“A well developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life”

— William Arthur

When Rhonda messaged me last August, she said she’d not only been planning for her big day for years, but she’d been hoping I’d be the one to capture it. I had already captured two of her friends’ weddings, Kathryn and Jamie, and it just had to be. After bawling my eyes out at the sheer grandness of that statement and experiencing the overwhelming joy of this incredible life, I of course messaged her right back, ecstatic that I was available for their date!

These two have been total joy bombs for the entire experience. From first meetings to their engagement session with their frisky pups to chats over bourbon at Blind Barbour and of course their incredible weekend filled with laughter and dancing. They have both surrounded themselves with the very best kind of friends who support them and are willing to jump to the assist at a moment’s notice. They are the best at making each other laugh and love to make silly faces at each other at any opportunity. ;)

Since all the people in Rhonda’s life are special to her, she wanted to do a first look with as many of them as possible. We started with the bridesmaids, then her sweet papa, her mom and aunts then a special first touch and prayer with Aaron just before the ceremony. The nerves had slowly started building all morning but the moment she touched his hand you could see the relief visibly on her face and the very biggest smile she had all day was by far this moment.

Wedding at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church Fayetteville

She wore her sweet momma’s veil and he wore socks with her face on them!

I’ve seen a lot of wedding reception entrances but I love how The Carolina Barn has theirs set up. After a quiet moment alone to gather their thoughts in the bridal suite just being together married for a moment, they came down the grand staircase in style to a roaring applause from their guests.

During the toasts her dad talked about how he promised Aaron a long time ago that one day he’d love him as much as Rhonda and that today was that day. That after he heard Aaron’s vows to her, he knew he loved Rhonda unconditionally and that’s all he could ever ask.

He said he is blessed everyday to come home to a wife who is still beaming to see him. And as he looked down at her she did just that. And that’s what he hopes for them.

Rhonda could not wait to share with me the surprise she had waiting for Aaron. Apparently his dream car for years has been the 69 Camaro, and she arranged to have that be their get away car and even more amazingly, kept it a secret the whole time! He was beaming.

She had her heart set on doing their bride and groom portraits at the Market Square in downtown Fayetteville but there was just not enough time in the day to squeeze the stop between the ceremony and reception venues. So we decided to meet up at sunrise the next morning! And oh my goodness, I think this is my new favorite thing. SUCH a special moment for them to reflect on their incredible weekend and get some beautiful light with that sunrise glow.