Whimsical + Eclectic: Madison's Stunning Wedding Feature

Madison, we're excited to share your BEAUTIFUL wedding on the blog today! First of all, how would you describe your wedding theme? And what are some of your favorite memories of the big day?

The vibe I was going for was a mix of eclectic and whimsical.

As for favorite memories -- sharing the special moments of getting ready with my mom and bridal party, and my first look with my dad! 

My dad served twenty-five years in the USAF. When I remembered he had a uniform I asked him to wear it, but he told me no way and that he would not fit it! A few weeks before my wedding he lost a lot of weight due to an emergency surgery, so I mentioned the suit again. He kept telling me, "No! Not happening." Much to my surprise, when I walked out the door to meet him for our first look, there he was standing there in his uniform. 

Also, Joel and I agreed we did not want to do a first look before the ceremony, and it was the BEST decision. I would suggest every bride wait for that special moment! We grabbed as many photos as we could separately before the ceremony and did groups immediately following the ceremony, and I absolutely do not regret it. When the doors swung open and I saw my future husband standing there waiting for me, it was like a huge wave of emotions came over me. The day you have dreamed of your whole life is finally happening -- truly a feeling I can’t explain.

Your wedding dress was GORGEOUS. How did you find the perfect dress?

I have never wanted the white “traditional” dress. When I came across my dress on Needle & Thread, I KNEW it was exactly what I wanted! The only downfall was it did not have a train, so I bought two of the same dress and had a train added. The leftover material was used for my miniature bride. I do regret not going to try dresses on, but I knew I would end up finding another one I probably would have liked, and I didn’t want to be stuck making a decision between the two.

What advice do you have for future brides? 

1. Get a good photographer and videographer. It’s worth the money!

2. Don't do a "first look" with your groom.

3. DON’T STRESS. I was SO stressed on my wedding day because I’m such a perfectionist, and of course, you want your wedding day to be perfect. But try to relax and enjoy it! No one will realize the small things that you do, and in the future, you will look back and laugh about them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your wedding or your love story?

Don’t settle! I know it’s so cliché, but it’s also SO true.

I look back and thank God I didn’t settle. He will send you the perfect one when it’s His time. If you’re still in your season of waiting, just wait!

All of my friends married years before I did, but I knew God would send me the right one at the right time, and I didn’t want to rush: This is one of the biggest decisions of your life! God's timing is perfect.

Photographer: Andy Kyle Roberts | http://www.andykyleroberts.com/
Videographer: Austin Keith
Bridal Portraits: Ashley Kematick