mason jar | Brandy Somers Photography

It’s not uncommon for me to tear up when the crowd rises to welcome the bride. It’s emotional. The moment is slowed and you can see clearer, feel the air around you and the sound of a crying baby fades into the distance. When it’s one of my best friends that happens to be in that bridal gown, clasping her Daddy’s arm…well, let’s just say I’m thankful I have a camera to hide behind…as I say a quick prayer that auto-focus is doing it’s job because everything is blurry through the tears. Crystal Folmar was my roommate when she met Brad Fink. After their first date she was long gone in la-la-Fink-land. I knew it was only a matter of time before I would stare at them from behind my camera lens and document their special day. This event couldn’t have been more perfect for the two of them. We’re talkin’ cowboy boots, a barn party, homemade food, the smell of barbecued chicken and pork filling the air, country music, Loretta-style-ruffles, green grass, blue skies, tears of joy, belly toning laughter, endless brew and lots and lots of love. Hit play on your favorite country playlist and enjoy their special day through the photos below.

The beauty of this day truly caught me off guard. I dropped my kids off with their grandpa and hopped on the interstate to Lauren and JoAnn’s wedding. It was a nice day. *for once* I mapped my way to Lauren’s mother’s farm where I found family and friends scurrying around to make sure all the details were in place. I blended into the background for bit to take some photos of the simple and elegant details. Everything fell into place just in time for the ceremony as everyone gathered in the front yard to partake in the front porch union. There was an energy in the air that I hadn’t experienced at a wedding until this day. The birds and the wind and leaves were all on cue. It was a moment I feel so blessed to have shared with the guests that day and it couldn’t have been more reassuring that something spectacular was happening right before my lens.