Chelsea & Cody said “I do” this past weekend at Red Barn Events in Waxhaw on a perfect fall day. It was filled with happy tears, joyous laughter, and lots of dancing under the stars. These two have been together for some time now and they can finally call themselves husband & wife! It was a perfectly classy country wedding and is one that they will cherish for the rest of their lives together.

Oh goodness, how do I even begin to describe the perfect wedding of Chelsea & Cody! I met these two almost a year ago at their engagement shoot at a Christmas tree farm, and little did we know of the friendship we’d develop from there on. From planning the wedding over good food to many more shoots together, I’ve gotten the honor of getting to know these two over the past year. They are so devoted to one another, to their marriage, and to the life they will create together. This year they bought the most precious farm house and even got a husky puppy to make their family complete. Their love is pure, uncomplicated, and something that the Lord created just for them. And there wedding day was the exact same.

We arrived at the Red Barn Events in Waxhaw and immediately went into the house where Chelsea was getting ready. The room was filled with bridesmaids, flower girls, and friends. The day started with Chelsea reading letters written to her by her family and friends, and the last one being from her future husband. Both tears and laughter filled the space, and suddenly she was in her dress and ready to get married! She started with a first look with her dad and brother who were both in awe of her beauty. I’ve always said that there’s something about a wedding dress that transforms a woman into a bride and it’s a surreal experience. Following the first look with her two favorite men, she prayed with her future hubby. They held hands by a giant oak tree and Cody prayed over their day and marriage that was ahead of them. Similarly, Chelsea’s bridesmaids prayed over her right before she walked down the aisle to marry the love of her life. So basically we were all crying since about 2 o’clock!

And the tears never stopped because then it was time for the ceremony. As the guys processed in, Cody’s brothers and father all laid single white roses on the seat where his mother would be sitting. She passed many years ago after a fight with breast cancer, and her presence was made known throughout the whole day, all the way to his suspenders and boutonniere. Cody laid the final white bunch of roses on her seat to honor her and her presence on this special day. And then Chelsea walked through the white barn doors and Cody was overcome with emotion as he saw his bride for the first time, walking to him to marry him. They were glowing. During the ceremony, they took a moment to slow down and to wash each other’s feet as a symbol of their love and service to one another as they prepare to enter into their married life. It was such a sweet moment! And then, they were married and it was time to party!!

Upon entering the reception space, Chelsea & Cody shared their first dance together while everyone looked on with love. Chelsea and her father also shared an emotional first dance that made this Daddy’s girl tear up. But the real tears came next. The DJ announced that now would be the time that, traditionally, the groom and his mother would share a dance. However she had a much better view of the day. Then a groomsmen proceeded to read a letter that Cody had written to his mom talking to her about the day and his wife, all the while a slideshow played in the background of pictures from his childhood with his mom by his side. Then the bride & groom invited everyone who had a child there to the dance floor to dance with them and honor Cody’s mother, while a song played about the woman her son is marrying. Everyone was so overwhelmed with emotion as the song played and everyone danced. There was not a dry eye in the place!!

The night proceeded with lots of laughter, dancing, and cheers as everyone celebrated the bride & groom! It was such a magical night under the stars and twinkle lights, and I know Cody & Chelsea felt so loved after the festivities were over.

 

 

Vendor
Venue: Red Barn Events
Dress Boutique: Paige & Elliot Bridal Boutique
Hair: Celestial Creations
DJ: Raise the Roof Charlotte DJ
Photo Booth: Carolina Booth and Bus
Officiant: Charles Keller & Warner Doles

Thank you two for giving me the immense joy of photographing your wedding! It was such a special day and I’m so excited for the life that awaits you! Happy honeymooning!

Love,