Sometimes in wedding planning, things don't always go as originally planned. Brittany and Joel unexpectedly needed to change their wedding date a few times over the course of their engagement. Their last change in wedding dates came with only a few weeks notice, and I firmly believe that it was without a doubt the day meant to be their wedding day. Britt and Joel's incredible family, friends and wedding party members helped pull together all the last minute details needed to make their wedding day a complete success in just 2 weeks time, including finding a new location for their ceremony and celebration. Vendors who were still available switched dates without hesitation, and other vendors who were needed last minute filled in like rockstars. Friends and family dropped plans and came from near and far to be witness as they said their I do's and celebrate along side them the whole night through. And most important of all, Brittany was able to walk down the isle with her dad by her side and Joel was blessed by signs of his brother watching over them throughout the entire day. It was an emotional day filled with tears and laughter, and above all, so, so much love. It was perfect in every sense of the definition, and it is such an honor to provide Britt and Joel photographic memories of their wedding day that will be cherished for years to come.
Before diving into the photos, a few words from the bride + groom:
How would you describe your wedding vision/theme? Our theme was rustic and chic but I would also say it was love and family. Our wedding coordinator, Jess, really took care of making the day beautiful and following the theme Hydraulic already has going on with a little extra sparkle.
Favorite moments/memories from the wedding? Britt: I have shot a lot weddings with Dawn over the years and always felt like the first dances were pretty but just more for the tradition aspect. Joel and I picked a song for our first dance that may be a little uncommon but we love it!! (Only Wanna Be With You - unplugged by Samm Henshaw) It just such a romantic song and says a lot about us. We've been together for 9 years, he's my best friend, we're there for each other through everything, all the time, no matter what. This song represents that. I never imagined that our first dance would mean so much to me but it did. Everyone we loved around us clapping along. It made for a perfect start to a perfect night! My first dance with my dad was something i'll never forget. We chose the song together (Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder) and practiced dancing in the living room for fun a few days prior (where he told me i needed to step my dance game up before the big day haha). On the big day we danced our little hearts out and had a surprise for the guests at the end! We had our favorite song come on (S.O.B. by Nathanial Rateliff and the Night Sweats). This may seem like an odd song choice but we know every word and wanted to start the dance party off right that night! Overall, the dancing all night was my absolute favorite part of the day....can we do it again soon??? // Joel: I have a few favorites from the big day, starting with the first look before the ceremony. It was extremely hard not to turn around when I heard Britt coming but when I did she blew my expectations away!! I was happy to have some time to ourselves to soak everything in. People say your wedding day flies by and it does so take any opportunity you can!
Do you have any recommendations for future couples planning a wedding? Don't take the day too seriously. In the end the whole day is supposed to be fun. There is a lot of pressure to make the day over the top or to make everyone happy. Take a breath and realize that the day is about celebrating the couple and nothing else matters. We planned a majority of the wedding in just 2 weeks and it was hectic at times but one of the best decisions we could have ever made. Our main goal for our wedding day was to have a great night filled with dancing, drinks and memories to last a lifetime. Some of the best moments of the day were the ones that were unplanned. For example when the limo broke down, we found a school bus on the side of the road, bribed the driver $$$ haha and sped to the ceremony. Things that seemed a little chaotic at the time are the funny moments to look back on. We had a ball and that's all that matters!
