I will never forget October 13th, 2020. I was sitting on the couch in our living room that evening when I got the email from Southern Bride. I sat there for about 5 minutes with my mouth hanging open trying to form the words to tell my parents what had just happened. And then, instead of speaking, I started crying.

I had seen Southern Bride’s request for styled shoots the night before and submitted our “Just Wing It” shoot on a whim. I was completely prepared to be rejected (just like I had been the last two times I submitted to them) and I thought I had just submitted the shoot to be on the blog. But there in the email, I was reading was the request to use the shoot for the Winter/Spring 2021 issue of the magazine.

I finally remembered how to use my words and told my parents what had happened and they started to freak out with me. They have been my biggest cheerleaders over the past few years- encouraging me when I’ve considered quitting, pushing me to keep learning and developing my skills, and doing anything they could to help me chase my dreams. I could have never gotten to this place without their support and I’m so grateful for them!

After we all read the email a couple dozen times, I Facetimed Kaylee and told her she needed to sit down (as I animatedly paced the kitchen with my phone in one hand and the computer with the email pulled up in the other). She flipped. I flipped. We couldn’t believe it!! It’s one of those dreams that you hope will happen one day, but you’re totally prepared that it could never happen.

Thank you so so much to Southern Bride for this opportunity! You’ve made a dream come true and I’ll never forget that my very first magazine feature was with you guys! Also, this shoot would have never come together or been half as beautiful without this amazing friendor team! I’ll link to everyone below and you should go follow them! They’re awesome!

Venue: Augusta Aviation

Planning: Riner and Company

Florals: Amelia Rose Florals

Dress: BHLDN

Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes

Suit: Simon’s Formalwear

Hair: Labeled Salon Studios/Blowouts and Beach waves 

Makeup: Taylor Ashley Beauty

Cake: Bottomline Bakery

Calligraphy: Pretty Written Things

Bride: Taylor Ashley

Groom: Jared Ashley

Officiant: Mitch Brown