A Sunday Full of First
Sunday, May 15th was a Sunday that was full of several first for us at Bradford Farm.
Let’s start with the bride and groom-Ivie Loosier and Eli Belue chose a 6pm ceremony in the chapel with a reception on the pavilion. Eli’s older brother Ethan(and his bride, Ali Kendra) were the FIRST couple to get married at Bradford Farm ever so for their family to return to have their wedding with us was very special and we were honored we were picked for the location and team to carry out Ivie and Eli’s wedding day.
Ivey is breathtakingly beautiful even on her worst day but when we gathered to set up first look for Ivey with her groom and daddy we knew it was going to be one first look to remember. First up was Russ, daddy of the bride. He was crying before he even turned around and when Ivie saw her daddy the tears were hard to stop for her, her mother, Mechelle and sister, Zoey too. Then there was the Bradford Farm groom over in the corner shedding a few tears of their own! Then there was time for the groom-we did all the normal drilling him of what he thought the dress looked like and he nailed every detail perfectly. When Eli turned around it was honestly the first time we ever got to witness someone lose their breath at the sight of something. Eli was more than speechless, he was breathless! He quickly and in the softest voice said “You look so pretty” and then he held his girl tight and shed a few tears of his own. Gosh, it makes me cry again just typing it and reliving it. Ivie, I hope you always remember the way that Eli looked at you when he turned around that day!
That Sunday afternoon was much warmer than normal May Sunday’s but a light rain shower cooled everything and everyone off just perfectly. Ivey wore a beautiful gown and dressed her bridesmaids in the cutest champagne colored satin dresses from Show Me Your Mumu. Guys were decked out in navy suits with champagne ties to coordinate. Florals were all white with some antique hydrangeas in the ceremony florals. After the ceremony we had another first, we always have dinner prepared for the bride and groom to enjoy privately but this weekend we surprised Ivie and Eli with a romantic dinner set up in the Treasured Forest for them under the lights with candlelight and fine china. Who knows this might be an add on to a package we create for brides to come…we will see!
Alabama law has changed over the past few years and now a couple is just required to apply for a marriage license and get a certified notary to sign the certificate and you are done! Well, with the exception of mailing it in and following those directions. No more making an appointment or standing in line at the court house. Bradford Farm has taken the extra step and now how a certified public notary on hand for all our weddings so we can really be a full-service venue for all your needs. Ivie and Eli were also another first that we got to process their license and notarize their certificate and we handed the papers and directions off to the bride and groom to elevate some of the stress that the small stuff can create on a wedding day.
After sunset photos the bride and groom joined their guests on the pavilion…….ah another first! Ivie and Eli’s wedding reception on the pavilion was a first for us and it was wonderful! The rain had cooled the atmosphere off and there were tables on the lawn and the pavilion. Cornhole boards were out and gave the kids some entertainment as well. It was just a nice relaxed yet elegant reception and we loved it and are excited to offer it as another option for our guests. Southern Skillet served up some delicious Parmesan Chicken and Brisket food and wedding cake was made by Mollie Parker. Guest gathered on the patio for a sparkler exit as the bride and groom headed towards Eli’s truck that was covered in toilet paper and white window paint like brides and grooms of the past have done-this is a tradition that I like seeing come back!
Ivie and Eli we love you both and your families and are so blessed that you chose to say “I do” with us! We look forward to what is next and the next family wedding we get to host!
Vendor Round Up
Venue: Bradford Farm
DJ: Gus Spears at Universal Sound and Events
Caterer: Southern Skillet
Florals: Bradford Farm
Photographer: Create Portraiture
Videographer: Awaken Films
Cake: Mollie Parker
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