The rain gently tapped on the tin roof of the barn. Guests patiently waited for the bride to make her entrance. Behind the scenes, the wedding party was escorted from the house to the barn and they all managed to stay dry.  Every person was smiling as they walked down the aisle.  Bridesmaids and groomsmen filled the stage.  Anticipation was rising.  Clayton knew he would see his bride at any moment.  His eyes searched for her through the crowded room.  He saw glimpses of Samantha as she glided down the aisle with her grandfather.  Clayton fought back tears when he finally got an unobstructed view of his soon-to-be wife.  Samantha’s parents joined her at the altar and joyfully gave her away to the man of her dreams.  They had been planning this day for over a year and it was finally happening.  Before they knew it, they were officially married!

All week leading up to their wedding and even the day before, the forecast was 90% chance of thunderstorms all day. Many prayers were answered as the dark, cloudy skies slowly dissipated in the morning and the sun came out in the afternoon. To our surprise, the sunny day was short-lived and the clouds returned. Rain was imminent. Samantha and Clayton planned to do a first look, which meant that we got ALL the portraits before it started raining. Although they wanted to have an outdoor ceremony, the rain forced everything to be moved inside.  Sometimes plans don’t always work out the way you want, but having a backup plan can save the day!

An indoor ceremony may not have been their first choice, but their wedding was still completely perfect! They were surrounded by friends and family that love them and would do anything for them. Samantha had some of the most supportive and encouraging bridesmaids I have ever seen. From tossing up rose petals to holding her veil in the crazy wind to dancing the night away, all the bridesmaids displayed such selfless love for their dear friend. These girls really went the extra mile and helped us get the dreamy photos Samantha and Clayton deserved.

Samantha and Clayton, thank you so much for asking me to be part of your wedding story!  I’m so thankful that I have had the privilege of capturing your proposal, your engagement session, and now your wedding.  You have grown closer together over the last year and I know you will continue to grow closer with each passing day of marital bliss.  I hope you have a fun and sunny honeymoon in Jamaica!

The Creative Team:

Photography | Ashley Brooke Photography

Second Photographer | Debby Cullum

Event Coordinator | Ballard Bliss Weddings & Events

Venue | Donavan Inn

Floral Design | Ballard Bliss Weddings & Events

DJ | Kevin Bush

Cake | Labbe’s Cakes & Catering

Catering | Labbe’s Cakes & Catering

Tables and Chairs | Encore Party & Tent Rental

Hair Stylist | H&M By Caitlin L. Short

Makeup Artist | H&M By Caitlin L. Short

Bride’s Dress | Allure from Bridal Bliss Homewood

Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen | Joseph Abboud from Men’s Wearhouse