Maegan + Brian's Bowling Green Wedding

From the Bride: I actually had always dreamed of an intimate wedding. I’m not a planner by nature and had always hoped that the moment would feel right and things would just come together, as unrealistic as that sounds. Never did I dream this would actually be possible, especially during the most drastic time our generation has faced. My husband and I both work in healthcare in the hospital setting and we often have little control over our own schedules. I remember it was a Thursday afternoon on my day off and we had become growingly frustrated with the thoughts of planning a wedding during the pandemic, not knowing what would come in the fall for our original desired date. We played with the idea of having an intimate ceremony with immediate family the weekend prior to a week’s vacation we had both planned in June. So on that day, I thought I’d give it a shot. First was my incredible photographer, I had already chosen Carrie of SurLaLune for her energetic, genuine, ethereal aesthetic. She so happened to be available that weekend and was teaming up with an incredible local florist who is truly an artist, Jules With The Flowers. Check. Next I needed a venue. I had seen Baker Arboretum in a Bowling Green magazine for a wedding feature earlier in the spring. The garden was beautiful and the perfect backdrop for photographs. When I called they were extremely gracious and allowed me to reserve the morning time without a deposit. Next I tried for the reception, calling a local restaurant where we had had our first date. They had availability for a small group and we could order off the brunch menu, which has our favorite shrimp and grits! I had always loved the idea of a champagne brunch reception after my sister’s reception as a young girl. The officiant and cake were a cinch after that. We chose a minister based out of a local Tennessee town, he gave a sermon that was cheerful and full of wisdom, that both of us cherish and remember advice from each day.
The only hiccup was....the dress. I had ordered several online express shipping that turned out to be a disaster. Last minute I decided to go to a local shop Michelle’s consignment. Michelle did not realize what a horrible day I had been having since the last package arrived, and she was truly a godsend on that day. She picked out a dress I would have never imagined myself in. It had already been altered, but as I tried it on it sunk perfectly onto my waist. I knew it was my dress, and I couldn’t believe it was coming all together. Now probably the hardest part was to come, getting my husband ready for the big day. The first outing I sent him on for a suit, he came back with a pair of sunglasses instead. Up until the day of the wedding, I still was not convinced he would have a suit although he assured me. His father and uncle thankfully saved the day with suits and rings.

It is certainly hard for us to pick a favorite moment. I think we both would say the ceremony itself was the highlight of our day. The weather was gorgeous with bright sunshine and a clear blue sky and just enough shade. Our guests gathered under a large oak tree for the ceremony on the front lawn. Our officiant gave a unique and fun, but practical sermon. Words from that day still resonate with us in our day to day. Our ceremony was peaceful, joyful, and bright. I know since time has passed and we’ve settled into our married life, we are so thrilled we took the opportunity to have our intimate wedding. We still hear from family what a beautiful day it was and how much they enjoyed it. It was a day full of love. Everything we had dreamed of.

Photography: Sur la Lune Photography | Location: Bowling Green | Venue: Baker Arboretum | Florals: Jules with the Flowers | Caterer: The Bistro | Cake: Cocomo Confections | Bride’s Attire: Michelle’ s | Groom’s Attire: Dillard’s