Rachael & Zach ~ And It's a Doozy!!!

I had been looking forward to this wedding since the day I first found out about it. As soon as I heard it was to take place on an award winning farm I was counting down the days. I LOVE a country setting and the thoughts of having a beautiful bride amongst all that rustic farminess gave me artistic goosebumps.

And then Hurricane Hanna came around.

The day of the wedding was dark and gloomy, ridiculously windy and monsooning. I was heartbroken. I couldn't even imagine being at a beautiful farm and having to do all my bridal photos in a tent. I know I would have made it work and we would have gotten some great images that really showcased the love of the bride and groom but I couldn't help feeling disappointed.

And then I got the call....

.... a call I've never gotten before.

It was my super bride Rachael calling to let me know the wedding was being moved to the next day. The hurricane strength winds just made it too dangerous to be outside in a tent. (Side note.. we had talked about it the day before as an emergency plan B so she knew all the vendors would be available if we needed to switch)

Low and behold the Gods were smiling on us because when we woke up the next morning we were greeted with the bluest of skies and the clearest of days. Unbelievably the ground dried all morning and we had zero mud by ceremony time. It was a wedding day miracle!! So my assistant Danielle and I , (along with all 500 guests that Rachel and Zach called one by one the day before) headed out to the most beautiul wedding EVER!


This is officially the longest wedding blog post I have ever posted so sit back and enjoy the ride!

We started the day off getting ready at Rachael's parents home. Rachael's momma is a total trip and I LOVE her. And her spunky grandmother almost got folded up and put in my camera bag because I wanted to take her home. I just love this photo of the 2 of them.

I can't say enough good things about lovely Rachael. You would have never guessed that a hurricane almost ravaged her wedding day because she was the most laid back, relaxed bride ever. She is just so sweet, funny and down to earth and you just can't help but smile when she is around.

Her parents house was perfect for photos
She was so animated that it was so easy to get great expressions.

Oh and I want to point out that Rachael did all her own flowers and they were GORGEOUS!!!
They had a small intimate wedding party made up of family. Rachel had her sis and new sis in law.
There is something to be said about spending your big day surrounded by your best friends.

Rachaels dad is quite an environmentalist and planted all these wildflowers on their property to save gas and energy from having to manicure all of the lawn. I think that's a great idea and it made for a beautiful spot for photos.
And then it was time to head over to Zach's family farm and meet up with the handsome men. Zach was joined by his brother and new brother in law.
I couldn't get over how breathtaking this farm was. I was seriously happier than a pig in you-know-what to see all the cool places I could shoot at. It's not everyday that you can take the groomsmen photos in front of a backdrop of cows.

And the ceremony was unique as well. Rachael casually mentioned when we talked on the phone that they were getting married in a gazebo....

What she didn't mention however that the gazebo was in the middle of a HUGE POND!! So fun!

The ceremony was beautiful and intimate and only immediate family joined the couple in the gazebo. The rest of their guests were all seated up on the hill watching from a distance and listening through the speakers they set up.

Look how happy they are to be married.

Zach has a beautiful Camaro in my favorite color so of course we had to use it for photos.


Rachael and Zach rockin their new bling

My new favorite ring shots

I loved their take on the guest book! Everyone signed a huge ceramic platter that the couple can display in their home. Since the wedding date was supposed to be the day before they had to make a minor date change. I think it adds even more character.
First dances

These little cuties had a front row seat.


The toasts were very entertaining,

I think Rachael and Zach's mommas look so beautiful when they laugh.



I couldn't resist doing more portraits as the sun was going down.

I love this photo. It really incorporates the feel of the day. Life simplified to what really matters. A day spent outdoors celebrating love and life with family and friends. In case you are wondering what's in the cups they are snails. All the kids entertained themselves for hours collecting them out of the pond. And then they later tried to sell them at the reception :)

Life is good!

Congratulations Rachael and Zach. Thanks for allowing me to share this beautiful day with you!