Sometimes even the chillest of days have enough joy surrounding them to make your soul feel warm. I’d say that was the epitome of Davis and Sarah’s wedding. These two tied the knot on chilly day at Rockhurst Farms just outside of Birmingham, AL. It was the perfect autumn weekend to get married in the south – all the leaves were at their peak orange and yellow colors. Being from Florida, the leaves alone were enough to make me happy! Davis, Sarah and all their friends and family braved the cold to celebrate the love they share between one another and it was perfect.

The beautiful details

Sarah choose a gorgeous soft color palette for her wedding. One that she can look back on years down the road and still be happy with the choice she made. It was beautiful, elegant and timeless with tones of blush and french blue.

Speaking of elegant and timeless – Sarah’s dress from The Something Blue Shoppe was just that! Her gorgeous gown featured a stand-out bow statement on the back with buttons that went all the way down her spine. It fit her like a glove and she looked like the most beautiful bride. Sarah also had the best glam team for her wedding day, Hair and Makeup by Nat gave her a timeless look that paired perfectly with her wedding gown. Basically if you haven’t gotten the picture yet, Sarah looked like freaking royalty, people.

Let’s talk about the florals, too! Honestly let’s give a round of applause to all florists out there right now. They are dealing with flower shortages across the globe and yet still putting together bouquets and floral arrangements that wow us all. CS Floral Design did just that and even surprised Sarah with having blush roses in her bouquets, a bloom she warned the bride may be difficult to get at the moment. Sarah was so excited about the beautiful roses and dainty anemones that made up her bouquet. CS Floral Design also crafted the most beautiful floral arrangement on the tree that Sarah and Davis got married under, talent galore!

Perhaps my favorite detail about Davis and Sarah’s wedding was her table linens – I know kind of random! However Sarah had hand picked the French Country detailed linens to adorn her tabletops and they were a statement for sure. In fact I loved it so much that I forego my typical styling mats and photographed a few of her details on top of the table linen instead. I felt it was a unique way to showcase her details with a background that was undeniably from their wedding, and their wedding alone.

The lovely Rockhurst Farm

I had never shot a wedding at this venue before (I had done Davis and Sarah’s engagement photos earlier in the year). To all you Birmingham brides looking for a tastefully rustic wedding venue, look no further than Rockhurst Farm. I love that there was space at the venue for both the girls and the guys to get ready as well as several different locations for great photos. My favorite spot is the giant field next to the pavilion. The way the golden light at sunset dances across the grassy field is amazing. We had fantastic light for their engagement session and we had probably some of the best light I’ve ever seen for their bride and groom portraits. Just see for yourself! They are definitely my favorite photos from the day (aren’t couples portraits always up there for a favorite?)

Rockhurst Farm also provides locations for indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies. Sarah and Davis opted to have their ceremony take place outside underneath a stunning, sprawling oak tree. It made shivering through the ceremony worth it for a backdrop that was as gorgeous as theirs was.

The reception

Davis and Sarah chose to keep their wedding reception short and sweet (emphasis on the sweet!) for their guests. They had supplies for smores ready to go by the roaring bonfire guests were warming themselves by as well as TWO cakes and buckeyes! If you don’t know what buckeyes are, basically they are heaven on earth. It’s peanut butter balls covered in decadent chocolate, the flavors of a Reese but even better! Guests really enjoyed the desserts and snacks Davis and Sarah had to offer.

At the end of the night Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker exited though auburn and navy blue pom poms – an Auburn University alumni tradition! Their guests chanted War Eagle and Auburn Tiger fight songs as Sarah and Davis climbed onto their getaway golf cart off into married life.

It was an amazing day and here are some of my favorite photos from the Shoemaker Wedding, enjoy!