I think photographer Alec Vanderboom was surprised by how quickly Emily returned his email asking whether we’d be interested in sharing Derek + Sierra’s wedding, but how could we pass up this shindig? As someone who’s often thought she’d get married at home, this couple’s wedding, which took place on the bride’s family’s property, is right up Emily’s alley (though Sierra’s dress from Destinations by Mon Cherie is definitely more my pace!). The mason jar lights everywhere, the funky bouquet (by Cabool Florist) and the delightfully rustic, looks-like-it-grew-up-out-of-the-ground altar arch also caught my eye. The BEST part, though? This wedding cost just $6,000. That’s right, $6,000. Stay tuned for the reception!
How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. We met in our last years of high school and bonded instantly. We knew way back then that we wanted to be together forever.
Describe the proposal. Derek proposed on Christmas Eve. We opened our presents from one another and the last were our stockings. My little ring box was in the bottom of the stocking and then Derek got down on one knee.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Surreal, rustic and laid back.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: We loved the twinkly lights strung up through the trees. We knew we were going to have lights, but actually didn’t know how many and how beautifully placed they would be. It was kind of a surprise from my parents! And while this was not at all in our control, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. We had no backup plan if there was rain, but the day was clear and sunny. Such a blessing!
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I didn’t want to spend a lot of time trying on dresses in different boutiques, especially because I knew I wanted a high halter neck line and those seem hard to come by. I scoured the Internet looking at the websites of designers my local boutiques carried and finally found the dress I ended up loving. I’m glad I looked online because the boutique didn’t actually carry the dress in store, but we were able to order it for me. I would have never found it if I hadn’t checked online first.
Describe your wedding flowers: Silk green hydrangeas, cream white dahlias, mustard yellow button mums and celosia wrapped in a piece of burlap that we trimmed from the runners from the reception tables.
Alec is one of the finest wedding (and portrait) photographers not just in the south, but in the country. I always am moved by his work. Good to see it featured so prominently!
Wow, awesome photos, thanks for sharing! Alec rocks!!!
This is so beautiful. The simplicity of it is just enchanting.
Real wedding, real people, real beauty. It’s so refreshing to see a couple who seem to have the right focus for a wedding; love, family and friends instead of gifts, money and them! The photos show that they pulled this off with style, grace and on a budget. Congrats!
What a gorgeous wedding, wow!
Completely smitten with this wedding and the divine photographs! The ring shot on the tree stump is perfect.
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