Imagine this: you think you’re joining in some engagement festivities at a bride-to-be’s childhood home, only to get there and find out that you are, if fact, about to witness the WEDDING. Talk about a surprise! Taylor & Blake were married at her family’s home in a lovely celebration full to bursting with love—and somehow managed to pull off what had to be one of the most excitable surprises in existence. What a beautiful, intimate, and undeniably joyous way to begin your forever!
A word from Lindsey LaRue Photography:
“Oh, where do I even begin with this one? Taylor and Blake knew without a doubt that they wanted an intimate and unique wedding, but the stress of wedding planning seemed to be getting in the way of their vision. When Taylor playfully threw out the idea of a surprise wedding, she was shocked and elated that Blake was on board. It’s not easy to plan any wedding, let alone one with the added logistics of being a secret, but with The Season Events coordinating every detail, this bride and groom pulled off a surprise that their guests will never forget!
To accomplish such a unique experience, Taylor and Blake invited their guests to an “engagement party” at her childhood home. Friends and family arrived to a beautifully adorned tent covered in lush white florals, chandeliers, and classic details (complete with a fully outfitted cigar and whiskey bar). Just before the ceremony was set to begin the guests were let in on the secret- they would be witnessing a wedding today!
The news may have been a surprise for guests, but it was truly impressive how this affair was thoughtfully planned and executed at every level. Full of heirlooms and tender moments, I couldn’t help but tear up during Taylor’s first look with her father, just to do so again when Taylor and Blake saw each other for the first time!
One of my very favorite images from the day is when the bride, Taylor, is walking down the stairs to see her dad during her Father Daughter first look. This stunning bride is walking down the stairs of the home that she has grown up in since birth and in the background is the portrait of her as a baby. A truly full circle moment- daddy’s little girl is all grown up and getting married.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
“There was a concert downtown and Blake and I just happened to both be there but didn’t actually meet. However, one of our mutual friends pointed him out to me and I remember thinking “wow, I have to meet this guy!” So I invited them to come back to my house and when he walked in the door I mentally thought “Game over… he’s mine!” And when he walked in and saw me, he looked at his friends and said, “Dibs!”. We have been inseparable ever since.”
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
“The first hurdle we had to overcome was a long distance relationship. Blake was in the Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton in California while I was at home in Georgia. Not only would this be tough for any relationship, this is how we started ours. Not being able to see each other for months at a time and the time difference was very difficult. But we both believe that the distance, while hard, just helped us grow closer and appreciate our time together even more.”
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
“We got married at my childhood home. It meant a lot to me because I’ve had so many great memories there and was able to begin making new memories with my husband. I also wore an Opal (my birthstone) ring of my grandmother’s for my something borrowed and my other grandmother gave me a picture of my pop that had passed away to carry with my bouquet as my something old. All these special things meant the world to me and I will treasure these memories forever.”
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
“We had a surprise wedding so we really enjoyed the whole wedding planning process. We both were very much involved in all the decisions. We also wrote out our whole ceremony and created our own vows together. I’m not sure many people knew that, but it was one of our favorite parts.”
photography: Lindsey LaRue Photography / planning & coordination: The Season Events / wedding dress: Essence of Australia from Formally Yours / bridesmaids & groomsmen attire: Top Hat Formal Wear / hair & makeup: Stella Blu / florals: Bussey’s Florist / catering: The Season Events / cake: Honeymoon Bakery
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