Not only did Molly and Josh’s farm wedding exude such elegance, but this DIY soiree at Burdoc Farms could not more romantic. With vintage details and greenery galore, Billie-Shaye Style Photography knew just how to capture all the elements that brought their day to life; elements that were all put together with the help of friends and family. Their portraits are sure to captivate you in the most swoon-worthy of ways and we’re excited to share our favorites below!
Billie-Shaye: Despite the wind, rain and even tornados, this beautiful earthy boho wooded sunset wedding happened at the gorgeous Burdoc Farms in Crofton, Kentucky. Wedding inspiration coming from Rivendell from Lord of the Rings with the brides dress inspiration coming from Galadriel, forest elf queen, there wasn’t a detail that the bride and groom did not think about. Molly had a vision for her most important day and for a little over a year, she crafted and created some of the most beautiful tablescapes, bouquets, and more. Telling their story using vintage love stories, novels and hymnals, showing their passion for Christ and music resting in the moss-covered tables illuminated with the most gorgeous candle light and different size mercury glass vases.
The Bride and Groom met in college, both music majors. Her dad told her to marry rich if she was going to be a music teacher, but she found another music teacher instead. Her cathedral length veil complete with blusher as she walked the aisle arm and arm with her dad caused not a dry eye in the crowd but the grooms reaction, THAT was nothing short of magnificent.
One of the most touching moments to me, was when the brides brother asked for a few moments alone with the bride so he could show her the rain backup plan, making sure it met her approval before walking down the aisle. With a light rain falling outside the couple exchanged personal vows before so many of their closest friends and family. Just as the ceremony was ending the sun came out and graced them with the most gorgeous light for their couple photos. Just after sunset the couple danced their way back into the reception joining all their friends and family for many, many hours of dancing. Taking short breaks here and there to grab cake made by a life-long friend and blackberry, cherry and blueberry cobbler made from scratch in the bride’s grandmothers’ kitchen.
From the bride: Our wedding was built, just like my grandmother’s cobblers, from scratch. From the moment that we started planning the wedding, my mother and I made it a completely do-it-yourself affair. The beautiful mercury glassware came to rest on a natural wood table built by the Amish. The vintage books were hand selected from local antique stores. The driftwood was brought by the maid-of-honor’s mother directly from their home on the banks of Red River.
From the bride: The day before the wedding, a group of ladies gathered in the venue to decorate each table, the two stone mantles, and everything in between. Each piece of the wisteria garland was lovingly placed by Angela Clark and Ginny Mills, two lifelong mother figures of the bride. The mirror program, welcome sign, and memory window were all written in the bride’s own hand. Not a single detail of the decor was a “professionally-done” job but knowing that the hands that had embraced me so many times had placed them made each piece glow just a little bit brighter.
Every time I look at a photo of my wedding, I remember not just how beautiful it looked, but how beautiful the people in my life are. One of the sweetest moments of the day was walking right into the Circle K gas station after the ceremony in wedding dress and all to buy our favorites, Chex Mix and Smart Water, the attendant even joked and asked if we were going to the adult prom that was happening nearby, but for the first time we were able to call each other husband and wife.
Music choices from the bride:
‘She’s Got A Way” by Billy Joel- bridal entrance
“The Wedding Song” by Peter, Paul, and Mary- Unity
“Nothing Can Change this Love” by Sam Cooke- First Dance
“Brown-Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison- father daughter dance
“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw- mother son dance
“Sea of Love” by Cat Power
“You Matter to Me”- Jason Mraz and Sara Barielles
Advice for brides planning now?
From the bride: Stick to your vision, you don’t have to compromise your ideas or fantasies for anyone else.
Plan in advance and do it piece by piece. It spreads out costs and keeps you sane in terms of price and to-dos.
You CAN have the wedding of your dreams and “ball on a budget.” Spend the money on what matters to you. Don’t skimp on photos. Don’t skimp on food or drinks.
Get your creative friends and make a dream happen.
Spend time loving the people who love you and your spouse. Your wedding is about the two of you and celebrating a once in a lifetime love with a once in a lifetime party.
Great advice, Molly! The fact that friends and family had a part in bringing the details and decor to light not only made it unique, but made these elements shine!! Thanks so much to Molly and Josh and to Billie-Shaye Style Photography for sharing such a beautiful day!
