Hopyard Farm Wedding // Carrie and Nick

Peggy and I were really looking forward to this Hopyard Farm wedding since we are friends with the Henkel's from attending Lifepoint Church.  They are such a great family and we felt so honored when they chose us to photograph Nick and Carrie's wedding.  I think the thing I remember most about the lead up to the day was Carrie's excitement level.  Every time I saw her at church she was beaming!  It was so cool to see how much she was looking forward her wedding.  I could tell Nick was excited as well but his personality leant itself to a more cool, laid back excitement, at least on the surface.  I'd say he was poker facing things a bit because the smile on his face in so many of the images we took during their wedding speaks volumes about how happy he was.  Both Carrie and Nick were caught time and time again staring into each other's eyes during little moments here and there.  Watching them get lost in each other's gaze was beautiful.  

Carrie and Nick decided to have a first look (yes!!!  See other blogs where this happens and you'll understand why I love them!) so we ventured off to the main entryway of the Hopyard to use their gazebo and white fenced area.  It was gorgeous and like always, the first look was an intense, beautiful moment between the two.  Both Nick and Carrie's emotions were transparent and joy was the prevailing expression on their faces.  Their smiles were uncontainable as they embraced for the last time before becoming husband and wife.  

Wild side sleepers... So, perhaps the most surprising part of the day came at the end.  Peggy and I never saw it coming but just as things were winding down they really got going.  The bridal party began to congregate on the back patio near the pool.  Then, one of the groomsmen threatened to jump in the pool. Before we knew it what was a one man clandestine activity turned into the entire bridal party jumping in the pool with mom's, dad's, grandparents and the rest of the guests cheering them on!  It was absolutely hilarious and the perfect way to cap off the evening.  

Special thanks to the following vendors for making the day exceptional:

Ceremony and Reception: Hopyard Farm Club House

Catering: Clearwater Grill

Cake: Cakes in Art

Bridesmaid Dresses: Davids Bridal

Invitations: Stafford Printing