Ryan and Rachel’s Southerlyn Farms wedding was a photographer’s dream come true. Even though it was slightly overcast, it was a pretty day and perfect for shooting this beautiful barn wedding.

When I say this wedding was a photographer’s dream, I wasn’t kidding. Besides the lovely lighting, the gorgeous bride and groom and the amazing venue, the feelings and emotions I witnessed throughout the entire day was what love and family is all about.

Before I get too far, I want to add that I thought it was super neat for this bride and groom to have their wedding on a Monday. Even though Monday’s are the most dreaded day of the week, this wedding made this the best Monday ever.

Ryan and Rachel’s wedding wasn’t just another “rustic” barn wedding. It was simple, refreshing and stunning. From the bride and her bridesmaids wearing Keds to their cute baby’s breath halo hairpieces, simple and stunning was definitely the motto of the day.

Simple accessories, décor and details didn’t take away from this bride one bit. Rachel was an absolute vision on her wedding day. Not only was Rachel beautiful, she has one of the sweetest personalities. When Rachel was getting ready, she had everyone step out of the room except her mom when she got her gown on. Rachel wanted to make it special for her mom and her, and it was really sweet. And then she did a ‘first look’ or reveal to her girls! There were so many happy tears and emotions from everyone. It was one of those beautiful blessings that photographers get to witness. To top it all off, Rachel’s dog from her childhood, Tucky, was a big part on her wedding day. Since Tucky is so important to her, he actually walked with the ring bearers in the ceremony! You’ll see him in the photos below!

Not only did Rachel do a ‘first look’ with her girls, she did one with Ryan as well. Their first look was filled with close hugs, kisses and happiness. I can tell you that love comes easily for this couple. Their feelings for each other were so clear and obvious. Capturing their first look was a beautiful experience, and Ryan was such a perfect groom. Throughout the whole day, between the bustling around and poses, he was constantly pulling Rachel aside for hugs and quiet kisses. He was so calm and easy to work with.

As far as nifty wedding planning details, here is some extra info. Rachel’s elegant gown was from Allure Romance, and it was actually a gown that had been worn before (not that anyone could tell.) The pastel floral arrangements were absolutely eye-catching and came from Etsy! Rachel and Ryan’s exit was awesome and ended up being some of my favorite images. It was so neat that their confetti for the exit was eco-friendly and biodegradable. Oh, and don’t miss their vow books in the detail images!

Keep reading to find out about Rachel and Ryan’s proposal story!

Rachel and Ryan wrote their vows in these cute little books, because it’s easy to loose a small piece of paper and aren’t they just SO cute? This was such a great way to ensure they never loose their original vows, because these books will sit on their bookshelf for forever!

Rachel asked all of her girls to leave the cottage for a few minutes so her and her mom could have a special moment together as she got dressed.  She then was able to have a ‘reveal’ moment with her girls, and it was SO sweet!

Lots of happy tears!

All the ladies were in Keds for the wedding, and I loved seeing Rachel incorporate a part of her personality into what her girls wore. Comfortable, cute and simple; Keds were a perfect choice for this Southerlyn Farms wedding!

Ryan and Rachel opted to have a ‘First Look’ on their wedding day to calm a few nerves before the ceremony and to make sure they had enough time for as many portraits together as they wanted. I love these moments on wedding days, and these two were no exception. Their hugs and laughs together were like magic in front of my camera!

That’s a good lookin’ couple, wouldn’t you say?!

Proposal Story from Rachel herself:

“I was eating pizza in my pajamas, and he went to take the dog for a walk (we lived in an apartment so we had to walk him every morning and before bed) and came back inside and had changed into dress clothes (I didn’t notice until he actually had the ring on my finger though because… stuffed crust pizza and Grey’s Anatomy.) He said, “Hey, I got Tucky a new collar, why don’t you look at it?” And I hear something clinking around on the collar, but Tucky was ready for his supper (he gets fed right after his walks) and wouldn’t come to me. So Ryan had to chase him down (I still didn’t notice he had changed LOL) and put him in my lap, and all I saw was a ring on the collar, and I started crying. Ryan had to put Tucky down to make sure I was ok, and then took the ring off the collar along with a heart shaped dog tag that said “Will you marry me?” and asked if it was a yes, and he put the ring on my finger.”

And then it was time to get MARRIED!!

Mr. and Mrs. Burnette, everybody!!

And, of course, we slipped in a few portraits after the ceremony too!!

I asked Rachel and Ryan if they waned to do the standard ‘dip kiss’ shot, and jokingly, Rachel said she would dip Ryan! I told her to go ahead because what are gender roles anyway, right?! Well, it turned about to be hilarious for all of us!!

Rachel’s childhood pup and bestfriend, Tucky, joined us for the day, and I loved being able to make sure he found his way into a few portraits.

Now, on the the party!!

Donald Ceasar from Ceasar’s Music had the party jumpin’, and everyone made it out to the dance floor at least once or twice!

And the couple ended the night under a show of confetti and a few smooches!

Be sure to say congratulations to the newlyweds in the comments below, and share this post with your friends and family so they can celebrate with Rachel and Ryan as well!

And to Ryan and Rachel,

Thank you so much for trusting me with your wedding day’s images! I had a blast photographing your day and getting to know you throughout the wedding photography process. I hope you enjoy these images for years and years to come, and again, I can never say thank you enough for honoring me with your trust and images! I wish you both the best and a life full of blessings and happiness!

Wedding Vendor List:

Venue (Ceremony and Reception): Southerlyn Farms Wedding

Gown (Boutique Purchased AND Designer): Purchased Used, Allure Romance

Bride’s Shoes (Designer): Keds

Groom’s Tux (Boutique Rented AND Designer) and Groom’s Shoes, Cufflinks, Watch, Socks, & Tie (Places either purchased or designer names): Menguin

Bridesmaids Attire (Location Purchased AND Designer): Azazie

Groomsmen Attire (Location Rented AND Designer): Etsy Shop, Melodyofcuteness

Florals: From Etsy

Wedding Favors: Succulents

DJ for Reception: Ceasar’s Music

Officiant: Chris Johnson

Wedding Coordinator/Planner: Shayla Ashe

Makeup Artist: Sawana Hampton

Hair Stylist: Haley Bates

Catering Company: Maurice’s Barbecue

Paper Products (Invitations, programs, ect.): Vistaprint

Furniture Rentals: Southerlyn Farms provided furniture

Drapes: Simply Elegant

Videography: Alyssa Cross

Second Shooter (photographer): Victoria from Victoria Elizabeth Photography