The Smiley wedding will forever be one of the most entertaining weddings I’ve ever attended. They didn’t have a live band. No one released doves. There were no fireworks. But the people – the people were amazing.

The venue was Kilgore Farms in Charlotte, TN where a small country lane hidden by a canopy of trees takes you to a beautiful, white farmhouse that sits on acres and acres of green pasture.

Upon leaving my first meeting with Autumn and her mom, Dianne, I knew that this wedding was going to be fantastic. I’m typically not a hugger, but before Dianne left, I had to squeeze her. I felt like I’d known their family for years (turns out, her son/Autumn’s brother is actually a good friends of mine, so I guess I kind of did). But the family ties didn’t end there. Cole’s mom messaged me from Oklahoma just a few hours after Autumn and Dianne left. I was able to speak with her, shoot her a Facebook request, and when I arrived to the venue on Saturday, Carol was the first one there to greet me with a smile.

When I inquired about vendor details, I was met with, “this is a DIY” wedding. Don’t let the term “DIY” fool you because Mrs. Dianne has friends in all kinds of places and they came out to make Autumn’s day pure perfection. The old saying is true – It does take a village and I was blown away by the sense of family and community at this wedding. This wasn’t an “event for them. It was a milestone, a life-altering moment – and that way of thinking was reflected in every aspect of the day.

After scoping out our best portrait locations and checking in with Autumn, Julie and I made our way up stairs into a completely different atmosphere – the groomsmen’s room.

The light-hearted joking and storytelling of Cole’s past escapades made for entertaining commentary and great candid moments.

After finishing up with the guys, we headed in to do a few shots of the girls getting ready.

Next, it was time for one of the coolest things I’ve ever been able to be a part of – a “first look” for Autumn’s dad. You might want to stop scrolling here and grab your tissues.

Don’t throw that Kleenex away yet… here are a few of Mom giving Autumn her card.

After we all regained our composure, Autumn decided that she wanted to see Cole before the ceremony. So Julie blindfolded him, we brought her to him and they shared a few last moments together before they became husband and wife.

Their ceremony was like everything else. Intimate. Family-oriented. And lots and lots of laughter.

It was perfect.

One of my favorite things about this couple is their chemistry. My husband and I love each other more than words could describe (well, most days). However, we are about as awkward as Sheldon Cooper in front of the camera. But these two are anything BUT. I’d give them some small bit of direction and they’d just take off with it.

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They’d talk.

Or kiss.

Or just simply exist with each other.

I absolutely love the group shots! So much personality in these!

The décor, the food – it was all exceptional.

So much love was poured into making Cole & Autumn’s day unforgettable. And it was.

Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Smiley , their families & friends for making Julie and I feel like part of your circle for the day (and days after). Our hearts are fuller for it. We hope you love these moments we’ve captured as much as we enjoyed seeing them through our cameras.