I could get lost in the brilliance of this wedding for hours. It has everything — a century-old horse farm, the Southern autumn, and Alyssa Arlene Events — all working in its favor. Even down to the bride’s daisy trimmed hairpiece from Root Floral Design, every detail is totally swoon-worthy. And there’s even a whole gallery of Erin and Geoffrey Photography’s photos for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!
From Erin And Geoffrey Photography… This gorgeous and rustic South Louisiana fall wedding was not only that, but historic. You see, the wedding took place at a historical landmark in Lafayette, LA widely known as the Horse Farm. The Horse Farm has been owned and operated by the local college since the early 1920’s, and we had the privilege of documenting the very first wedding held there in the 90+ years it’s been open, therefore making this amazing wedding a thing to remember. It rained on and off the day of their wedding in mid-October 2013, but the sun came out for the afternoon ceremony and throughout the evening reception, which pretty much makes up a typical Louisiana day, and also made everything look so warm and lush.
The bride and groom, Ashley and Mark-Allen, were amazing to work alongside with. When we think of easy-going and DIY couples, we automatically think of these two. Almost the entire wedding was DIY, from the 6 foot tall hand drawn chalkboard program her brother drew for the ceremony, down to each wooden log around the ceremony and reception that her father hand cut for her, even the ones the cake and desserts were set on.
When we arrived to start taking pictures of the bridal party getting ready at Mark-Allen’s parents home, Ashley spotted us and immediately ran to us, jumping and giggling. Ashley and her bridesmaids were stunning. Her dress was beyond beautiful and we fell in love with her flower crown, which was put together by her florist, Root Floral Design. Mark-Allen and his groomsmen looked dashing as well with their hand-picked wooden bow-ties to go along with their navy suits, a perfectly unique accessory.
She didn’t have a care in the world, and couldn’t wait to see Mark-Allen for their first look. She was so excited, in fact, that she kept saying, “I just want to see him, I just want to see him” and ran straight to him once he turned the corner where he picked her up and twirled her. After their first look, we took family pictures outside while the rain had stopped, and even got a few shots of them with their dog, Roux. The trolley then drove up and picked up the bridal party and headed over to the Horse Farm, where the ceremony awaited.
When we got to the Horse Farm, leading up to the ceremony location was hand-cut wooden signs, leading you to their wedding under the massive oak tree, where they would be exchanging vows. Ashley’s event planner Alyssa Arlene did an AMAZING job at putting everything together and making everything run so smoothly. As the ceremony started, Ashley’s father escorted her off the trolley and walked her down the isle while hearing her good friend sing and play on the guitar. They exchanged vows, shared their first kiss as husband and wife, and walked back down to the song “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, sung and played by her friend.
After taking a few pictures of just the two of them and seeing the magnolia tree they planted in honor of their marriage, we headed over to the reception, just a few yards away where the party started. There were so many highlights to the reception: When you arrived at the party, you signed in with a thumbprint tree and signing a Jenga piece, and they had a treasure chest of trinkets for each guest to take home as wedding favors. The band Krossfyre played sweet, soulful tunes that everyone danced to, the delicious southern Cajun food catered by Bon Temps Grill, and the yummy cake and dessert cupcakes made by one of Ashley’s close friends.
A second rain storm quickly came rolling in about an hour before the grand exit, so Mark-Allen made quick arrangements to head over to The Office, a bar downtown just a few minutes down the road. So the bride and groom quickly jumped into the Rolls Royce Bentley they reserved for their exit and managed to make it there dry, where they along with their friends danced the night away, without a care in the world.
Photography: Erin And Geoffrey Photography | Event Planner: Alyssa Arlene Events | Florist: Root Floral Design | Caterer: Bon Temps Grill | Band: Krossfyre | Outdoor Ceremony/Reception: The Horse Farm