moments to photograph the bride and groom alone. I tell my couples to use these moments to embrace each other and enjoy the newness of being husband and wife. The lush green fields and the white fence add a little country charm to the event.Every moment I shared with this couple was not just to take picture for the wedding photography gallery. These moments were created to help them remember the day they joined together in love surrounded by their family and friends.Everyone dances to the mix of musical melodies. Jerad’s groomsman had me laughing so hard at their dance moves and all the little kids did not miss a beat on the dance floor.Family and friends wished Jessica and Jerad well with sparklers. Although it did not compare to the sparkle in the couples eyes.Jessica and Jerad make their getaway in her grandparent’s 1956 Ford Victoria. The very same car they drove away in after their wedding.
A few final thoughts about having the opportunity to photograph at SouthWind Plantation. So many lost so much during those 2011 tornadoes. I know it seems small, but I lost all of my possessions in one of the tornadoes. My husband’s life, my life, and my sons life were miraculously saved, but everything was gone. I spent 7 months without a camera or any other artistic outlet. It was a time of healing and praying for direction as we rebuilt and dreamed for the future. When I finally brought a camera back into my creative life, I pushed myself to find beauty despite the destruction that had surrounded us. Photographing at SouthWind brings my journey full circle. This barn was built out of heartache to provide joy. My photography was once buried and has been rebuilt and strengthened in hopes of providing joy to others. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my art with you and thanks for letting me share a few personal reflections. This was such an amazing wedding day with a wonderful couple and an incredible team of vendors. Follow this link to view the video from Vital Productions.
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