Taylor + Ryan’s Fall Homestead Manor Wedding

Are you sick of hearing about how much we love our couples? Well I hope not, because we really, really, really like these guys so I’m gonna tell you a little bit about them.

You might remember that Taylor + Ryan were planning a destination wedding in Charleston South Carolina for the second weekend in October. They were pumped – Charleston seemed to be the perfect spot for an intimate, beautiful day with their families. We talked about our love for Charleston, and even showed off all of the Charleston inspired decor we have in our house when we Skyped with them a few weeks before their wedding. They were so, so excited.

Well, Hurricane Matthew apparently had different plans. I can’t imagine what that feels like – to feel like the universe conspired to get in the way of your wedding plans. To put a halt to all of the hard work you’d put into your wedding day. When I finally got the call from Taylor that they would be canceling their wedding in Charleston and doing a small ceremony in Nashville instead, it seemed a little incredible that something like that would happen to such an awesome couple.

You never want that to happen to anyone…. But surely not these guys. A couple so incredibly in love and so focused on all the right things… A couple who truly wanted to celebrate their love and promise their lives to each other, not just have a big fancy party.  But Taylor and Ryan handled it with the utmost grace and a true sense of joy. They (amazingly) were able to book Homestead Manor for their wedding just days before, and started the process of re-planning a totally different wedding.

And what a day it was. The weather could not have been more perfect… A cool fall day. Sunny. A day filled with family and laughter, good food, and intimate little details. Because of everything these two had gone through that week, there was a sense of spontaneity and surprise that I kept feeling throughout the day. This wasn’t what anyone had pictured, but it was, incredibly enough, pretty darn perfect. Ryan looked at Taylor with more joy and disbelief than ever – like he couldn’t believe he got so lucky. And Taylor had that huge, gorgeous smile plastered on her face the whole day – that smile that we’ve come to associate with only Taylor.

There were tears as they said their vows. There were hugs and laughter as everyone ordered their dinner and danced in Homestead Manor’s upper room. And as it turns out, the very first big storm that Taylor and Ryan had to weather, they survived. I think it’ll become more than just a funny story to tell as they grow old (“we had to cancel our wedding because of a hurricane!”), but a challenge that defines them and symbolizes their commitment to one another. It’s pretty rare that you see a wedding that becomes such a strong metaphor for marriage – you make plans, life messes them up, and in the end you learn how to love each other a little better. How beautiful is that?

Taylor + Ryan, we know that if any couple can weather a storm, it’s you two. We are so, so thankful for you both and have so enjoyed getting to know you two during this season of your life. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to work for couples like you – you make our jobs so very meaningful and fun, and you certainly made us laugh along the way. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate your hospitality. Lots of love to you both :)

Enjoy just a few of my favorites from this gorgeous fall Homestead Manor wedding! (And in case you missed their downtown Franklin engagement session, check it out here!)