This wedding was a feast for the senses. When Ben & I pulled up to the vineyard, it was like a scene out of a Robert Frost poem. Lush wide open space, white benches, mason jars, quilts…and two little ducks that followed us around everywhere. Laura & Mike infused all the things they love most into their day & every element had a story behind it. They both grew up in the south & wanted to create a little slice of southern heaven for their guests. Mike is an avid gardener, fisherman & hunter, so Laura made sure to have a few surprises up her sleeve for him. The vintage seed packets that she used as place cards for their guests, the boutonniere made of duck feathers, and even the two deer used on their wishing wall were all lovingly chosen as surprises for Mike. I should note that the larger buck “bride” ( named Ramone ) you see below was from Laura’s one & only hunt. Told ya…she’s a southern gal through & through. Don’t you just love a girl who can hunt with the guys & still be drop-dead gorgeous in a wedding dress? If you know Laura, you know..she’s all heart. She doesn’t sweat the small stuff ( as is evidenced by her 4 very large dogs that I met during their engagement session..) and family is very important to her. Mike is without a doubt…the one for her. He loves the fact that she isn’t afraid to hook a giant bass, or four-wheel in the dirt…or ride to their reception in a tractor lift ( yep, she’s fearless ). And Mike? Well…Mike happens to be one of my favorite grooms of all time. He’s one of the few guys I know who isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve ( he’s going to kill me for writing that..but its true ). Just watch the slideshow below & you’ll see what I mean…
There were so many incredible, sigh-inducing moments throughout their day, its tough to pick a favorite…but one does come to mind. After their first look, Laura handed Mike a small recycled egg crate, and said “When my mom first met you, she said you were a good egg..” and he opened the crate to find a little plastic Easter egg. The egg held a tiny frame with a photo of Mike’s grandfather who recently passed away. It was one moment in the thousands I’ve photographed…that I’ll never forget.
So when I got this email from Laura a week ago ( which she allowed me to share ), my heart sank:
“I was just thinking of you today. Your email has just made my 3 weeks!!! Married life has not been what many would consider very normal for Mike and I…Three days after returning from our honeymoon (which was incredible!) I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The scan found an aggressively growing 5 cm. tumor on the interior of my cervix. They were able to move the ovaries to a higher position within my abdomen so my eggs will be most viable which was the most wonderful news because the only reasonable treatment to rid my body of the cancer was to perform a radical hysterectomy which was done last Tuesday. It has all been very surreal and we are still so dumbfounded at all of this.
So it has been a wild ride since we saw you last and I just want to say that I am so appreciative that we had you there to capture such an incredibly special day of our lives. I don’t know if it makes any sense to say that our wedding day now means so much more to me than I ever could have thought it would because in such a short time we have been truly tested as husband and wife. To be able to have those moments from the day that Mike vowed to stand by my side…sheesh…I don’t know if you have ever had a bride full out sob over your pictures but I can almost guarantee it will happen next week-but I promise that they will be the most heartfelt tears of gratitude to you and your brother for giving us the gift of being able to look back on that day. I just wanted to thank you, in advance, and I wanted you to hear it from a very raw place just what an unbelievable gift your talent gives to people.”
After reading this email, I patted away the tears and rattled off a few choice words directed at cancer. Then I flipped through their wedding gallery & was reminded just how fearless Laura is. She & Mike have the kind of love that can endure anything…even cancer. She’s on the road to recovery & I hope these images give her a constant reminder of how truly loved she is.
Laura & Mike..thanks for sharing your day with us. Hugs to you both.
Location- Autumn Creek Vineyards
Dress- Pronovias
Flower on sash- Twigs & Honey
Hair/Makeup- the one & only Megan Snipes with Salon Medusa
Shoes- JCrew
Bridesmaid Dresses- Amsale
Suits & Ties- Jos. A Banks
Flowers- RSVP Events
Design & Coordination- RSVP Events
Pies- all family recipes bakes by Sanctuary House
Bluegrass Band- Hey Rabbit
Reception Band- Another Level
Second shooter- my super talented brother Ben
To see more from Laura & Mike’s day ( including their emotional first look ) click below. Song by The Civil Wars.
Kellie... 
The last two are priceless! Love the glow sticks too …
Masterful job with the black and whites. I also love the little boy dancing at the reception. I’ve officially run out of superlatives for your work!
Beautiful photos, I especially love the photos of the couple at the altar. I don’t know to explain it, they’re just sophisticated and fun. Awesomeness {as always…}
Wowzers!! This wedding looked beautiful and fun!! Gorgeous! I love the just married at the altar and all the black and whites!! Great lighting and gorgeous event!
I really might have to stop looking at your blog…not helping my fever one bit. Once again Kellie you did an amazing job! Capturing these precious memories will be treasures in this couples house! What a gorgeous bride.. seriously stunning! And I’m a huge fan of the glow sticks! Fantastical Kellie xoxoxo
Looking at these pics makes me want to get married all over again. Beautiful. :)
oh what a wonderful surprise it was to see little Erin on your blog!!! Erin you are gorgeous and love all the beautiful Kellie creations! Wonderful job!
Kellie these are wonderful!! I think I’ve looked at them 20 times in the past two days. Thank you so much for everything!
Wonderful shots of a very special day that we’ll all remember!
Love, love, LOVE these photos! Erin, you look STUNNING!!! What a great day and great couple!
Kellie – These pictures truly show the beauty and love that shinned the night of Erin and Mike’s wedding. You two are a stunning couple that deserve all the happiness in the world. Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!!
Absolutely stunning! This wedding post is so beautifully arranged and captures all the love and light of this couple. Congrats to you for creating and sharing this awesome series of images . . .
As always… beautiful!!!!
Beautifully photographed wedding!
Love! Where did the bride get her second dress! It’s amazing