Kelly + Colton love being outdoors so they decided to get married under a big tree on Colton’s family farm in Montgomery, Alabama. They also love playing music with their friends, so Colton and his friends formed a little marching band to enter the wedding – and their friends also left the wedding jamming in a parade! So, so fun! They also incorporated lots of personal touches to their wedding since family is so important to them. One of my favorites is a photo of Kelly being driven to the ceremony in an antique checker cab that was owned by Colton’s late grandfather – how special! Love that Kelly + Colton really just did what they wanted for their wedding day and thanks so much to One Love Photo for the gorgeous photos!
Gets me every time! Such a sweet first look!!
The processional (Sun it Rises by Fleet Foxes, and Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles) was definitely one of the highlights of the ceremony – Emily and Garrett started out playing ukelele and classical guitar, then Colton came in on his electric and led the bridal party in. They had a couple of guitars, a mandolin, crash cymbals, ride cymbal, tambourine, cow bell, snare drum, triangle, bell kit, and a big tom, all of which we grabbed from Colton’s house on the way to the wedding. So much fun! The recessional was Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, performed by Emily and Garrett Blaising and the wedding party.
There are so many special and funny memories from our wedding day. We did all the decorating together in the morning, then we got ourselves ready, and finally the ceremony and reception were in the evening. I remember my friend Kate being lifted in the bucket of a Bobcat to hang the candles and frames on high branches of the big tree; Colton and the guys stringing up lights all over the reception area; our cousins driving everyone around the lake in limousine-golfcarts; decorating the tables, then madly dashing around un-decorating because of a sudden rain shower, then decorating them again; my mom zipping up my dress and putting on my veil; laughing with my friends in the rain; seeing Colton for the first time, looking so handsome in his suit (I believe that's the first and only time I've ever seen him wear a suit); my mother-in-law directing the speed of my approach via walkie-talkie; my Greek professor reading us the vows; singing Home to each other at the end of the ceremony; and stuffing ourselves with barbecue at the end of the day. It was incredible.
My sister-in-law, Alexandra, took a collage of Polaroids which, when pieced together, form a huge picture of Colton and I at the farm. One of these Polaroids was sent to each guest in their invitation, and they pinned them onto a board as they entered the wedding.
I’d like to thank our great photographers, Heather and Jon Almeda, from One Love Photo. They flew all the way to Alabama from Seattle to photograph our wedding, braving the heat and rain and obviously working hard to find images that inspired them. I felt so comfortable knowing that we were in good hands. They pay close attention to composition and light, and they used a lot of 35mm and medium format film for us! (Colton is a cinematographer and photographer, and I’m a photographer too. We’re pretty choosy, and spend a lot of time looking for the right photographer.) We appreciate it, you two! I couldn’t be happier with the images from our wedding.
Don't stress! Nobody wants to be a Bridezilla. Remember that it's your opportunity to throw a celebration big or small; rustic or glamorous; quirky or traditional - do whatever you want! I made all the decorations myself, because I felt like it. (I remember sitting in my mom's bedroom gluing paper flowers, watching Jurassic Park on tv.) But if the thought of crafting freaks you out, then have someone else do it! Your wedding doesn't have to meet anyone's expectations but your own. If you do find yourself falling into panic, just take a breather. It'll all fall into place. And besides, even if the wedding is a complete disaster, you'll still get to ride off into the sunset wed to your sweetheart, which makes it a perfect day by default!
photography: Heather and Jon of One Love Photo // venue name: Colton's family farm in Montgomery, AL // bride's shoes: Miss L Fire // groom attire: Brooks Brothers // paper goods: Colton // catering: Smokin S Bar-B-Cue // cake: Cookies courtesy of Mrs. Fields // music: Emily and Garrett Blaising // floral design: Perky Long, our wedding coordinator, picked up daises and helped me arrange them in jars the morning of the wedding! // wedding dress: Casablanca Bridal, purchased at Monica's Bridal in Chattanooga, TN. I made the sash from some upholstery material // bridesmaid jewelry: made by Kelly -- her etsy store is Whisper Will // cinematography: Brandon McGuire // invitations: Colton
This bride is so adorable!
This will always be my favorite wedding shot by Heather & Jon!
their processional and recessional was so neat!
Was going to say the suspenders really make it, but then I saw the christmas lights… amazing!
This is such a sweet wedding! The photographer did an amazing job capturing each beautiful moment, and I absolutely love all the rustic and vintage details…so pretty!
The wedding is so sweet and memorable. It is amazing memory for all the brides.
Where did her veil come from? It doesn’t list it and I would love to know!!
This is so lovely! :) I also live in Alabama and I’m thinking about having a backyard wedding but I’m a little worried about mosquitoes and other critters disturbing my guest.
I love love love this venue! I’m desperately seeking a venue like this that I can afford! I wish I could just pull up a big oak tree and put it in my yard… I’d just do the wedding at my house! Anyone know of a beautiful oak tree venue like this available for rent for cheap in Alabama?
You guys’ wedding was absolutely wonderful – hope I can make mine as awesome as yours!
Sweetness overload! Could this couple be any more adorable!? Seriously though, the bride looks absolutely fantastic in her dress and veil! Anyone happen to know who designed the veil? I love that their wedding party was styled in various dresses/suits and that they had such a unique and fun processional. Everything about this wedding is vintage perfection! LOVE!