Rustic Country Southern Wedding – Julie + Brian – Nashville Wedding Photographer

I’ve known Julie for what seems like a lifetime. She was the stellar soccer player on the opposing team in elementary school who later who become one of my closest and dearest friends…and roommates…years later.

I remember our long late night talks falling asleep in the same bed both questioning if either of us would ever find that one soul just as wild and free as we were to run with us, or if God had designed us to be too independent on purpose. Fast forward a few years, and the answer became clear.  She’d knew Brian in college, but the timing wasn’t right. Then one day she saw him again at his job…they were both finally single.  From there it’s rolled into one of the greatest romances I’ve ever been a party to witness.  It’s abundantly clear they were literally designed for each other…the missing piece to each other’s puzzle.

I was always an “on the fencer” when it came to “First Look” or “Tradition”…their wedding day fully pushed me over to the FIRST LOOK side.

I BAWLED behind the lens…as did my second shooter who’d never met them before that day nor did he know their story.  She walked in and was absolutely BEAMING…and then I turned to watch his face…

We were off to the sides, the music played just as it would during the ceremony, and she walked slowly down the aisle to her groom standing where he’d be standing in just a few hours for the ceremony. They NEVER took their eyes off one another.

The light that was emanating from Brian sent me over the moon…and then they embraced!  An embrace so tight and so long I think we ALL just stood there sobbing and shooting (through tears) for at least 5 minutes…just reveling in the moment.  I felt the stress and anxiety melt away…and I wasn’t the one getting married. Nothing else seemed to matter from that moment on.

That’s a moment I’ll never forget…a moment they’d never have had…images they’d never have gotten, if they would have waited until ceremony time when the most contact you get with your beloved is a few hand holds until the kiss then you’re whisked off to the hustle and bustle of the after photos and reception. I’d never thought of it like that until their first look.  Theirs was the game changer, a whole new perspective.

I’ve never walked down the aisle, but I know when I do I want to be able to have my groom grab me up, whisper words in my ear no one else can hear, kiss my forehead, and wipe my tears just like Brian did to Julie. I can honestly say I’ve never been more privileged to witness a moment more tearful and magical than theirs. Seriously ya’ll I still tear up looking at their first look images and reliving that joy.

My other favorite moment came when Julie’s dad walked her down the ailse…she was leaning on his arm…a daddy’s girl through and through being escorted down to the new man of her life…her two favorite men, one giving her away and one accepting her hand. (ok ok 3 favorite men counting my fur nephew Rambler who was also present!)

So, here’s to one of the best friends a gal could ask for, and one of the greatest men a prayer could’ve been answered by. Not only am I extremely grateful Julie was placed in my life, I’m ever so thankful God placed Brain in hers. Blessed…truly, truly blessed!  Love you both SO much, and looking forward to the amazing things God has in store for you both!

XOXO,

B