It's like their love story came straight from a storybook... They met in a bar, while Brit and her friend were casually getting a drink. Brit's friend knew him through her older brothers, so she introduced them and they all chatted for a while... A few days later, he came into the bar where she worked and asked her to have a drink one night. She was reluctant to say yes at first, but was glad she did when they closed the bar down, talking for hours and hours getting to know each other. He left a couple days later (Nick is a Major in the Air Force) and she headed back to Nashville to continue her dream of becoming a singer-songwriter. That next Christmas, they both came home and spent every moment together, taking things slow though during the months thereafter. By the following year, they were a couple and couldn't deny the connection they shared.
They spent the next five years in a long-distance relationship, spending date nights FaceTiming and watching movies together over the phone. Texts, calls, and letters kept their relationship strong, and their bond continued to grow. These two are such romantics too, which I love. And not the cheesy kind, but the everything happens for a reason and each little thing has meaning kind... They love each other so deeply and it's inspiring to be around. They care so much for each other and their families and friends and wanted their wedding day to reflect that. And it did!
Brittany got ready at her mom's home with her friends and some family members. She greeted with me with a gorgeous smile and a hug of course, with her hair curled and pinned back above her left ear, and the perfect red lip only she could pull off! Her BHLDN dress was perfectly vintage with a hint of Gatsby, just as she wanted, and fit her like a glove... And her girls' dresses were intricate and beautiful, going along with the theme. She wore her mother's pearls, and these adorable shoes she found at a thrift shop! I fell in love with her rose gold engagement ring too. And can you believe she made all of the invitations herself?
Brittany's mom Renee helped her get dressed and gave her a beautiful letter and Pandora bead, something she gifts Brittany at every special event. It was so sweet and special. Then Stacey, Nick's brother's wife (who's also an amazingly talented newborn and family photographer out of Gettysburg - who actually referred Brittany and Nick my way - thank you Stacey!!) was there of course with her daughter Bailey. They came in and gave Brit a gift from Nick, a pretty pearl bracelet. Then Brittany's dad Jamie came in to see his little girl... That moment was so sweet!
Brittany wrote a song for Nick to play during the reception and started practicing it just before leaving for the ceremony. Stacey popped her head into the doorway and started to tear up. I love Brittany's smile while she's looking at her new sister...
I headed over to Stacey's house where the ceremony and reception were going to take place in just a few hours... Family members were in every corner of the house and outside property getting the last few details together: desserts, chairs, drinks, ice, and more... Nick and the groomsmen hung out with a few beers in the living room until it was time for Brittany and Nick to do their back-to-pack personal vow reading together. Brittany made a scrapbook for Nick (she's seriously amazing and put so much work into every element of this day...) so he opened that just before their vow exchange, while Brittany was giving her song one more practice run while waiting for Nick. They didn't see each other of course, but we had them meet in Stacey's studio to exchange their sweet words together. It was so tender and precious to watch...
It was time for the ceremony to begin, so the guests walked down into the open field where chairs were set up by a pretty canopy of beads and tulle. Brit walked down to her own recording of a Coldplay cover, "Yellow", which is her absolutely favorite color (which is why Jamie her father took it upon himself to wear a yellow bow-tie and suspenders for the wedding, how sweet is that..) so that was playing as she walked down from the house to the aisle. Nick started to cry and the moment was just breathtaking for everyone to witness.
Their ceremony was so heart-felt and a true reflection of their faith in God and in the love they have for one another. It was beautiful.... At one point they turned around to look at everyone their, loving them and celebrating in their joy with them. Their pastor talked about how Nick is more analytical and Brit is more "fly by the seat of her pants", and together, they balance each other well.
A family friend brought a vintage car for photos which was awesome! So after taking a couple minutes inside for a toast of champagne and to cool off from the hot sun, we took full advantage of the setting golden sun and photographed portraits by their field and the car...
Jamie led everyone in a welcoming and thankful prayer before we all had dinner and mingled together. After some dancing, Brittany's beautiful song to Nick, and dessert (which their family members had all made!), Nick's father Bruce set off fireworks from the field for all to see! It was awesome.. Fireworks are definitely his thing!
During the reception I had a chance to talk a bit with Brittany's dad. He said to me proudly, "you know, I'm her father so I feel biased of course, but Brittany really is the kind of person you want as your friend, or your neighbor.... She's just good people." He's so right. She just glows with kindness and a heart for other people. Nick is the same way, complimenting her perfectly.
The evening carried on with dancing, a few speeches, and all of their friend and family in fellowship together under the stars!
I am so grateful to have been part of this day... There were so many beautiful moments I'll never forget. Nick and Brittany are definitely special and have a love that will take them to some incredible places in their life ahead. Can't wait to see what that looks like for them!
***
Dress: BLHDN
Designer: Mignon
Shoes: Unique-vintage.com
Tux: Express
Bow ties: Brackish
Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell, Adian Mattox, various
Hair & Makeup: Jess Brown, Meraki Salon
Invitations: EastCutPrintPD, Etsy (downloadable cricut template)
DJ: Chachi Angelo