McKayla + Austin - Wedding Day Preview - Aulander NC Photographer

Happy Monday, ya’ll! I’m so excited to share with the world some of our favorite shots from McKayla and Austin’s wedding day. Saturday was a day that I will never forget. We had been excited for the big day for many months and were thrilled to capture the day. We had such a fun time getting to know the bridesmaids and groomsmen as well as McKayla and Austin’s family in the hours leading up to the wedding. We LOVED that they wanted a first look and exchanged personal vows with each other during that time. It was hot, but we were able to capture ALL of their family photos and wedding party photos before the wedding! Their ceremony was full of so much love, happiness, and joy!

Literally the day was perfection…. UNTIL the bottom fell out. Ya’ll, when I woke up Saturday morning and checked the weather, there was literally a 4% chance of rain. Each week on our way to the weddings we capture, I always pray. I pray for the day to go well. For the couple to have God at the center of their marriage. For the couple to be fully present and to soak up all of the good moments of the day. Well on Saturday, I also thanked God for the forecast being so certain. This was a farm wedding after all, and I thought it was awesome that we weren’t going to have to worry about rain. Well God sure has a way of keeping us on our toes, because literally as the reception was getting started, a storm arrived and it poured (along with high winds, thunder, and lightning). I’m good at exaggerating, but ya’ll… This storm was no joke. Within minutes the inside of the tent had a few inches of standing water that turned into several inches of mud as the night wore on and we all walked around the dance floor.

So yes, this is a wedding I’ll never forget. But it won’t be because of the rain and mud. What I will ALWAYS remember is how McKayla and Austin handled the situation with such grace. Austin jumped right in to help as the sides of the tent flew open. Their families sprung into action to keep the cake, decorations, and the DJs equipment safe and dry. Once things settled down, they embraced the fact that McKayla’s dress was going to get muddy and Austin may not dry out from his time in the rain. They knew their reception wouldn’t be perfect. But they committed themselves to having fun. To enjoying their time fo fellowship with their guests. To making the most of a messy situation that simply could not have been predicted. For better or worse… McKayla and Austin have already endured a tremendous test of faith. And they did it with smiles. McKayla and Austin, thanks for the reminder to dance in the rain and to make the most of any situation life throws your way! I hope you guys enjoy some of our favorite shots from their big day.

Also, I don’t think I can finish this post without a shameless plug here… Anyone planning a wedding, please please consider a first look! Because we did ALL of the family portraits and wedding party photos early in the day (as well as about 2/3 of the photos of just McKayla and Austin - the other 1/3 came at sunset), they never once had to stress about getting photos done while Mother Nature was showing off. Seriously ya’ll, there are sometimes situations that 100% cannot be predicted on a wedding day. A first look increases your opportunities to make sure you get all of the photos you want on your big day!

Ceremony + Reception: Private Farm Property

Hair + Make-Up: Betty Cooper & Crystal Bradley

Florist: Added Touch Florist

Cake: Susan Joyner

Caterer: Captain Bobs