A Benton Kentucky Wedding

There’s always a first time for everything. This time last week, I was photographing my very first courthouse wedding! Or rather, part of it! Natalie had contacted me as soon as she found out Brian’s sister would be in town on his birthday. They’d been planning a small wedding already but because her soon-to-be sister-in-law traveled far and wide for her job and would be home any other time, and she knew it was important to Brian, Natalie suggested a Friday courthouse wedding, a Saturday with family, and a Sunday reception! Everyone loved the idea!

Light was best for portraits late afternoon, plus Natalie wanted time to have her hair and makeup done, but when the courthouse said the only time for a wedding was early Friday morning, they took it. No professional hair or makeup, no wedding dress, no bouquet, and no photographer. Just best friends and close family accompanied Natalie & Brian Friday morning to witness their marriage to each other. I have no doubt in my mind it was beautiful! Then Natalie whisked herself away to Paducah for hair and makeup and all the lovelies that usually go with a wedding.

I meet the whole gang at Natalie’s grandparents’ house for Natalie & Brian’s first look. YES. Even though they were already married and had spent part of the morning together Natalie still wanted that first look… she said she never got “dressed up” and wanted to surprise Brian. After seeing his face, I couldn’t blame her!

We jumped straight into family portraits (Natalie & Brian’s little boy was just the cutest!!) and portraits with her best girls. It may not have been your average wedding day but her bridesmaids did not disappoint! They dressed themselves to match Natalie’s vision for the day perfectly!

We stuck around the yard for a few portraits, headed to the neighbor’s woods where I found the perfect patch of light, then ended their Bride & Groom session 15 minutes down the road at an rusty ol’ bridge. Now, I know that Natalie & Brian’s day was a tad different for other wedding days BUT it’s a prime example of what the portrait portion of a wedding day can look like WITH a first look: First look, a few bride & groom portraits, family portraits, bridal party portraits, and then between the ceremony and reception, bride & groom portraits at a different location. It’s a win win win – so many portraits!

Natalie, girl, you are stunning!!!

This was the patch of perfect light that was only found in the neighbor’s back yard… we traipsed through the woods to get to it and I’m quite positive I saw a snake or two. It was so worth it!

This smile that Natalie is wearing in the left image below – she was wearing it all day long! She and Brian had been together for so long… they were finally married and they could not have been happier!

The bridge! I have BIG plans for this bridge this time next year!