Linden, AL Wedding

 

This Linden, Al Wedding was definitely one for the books! Y’all- get ready for the love story of all love stories, because R.J. and Lauren were meant to be in every way. I’m fascinated by their unique but oh-so-precious story and have been dying to share it with all of you too.

R.J and Lauren have known each other since they were very young when they became next door neighbors. They are middle-school sweethearts and have literally been together since they were twelve years old! 🥺 Guys, my heart can barely take it! Their families are actually still neighbors and are super close which made this wedding day so special and really leaves me without the proper words to express how meaningful this day was.

These life-long sweethearts were married at Soggy Bottom Lodge in Linden, Alabama where we had the most beautiful weather. I’m not sure how I got so lucky to have all of this great weather with very little rain, but I’m not complaining and I hope it continues on through the summer!

Lauren had white converse for all of her bridesmaids which I absolutely loved and these pictures of them turned out so cute! After a little time with her girls, Lauren did a first look with her dad. I love that she included her brothers and in her words, she did this for comedic relief in order to keep herself and her dad composed before the ceremony. 🤣 Brothers have a way of lightening the mood and it ended up being such a sweet time before walking down the aisle.

R.J and his mom have such a special relationship so I was so happy to grab a few moments with the two of them before RJ and his guys had some time together as well.

When Lauren walked down the aisle, it was R.J.’s first time seeing her that day so the emotions shown on their faces were beautiful as they had truly waited a lifetime for that perfect moment. I’m blessed to have been able to capture it because this kind of love is rare and truly one of a kind.

The ceremony was the perfect lakeside event with a picture-perfect sunset to end the day. After some newlywed photos, R.J and Lauren enjoyed their reception and first dances together and with their loved ones.

I’m not going to lie- I was super excited to sneak away with the bride and groom one last time for some sunset photos. Lauren brought a floral crown which gave beautiful variety to these last few images. I’m so in love with these shots of her with this stunning arrangement that framed her face so perfectly, but also loved having her veil there too so we could swap them out occasionally.

R.J. and Lauren left their reception to sparklers which is always a favorite and of course, I love this neon sign that said, “It was always you.” What a fitting slogan for these two as they start their life together as husband and wife. Most couples meet as adults and learn about each other’s past, families, and of course look at childhood photos to get a glimpse into who they were before their spouse was in the picture.

R.J. and Lauren have the unique privilege of sharing a whole life together before marriage. When they look back at their childhood, they are both there- together, shaping a love story that would unfold into something you read in fairytales. This childhood friendship led to the most beautiful ending and I’m so lucky to have been able to had a small part in their big day.

 

Photographer: Emily McIntyre Photography

Venue: Shack 33 (Soggy Bottom Lodge)

Videography: Clifton Lewis Videography

Planner: Laura Holley

Catering/Cake: Savory Solutions Catering

DJ: Elite Production Events

HMU: Caroline Overmyer

Florist: Lindsey Florist

Groom: Men’s Warehouse

Bridesmaids: Azazie

Bride: Bella’s Bridal