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For me, a Saturday off from shooting a wedding isn’t really an “off” day.  It’s just a day to work on other things, like blogging pictures I’ve held off on posting so they could be posted on wedding blogs first!  Since Debra & Todd’s wedding festivities have been published on Rustic Wedding Chic, now I can share more details here.  The day started at their rustic vacation home, down a long winding gravel road on their farm in Fitzpatrick.  When I arrived, Debra and her daughter Lauren were getting hair and makeup done on the back porch (courtesy of Ty Eiland from Doug’s 2 Salon and Brianna G Makeup Artistry), while their friend played the banjo.  There were friends and family perched on the twin size porch swing chatting, more friends stuffing bean bags for cornhole, and labrador retrievers wandering about, happy to accept a pat on the head.  Seriously, it was like a scene out of a movie.  I half expected Matthew McConaughey to come around the corner and launch into a romantic monologue.

We didn’t get Matthew McConaughey, but we did get a very dapper Todd in shades of blue and spectator wingtips.  When I first met him, he immediately reminded me of an actor I had seen, but I couldn’t put my finger on which one.  Then it hit me.  Debra thinks he looks like Bradley Cooper, which I can totally see – but if you mixed Bradley Cooper with Steven Weber (from the 90’s tv show Wings), you would TOTALLY get Todd.  Trust me, Google it!

While the bride and groom were getting ready, Mary Sanders (from Mary Me, wedding planner extraordinaire) was buzzing about, expertly handling any questions that came up, as well as setting up the reception, which was going to be held at the barn on Debra & Todd’s farm.  They opted for a rustic vintage look, incorporating lace, wood, mason jars, and artfully mismatched china patterns.  The cakes (from Cake Designs) fit perfectly with the theme.

The wedding was conveniently held just down the road from the farm, at Fitzpatrick United Methodist Church.  The sweet ceremony was standing room only, and at one point, the entire bridal party (and the guests) joined in song.

While we took a few pictures, guests enjoyed cocktail hour just outside the barn, complete with rustic furniture, a bourbon tasting station, freshly shucked oysters, a hay bale seating area, and more.  Chalkboard signs lettered by Poppy Pedals guided the way.

When the sun went down, the barn doors were opened to reveal twinkling lights.  Guests were treated to Southern specialties from A Catered Affair, including hushpuppies and tiny cast iron pans full of turnip greens (must haves with fried catfish and venison quesadillas).

Once everyone hit the dance floor, many calories were burned.  Debra and Todd made sure those calories would be replenished though, with a s’mores station outside the barn at the fire pit, and a table full of Southern style pies and ice cream to go along with the wedding cakes.  Hungry for something salty after a few drinks?  They thought of that too, with late night snacks: jalapeno poppers and french fries!  They even made sure guests wouldn’t go hungry at home by giving favors of local Alabama honey, in corked glass bottles displayed in an antique armoire.

Debra and Todd: I’d be hard pressed to think of another wedding where all the guests (blood related and not) were so clearly treated like family.  Thank you so much for letting me be part of it for the day!

Ceremony Venue: Fitzpatrick United Methodist Church

Reception Venue: Private residence

Event Planning: Mary Me

Hair: Ty Eiland/Doug’s 2 Salon

Makeup: Brianna G Makeup Artistry

Catering: A Catered Affair

Cakes: Cake Designs

Chalkboard Signs: Poppy Pedals