My heart goes out to all of the couples who had to change the plans they had for their 2020 wedding date. Aubrey & Tyler have been dreaming of their wedding day since they got engaged back in 2018, but once COVID-19 hit, their plans had to change. Weddings are already stressful enough without having to consider a global pandemic coming in and adding even more factors to consider while planning. Even though Aubrey & Tyler weren't able to celebrate with everyone on their original guest list or at their original reception venue, their day still came together beautifully. I'm SO excited to finally be able to share it with you!
Aubrey & Tyler both actually ended up getting ready at Aubrey's dad's house. Tyler & his guys hung out in the basement while Aubrey & her girls got ready upstairs. It ended up being perfect because my (absolutely incredible!) second shooter Amanda & I could hop back & forth between the two groups while they got ready! Aubrey's dad also had an incredible backyard and we were able to rotate taking bridal party photos of the two groups. Aubrey & Tyler wanted to wait until they got to the church to have their first look (which was also incredible) and even though they were getting ready at the same location, they were able to stay hidden from the other until arriving at there.
Up until this point in the day, it had been pretty sunny. Clouds would blow through here and there, but the weather was perfect. As we were finishing up photos of Tyler & his groomsmen, the sun disappeared and the wind started picking up. We knew the rain was going to come eventually, we just hoped that it would hold off while we were taking photos. After finishing up the group shots, we decided to head to the church. Aubrey & Tyler got married at Mother of God Catholic Church in Covington and it absolutely stunning. Not only does the inside of the church just amaze you, but the courtyard is incredible, too. By the time we arrived at the church, the wind had really picked up and we hurried outside for Aubrey & Tyler's first look. Gloomy skies were such a contrast to the weather we had had just a few hours prior, but these photos are some of my favorite portraits to date. As we were wrapping up with taking them, the clouds opened up and we were able to finish their photos with clear umbrellas. Oooooo SO dreamy!! I absolutely LOVE working with couples who are up for photos in the rain & trust my creative vision!!
The rain & wind brought along the thunder & lightning and we headed inside to dry off & get settled before the ceremony started. Even though Aubrey & Tyler couldn't have all of their friends and family present, they were able to have a few close ones come along. 2020 is going to be an absolutely huge year in history, and I feel like so much history is already documented in these photos. The tape on the pews to keep social distancing guidelines in order, the masks while handing out communion, the bridal party chairs staggered, friends and family spread out to watch Aubrey & Tyler exchange vows and rings. It's so special that these two are starting their marriage this way. Such a huge moment in history. And just think, if Aubrey & Tyler are starting their marriage in the middle of a global pandemic, they'll be able to make it through absolutely anything together.
If I didn't already say this day was absolutely perfect, I'll say it now. This day was PERFECT. By the time the ceremony was over, it had stopped raining completely. We took a few minutes to take family photos on the front steps of the church (but those are for Aubrey & Tyler to share!) before heading back to Aubrey's dad's house for the reception. They completely transformed the area below their deck into the perfect party space. Even though it started raining again after dinner, this little area provided enough shelter for everyone to celebrate without having to worry about sitting in the rain! Even though this wasn't the reception that they imagined, Aubrey & Tyler still were able to have an awesome dinner (taco bar), a cake (and cheese!) cutting, speeches, and dancing! We were also able to squeeze in a few group bridal party shots before the rain really came down. It was so much fun.
Aubrey & Tyler, thank you so much for trusting me to capture such a special day for you two. I know that it was so incredibly stressful for you to change your plans and accommodate COVID-19, but your day ended up being absolutely perfect and I couldn't be more excited for you to finally be married! You're starting the adventure of a lifetime together and I hope that you cherish these photos for all the years to come!! Congratulations, again!