Ryan and I were lucky enough to meet Robert and Kayla all because of the generosity of The Barn at Raccoon Creek. They put together a Dream Wedding Giveaway where multiple vendors came together to give one deserving couple the wedding of their dreams. Kayla’s mom Babette nominated them and it is very clear why they won. These are two of the kindest most giving people. They live out the legacy of family they have lost in a very real and honorable way. Her mom said something that sums it all up. “I want her to have the most beautiful wedding she could ever dream of. A day that gives her hope and a new journey in life.”
It is truly special to do what we do. I really realized this at Robert and Kayla’s wedding. To be able to capture the memories of such an important day is an honor and privilege. I also understand the weight it has. This is what people will look back on to remember that time, the people and the love. I also discovered something else special. We get to be a present for so many memories as observers. I always thought I was there to capture what they remember. This time I realized I also got to capture what I remembered.
After Kayla and Robert were married they were on the front porch at The Barn at Raccoon Creek and I was telling Kayla something I thought that Robert knew. I was explaining to her how fun it was to hear him exclaim has she came down the aisle. He looked at me and asked, “I said that!?” At that moment, I realized that his excitement, and reactions were all encompassed in the day and I was able to just observe, sort through and bring it all to light. It was so cool.
Kayla and Robert are special in so many ways. Kayla and her mom’s story makes her special, all the things she has had to go through in her young life and the way that she has persevered. The love that they share with each other makes them special. It is simple and sweet. It is deep and wide and ever expanding. The way Robert knew right away and moved to Colorado for her. The way he looks at her. The way the world melts away when she is with him. All of these things accumulate to a great love. Beyond that the love they show friends and family and frankly strangers. I left their wedding more full of love for the world and for my family. My heart was overflowing with joy.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Durston! Here is to hope and joy and most of all love.
A special cheers and thanks to the vendors that gave their time and talents to make this day possible!
Hawk Flowers: Centerpieces, Bouquets, Boutonnieres
Jewels Gray Photography: Engagement Shoot
All Digital Studios: Videography
Shutter Bus: Photo Booth
DJ Guy
Butler Rents: Linens
Elite Entertainment: Event Rental Decor & Draping
Kim J Beauty: Hair and Makeup for Entire Bridal Party
Holiday Inn – Lakewood: Honeymoon Suite
The Bundt Shoppe Inc: Wedding Cake & Dessert
Blue River Event Service: Transportation
Mary Dreitzler – Here Comes the Dog: Pet Services for Pets in the Wedding Ceremony
The Diamond Reserve: Custom Wedding Bands for the Couple
The Barn at Racoon Creek: Venue and Catering
The getting ready cottage at The Barn at Raccoon creek is so light and bright.
Custom bride and bridesmaids robes.
Blue suede shoes and custom cigar cases, now that is classy.
All ages of boys were getting dressed to the nines in the boys getting ready room.
Groom style.
The moment the bride gets in her dress is always emotional.
Can you tell that Kayla used to model?
Robert contemplating his wedding day at the red barn.
Cheers with a little Johnny Walker Whiskey.
The girls all cozy up on the front porch of the cottage.
The flower girls were so sweet sitting on the steps of the white cottage.
Kayla looks through her beautiful and organic floral bouquet.
This wedding was all about family. She has tattoos for her sister and dad who she remembers on this special day.
Groomsmen looking suave against the rustic barn.
Robert has perfect groom style.
The rustic wood sign fits with the barn wedding perfectly.
When the groom just can’t believe it as he sees his bride for the first time walking down the aisle.
The draping and chandelier hung by Elite Entertainment really makes the indoor ceremony elegant.
Wedding party cheering on the bride and groom.
The porch is so clean and soft for the couples photos.
Rain is good luck on your wedding day. Plus it is so romantic to be under an umbrella in the rain.
They had a s’mores cake and s’mores bar.
Mother of the bride gives a toast.
The draping and chandelier hung by Elite Entertainment really makes the first dance feel elegant.
This photo bus is just about the coolest photo booth you will see.
