Mahlan + Catherine

Making my way down a gravel road flanked by crop fields, I came upon a tidy homestead with a front lawn full of chairs facing west toward a simple arbor standing in front of a sun-drenched weeping willow. Ah, this must be the place. Greeted by the man of the home, the bride’s grandfather, I learned he and his wife were deeply honored to host their granddaughter’s wedding here on their farm, a place he described as being like a second home to her.

Inside, the ladies of the bridal party were making ready with the bride’s sister, the maid of honor, tending the bride’s hair as the bride applied her own makeup. Here, I met grandma as she watched delightedly, helping with instructions and suggestions for various goings on. As I commenced with detail shots, hanging the bride’s dress on her grandma’s clothesline, I was, as a grandma’s girl myself, quite delighted to have been invited to such an intimate affair.

The gentlemen of the bridal party came rolling in as I was finishing detail shots. I was instantly amused by the jovial energy they exuded. We had fun capturing various sports reenactments as well as one of the groomsmen launching his whole self entirely over the top of the groom at his full height (I apologize that is not pictured below, but I promise it did, in fact, happen).

Photos with the ladies were decidedly more chill, yet fun! We started in the backyard wildflower garden, later moving on to a more secluded location for the bride’s reveal with her parents. First was her mother who was asking how they had already come to this point in time.  Next was her father who was very silly until he wasn’t when he tenderly kissed the top of her head and assured her of how beautiful she was.

Ceremony time was now upon us. The bridal party lined up as a friend of the couple played piano. The groom and the pastor made their way to the front followed by bridesmaids and groomsmen, two happy flower girls, and a sad ring bearer with his loving escort.

The groom sported the most genuine expression of tender joy at first sight of his bride. With a hug for the groom, her father handed his daughter to his soon-to-be son-in-law.  They pledged their devotion to one another beneath the graceful tendrils of the willow as the sun began to slip ever farther westward.

To everyone’s delight, the little ringbearer, now happy and comfortable on his momma’s lap, adorably echoed the groom’s name as the pastor prompted the bride to address the groom as she placed a ring on his hand. A sound kiss sealed the deal, and the college sweethearts walked back down the aisle as husband and wife into their very own happily ever after.

The two, overwhelmed with joy, were found sharing hugs and kisses as their bridal party gathered round them, also touched by the beauty of the moment. Sunset photos followed and then an onsite reception.

The bride and groom, with the help of family, had transformed her grandparent’s garage into a lovely fellowship and dining area. BBQ pulled pork, pork loin, smoked macaroni and cheese, green beans, and fruit nourished the hungry crowd. Locally made ice cream, wedding cake, and cupcakes rounded out the spread.

Night had now fallen. Rows of tiki torches were set ablaze, and the driveway was now a dance floor. A tender first dance and a precious father/daughter dance were followed by many enthusiastic party goers joining in on fun songs like “The Manatee Song” and “Church Clap” among many others.

As the newlyweds prepared to leave, her father pulled them aside to offer a private blessing. Following the tender moment, the still enthusiastic crowd formed a sparkler send-off for the couple. The groom offered his bride a piggyback ride to the car to save her now bare feet. As they were ready to pull away, the mother of the bride ran out to hug her darling and say goodbye. And then, just like that, their headlights pointed out into the rest of their lives together.

Catherine + Mahlan, it was a joy and a pleasure to be a part of your wedding day. Your adoration for one another and your graciousness towards all touched my heart.  May you both be blessed as you journey together through this life.

Love, Angela