I really think there is something special about people who put figurative exclamation points on the big moments in life; those who live experiences to the absolute fullest by wringing out every little grin and happy second possible from a 24-hour day.

Rebekah and Nick’s North Carolina farm wedding definitely had exclamation points on it. When I first got Rebekah’s wedding inquiry she gushed over her love for Nick, and for the day she had planned on her family farm. It wasn’t until I arrived early on the big day to scout the location that I was able to see the farm was filled to the brim with cotton and nearby beans. The weather forecast blanketed the state in thick overcast clouds and added a little romance to the fall day. The beautiful town showed off rural sweetness and was chock full of soy bean fields and puffy cotton balls dotting the horizons with enough charm to last a lifetime.

One of my favorite moments of a wedding is during the letter exchange. There are  so few times in a woman’s life when we get real, honest-to-God love letters. Maybe from the boy in Kindergarden who asks if you will marry him (yes, Jeffrey, I remember you), to the high-school love who filled your locker with folded up notes, and then as adults, often emails from a cute guy you really like. You may get text messages. Valentine’s day cards. But hardly ever, love letters.

Although I never get a chance to read them, seeing a bride or groom read a love letter is a quiet, uninterrupted moment on a busy wedding day that brings it all back into perspective and warms my heart. Since I know you’ll be tilting your head trying to read that pretty little writing below, I’ll let you know it starts with “Rebekah Jean Shingleton (the most beautiful girl in the world)…” – that’s enough to send your romantic heart pitter pattering. You’re welcome.

Shortly after the ceremony we grabbed a few quick portraits and everyone got under the giant tented reception for introductions and to start dinner – it was then that it started raining. The sky was getting darker with no cover from the elements for pictures we made plans to shoot portraits under a covered roof down the road. No sooner had we headed out to make the best of it, the rain stopped and a heavy Carolina fog blanketed the acres upon acres of cotton fields. It was a portrait session like no other and the love these two brought to it absolutely put me in heaven. Thanks for trusting the elements, y’all it totally paid off.

Big thanks and love to the newlyweds for asking me to capture their sweet North Carolina farm wedding, it was beautiful from beginning to end! Feel free to leave a little love for the new Mr. and Mrs. in the comments!

Photographer: Perry Vaile Photography

Venue: Bride’s Family Farm

DJ:  Bunn DJ Company

Flowers: Flowers and Gifts by Roberts / Raleigh Road Garden Center

Dress: Allure

Boots: (Hers) Lucchese, (His) Double H

Tent: Chair and Equipment Rentals