Springfield, Tennessee: Spring Barn Wedding - Alan and Lauren

Two years ago Alan’s older brother, Brian, had a bible study Lauren attended. One December day he and his wife, Terri, needed a babysitter for their 3 kids, and they naturally asked Lauren to babysit. She, of course, said yes. After they got back home Lauren and Terri struck up a conversation in the kitchen and Terri asked Lauren if she was single. After finding out Lauren was indeed single, matchmaking ensued and there was an exchanging of phone numbers. A short time later Lauren and Alan exchanged texts and they were soon introduced in person. A first date was arranged and when it was a success, a second date happened the very next night. Just a little over a week later, the day after Christmas, Alan asked Lauren to be his girlfriend in her parent’s driveway. In the same spot six months later on a warm June evening with a ring burning a hole in his pocket, Alan asked Lauren a lot more serious question.

The brilliant afternoon sun hung over a local farm with a slight haze in the March sky. Unlike many weddings, things were not a flurry of activity and chaos since Lauren was ready early, but excitement hung thick in the air as she waited for Alan to arrive. With the sounds of Michael Buble’ crooning softly in the background a few hours before the ceremony, Lauren took her first tearful walk down the aisle to catch her glimpse of her beloved. The moment was tender as Alan leaned in with tears in his eyes and gently kissed Lauren as he held her close. They both clearly had jitters before seeing each other, but all of the anxiousness visibly melted away when they saw each other.

Just a short time later, with the sun streaming through the slats in the barn roof, Lauren walked down the same aisle on her Dad’s arm with tears streaming down her face again as it sunk in that she was finally marrying the man she had waited so long for. Beneath strung tulle and twinkle lights, with everyone they held dear watching, amidst lots of laughter and a few tears, they were challenged to stay true to each other no matter what. Before they blinked they were pronounced man and wife and went back down the aisle for the last time, happy smiles beaming from their excited faces. They finished off the evening eating, dancing, laughing, and having a blast with all their friends and family. From the tearful toasts, to Lauren’s sorority sisters circling her and singing to her it was clear how close they were to all their friends and family. Midst sparklers blazing and happy cheers, they drove off to spend a glorious week at the beach.

Alan and Lauren, it has been a delight to be a part of the beginning of your lives together from your engagement photos to your wedding. You both were so laid back and easy going about everything – even enduring the cold, harsh wind – and you never once complained. I always love seeing two people become one who are so clearly good for each other. I hope you had a wonderful relaxing time at the beach and have a lifetime of wonderful memories together.

So in love with everything about these photos.

Breathtaking. Simply Breathtaking Lauren.

Alan looking pretty dashing himself.

Such beautiful pops of color. I still can't get over that Lauren's mom, Cindy, just "threw these together" with flowers from Sams.

Michael Buble' music was playing the whole time we took pictures. I think I could use this at every wedding!

My second shooter, Ashley, caught this moment and I'm so jealous.

Love just standing back and watching two people in love.

Alan wasn't the only dashing guy.

Some pretty beautiful young ladies who know how to have fun!

Their venue, Red River Farms, was a-mazing.

Pretty sure this gal is in love...

Another great shot Ashley took. (along with the picture below)

LOVED their welcome sign! In fact, they had tons of amazing signs that Lauren's mom, Cindy, made.

Alan made the sign everyone who attended signed. It was awesome. One of the neatest ideas I've seen so far for a receiving table.

The reception was so elegant. And for the record, those were some smashing brownies. Sweet J's in Springfield, TN was the bakery who helped supply all of the yummy goodies and cake. David and Barbara Sneed of Farm House Fix'ns did an awesome job on the food as well.

Hair was arranged by Cindy and Malisa at the Hair Gallery in White House, TN and make up was done by Mary Kay representative, Sarah Ricciardi.

Watching Lauren and her Dad was so sweet as he walked her down the aisle.

Originally, before it turned so cold, Lauren and Alan were going to get married outside. I'm pretty sure they were please they chose inside the barn instead. So beautiful.

Mr. and Mrs.

Excited and relieved I'm pretty sure.

This was such an amazing idea. The kids hung out at this table the whole time. Super great idea.

First Dance

This crew knew how to have a great time - it was a blast watching them.

My favorite shot from the day!

Location: Red River Farms - Springfield, TN Bakery: Sweet J's - Springfield, TN Caterer: Farm House Fix'ns - Springfield, TN - David and Barbara Sneed Hair: The Hair Gallery - White House, TN - Cindy and Malisa Make-up: Mary Kay - Sarah Ricciardi Photography: Charity Carpenter Photography - Charity Thrower Carpenter​ and Ashley Simpson White​