A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting Harley and Trey’s wedding at the wedding barn in Coushatta Louisiana. I first met Harley and Trey last year when Harley contacted me about shooting a portrait session for her and her boyfriend. I immediately fell in love with both of them, and have kept close tabs on them on social media.

The very day that I saw Harley announce on Facebook that she was engaged, she messaged me on Facebook to let me know that no matter what it took, she wanted me to be the photographer at her wedding. I was so honored that she chose me, and I have had so much fun getting to know them.

The wedding day started out with a little bit of uncertainty. Our small community in Natchitoches Parish and Red River Parish was already trying to clean up and recover from Hurricane Laura who swept through here in September with all of her fury, but the day before their wedding another hurricane threatened to make things worse. Luckily Hurricane Delta weakened considerably before making her way into the northwest corner of the state which means that the worst part of her was rain, the mud, and a loss of electricity. Luckily the sun was shining beautifully, and the electricity came back on just in time for everyone to begin getting ready for the big day.

Since the weather was so uncertain in the days leading up to the wedding, Harley and Trey planned to have their ceremony and reception inside the wedding barn, and I am so thankful they did. The ceiling was draped from door to door, and the backdrop for the ceremony was a beautiful farmhouse mantel. The lighting could not have been more perfect.

Harley was preceded by her bridal party which included the sweetest flower girl that was pulled down the aisle in a wagon. Harley first entered the aisle on the arm of her father who walked her half way down the aisle before handing her off to her two grandfathers who walked her the rest of the way before handing her off to one very emotional groom.

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, and it was officiated by the pastor of a local church who also happens to be Harley’s Godfather. I love how Harley and Trey were able to incorporate so many people who are important to them.

Before moving on with the rest of the evening, we spent some time getting photos of the bride and groom, the wedding party, and the family. There was so much mud due to the hurricane that we were very limited on where we could shoot, but we made it happen. One of my favorite things about this venue is the old truck that sits on the property behind the barn, so we definitely made use of it. Harley and Trey’s wedding at the wedding barn in Coushatta Louisiana may end up being one of my favorite weddings ever.

Once we finished taking pictures, Harley pulled me off to the side to tell me about something that was about to take place. She helped her friend’s boyfriend stage a beautiful proposal right there in the middle of their wedding reception. Harley pretended like she was going to toss the bouquet, but instead she turned around and handed it to one of her bridesmaids right before her boyfriend tapped her on the shoulder and got down on one knee to propose! After that took place, the real bouquet toss took place, followed by the garter toss and the cake cutting.

The rest of the evening was full of dancing and fun, but not before the bride and groom had their first dance as a couple, followed by the bride and her father and the groom with his mother.

Congratulations Harley and Trey! I am so thankful to you both for allowing me to photograph your wedding, and to get to know you this past year. I can’t wait to watch your story as you both discover this new life of marriage together. I truly hope that I am allowed to be a part of that in the future as well.