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It was 30 minutes until the ceremony would begin on this rainy, spring wedding day at The Barn at Stoneybrooke. In 50 minutes, Matthew and Jennifer would be husband and wife.

I was gathering my gear to head down to the lower level to prepare for the guest’s arrival when I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Matthew grinning ear-to-ear but with a hint of underlying nerves. He whispered close to my ear, “Hey Megan, do you have a minute? I have something for Jenn and it would be cool if you could take some pictures.”

With getting ready photos, first look, bride/groom portraits, bridal party, some formal family photos, plus Jenn’s bridal portraits completed there aren’t many guys who would ask for more pictures after all that so I was definitely intrigued. Knowing my amazing second photographer, Sandy, would take care of the guest arrival I followed Matthew into the bridal suite where Jennifer was waiting. She was surprised to see her fiancé who was supposed to be downstairs preparing for the ceremony.

We excused everyone.

The engaged couple, moments from marriage, sat together on a plush lounge in the pristine bridal suite. Matthew took her hand with his left hand and with his right he held up his phone, but to the side so Jenn couldn’t see what was there.

The suspense was palpable. Jenn looked at me with a “do you know what this is about?” look. All I could do was to shake my head silently and shrug my shoulders waiting for the moment Matt showered her whatever was on his phone.

We waited….and waited…and waited. Matt was looking more and more nervous. Would there be a strong enough signal? The seconds ticked by and Jenn was nervously giggling. And, just when Matt’s shoulders started to hunch over in defeat he perked back up and hit play on his phone revealing the surprise….

A personal video from none other than Jake Owen himself to Matthew and Jennifer wishing them well on their wedding day. Back when Matt and Jenn were first starting to date, they went to a Jake Owen concert as one of their first dates. Their first dance for the evening…a song written by Jake Owen. What a special surprise for them both. Matthew waited to watch it together with Jenn so, really is was a surprise for both of them. Their expressions in the photos below say it all.

While I can’t say it was a perfect day….they really wanted to be married outside of course. I can say it was the day of their dreams. We still got so many photos outside. Jenn was so brave to go out before the ceremony for portraits even though it was raining…and it was magical. Without the ceremony set up and glaring sun, we were able to use spaces we normally can’t on a sunny wedding day at The Barn at Stoneybrooke.

I have to give a huge shoutout to my second photographer Sandy and my assistant Esther for hustling in the rain and keeping all of my gear dry while also helping to keep Jennifer as warm and dry as possible. All the vendors involved outdid themselves for Jennifer and Matthew. Her hair and make up somehow survived the umbrellas, blankets, rain and endless amazing hugs. Anne, their florist pivoted on a dime to take the arrangements meant for a completely different space to create an enchanted candlelit ceremony space that was drool-worthy. And, of course, the amazing staff at The Barn at Stoneybrooke working tirelessly with me and everyone involved to adjust to the needs of a rainy day. I even got to meet the owner of Weddings by Hess Catering himself on this one! What a day!

Please take a moment to read through the list of vendors after the photos. They deserve as much credit for these photos as I do because without them, they wouldn’t be possible.

Jenn and Matt, YOU DID IT!!!! You know, Jenn for as detail-oriented and “type-A” as you are, you handled all the changes with the grace and poise of royalty. Thank you for your willingness to trust me with last minute decisions and changes and for adding your thoughts, wants and needs to ensure I was able to give you everything you wanted to make your dream day come true. It has been such a joy watching you two grow together with little Charlie pup over the past year. I can’t wait to watch your relationship grow ever more over the years to come. I hope you have a safe trip back to Texas and a wonderful honeymoon! Please enjoy this little sample of photos from your beautiful wedding day. I hope you LOVE them. And, because I know how hard it is to wait, there is a surprise in your inbox RIGHT NOW so go check! XO - Megan