"Sons usually do the choosing. Daughters need to be chosen."
The father of the bride, Mr. Galyn Clark continued,
"I remember having long conversations with Lauren talking about love and relationships, about when it felt right, and when it didn't. I remember once when a relationship came to an end, and Lauren said 'I don't know if I'll ever find love.'"
Mr. Clark resumed,
"You don't go out and find love, you go out, and love finds you.
But you must go out. Because in the end, love wins. Love ALWAYS wins."
It's rare when such beautiful moments are captured on film. We were so thankful to be there.
Lauren and Bradley Rowlett's love for each other is one that's hard to find. Their chemistry was contagious as they made silly faces and talked in hilarious accents to one another throughout the day. Just before the first look, I was able to talk to Bradley for a moment. Curious, I asked how he proposed to Lauren!
Bradley gave me the rundown on what happened exactly one year prior to this day.
What Lauren thought was a boat ride to a restaurant on the lake, turned out to be Bradley escorting her to a beautiful area perfect for viewing the sunset where he popped the question.
I was envious that he pulled it off without her knowing.
As we talked more I told him my story
"I wasn't as smooth with popping the question. When I proposed, I took my wife to an outdoor iceskating rink. I was going to act as if I fell over, and then put one knee up and propose! Sadly, my fall wasn't as graceful as I planned, and I ended up knocking down my soon-to-be fiance onto the hard ice. Luckily she still said yes."
We both laughed as his soon-to-be bride approached him from behind for the first look.
Bradley turned around to see Lauren. His jaw dropped as Lauren embraced him in her cinderella-like dress made by Sarah Seven.
One might notice the beautiful white brick courtyard setting behind them. This atmosphere was provided behind a wonderful mansion known as the Treemont Mansion in Hermitage, TN. This wonderful venue sits on historic grounds once owned by Andrew Jackson! We loved this location, and are glad that Lauren and Bradley did too! We can't wait to come back.
Shortly after the first look in the courtyard, guests started finding their spots at the ceremony as Lauren and Bradley took one last deep breath before the big moment.
Despite the possibility for rain, God held back the water. The overcast skies gave us some wonderful soft light to film in. I'm sure our wonderful photographer that we worked with that day, Nicola Harger, would agree! As the emotional exchange of "I do's" were had, guests cheered loudly and followed the officiants advice to escort themselves down towards the cocktail area. The magnificent marbled floors of this mansion we're filled with friends and family as they enjoyed some of Aperitif's best crafted cocktails.
Devon McNeil of Meet Cute Designs was there to help coordinate everything and ensured a smooth running schedule. Guests grabbed a potted-succulent party favor as they made their way into this wonderful reception area stunting a built in bar. They were pleased to see an array of southern cuisine cooked up on rustic cast-iron skillets by none other than Jim n' Nicks!
As dinner was had and the cake was cut, the dancing began. Sweet moments we're shared as the music played and Lauren and Bradley had their memorable first dance.
But the party was just getting started.
DJ Derek Conner threw on his headsets and started mixing an epic dance playlist for all of the attendees. The mother of the bride was sure to jump into the action as the celebration escalated! Devon McNeil brought a variety of glow sticks to make the flashy lights be a wearable accessory! The guests ate it up.
It was surely a night to remember for everyone that attended.
Including us!
We're always so thankful to be a part of someone's big day.
It's the relationships we make with all of our couples, their families, and the vendors we get to work with that make our jobs so enjoyable.
We look forward to working with all of these vendors again in the future, and wish the best to our newly married couple, Lauren and Bradley Rowlett!
Watch Lauren and Bradley's Full wedding film below!