Rachael and Alex knew what they wanted, and they went for it! They’re your married-after-3-months-head-over-over heels-in-love type of couple. Their Bridle Oaks Barn wedding in DeLand, Florida was full of Southern Romance and special details. Rachael’s bridal bouquet was tied together with her grandfather’s handkerchief, letting Rachael walk down the aisle with a piece of him even after he had passed. Rachael says, “When we got married the first time, it was in a small room at the Court House in Phoenix, AZ. My mom was there and Alex’s parents were there, but my dad couldn’t make it. So having our dream wedding and being able to spend time with all of our family and just enjoy the company of everyone there was the best part and why we had a big wedding.”
Write up by PSJ Photography
Advice from Rachael, the bride:
Is there anything that you wish you would have done for your wedding?
I definitely regret not having a videographer. Although my family captured most of the important parts and memories I’d love to have, I would have liked to be able to look back on that day through video as well as photos.
What advice would you give other couples about the wedding planning process?
Definitely get a planner that can handle all of the chaos that comes from planning. You have so much going on already, and the last thing you want to do is stress about last-minute forgotten issues. That was a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders and I’m so glad I hired our wedding planner. Also, don’t worry so much about how everything is going to look. When the day is finally there, just relax and enjoy the day. It’s a wedding and weddings are never perfect, so don’t have this standard you want to have for your wedding, chances are things are going to go wrong that will prevent everything from being perfect. At the end of the day, it’s going to be an amazing wedding regardless of if you are holding the wrong color of pink flowers or not. Lastly, thank your parents! I promise they’ve stressed about this wedding as much as you!
Is there any advice that you would give engaged couples about married life?
They say that the first year is the hardest; it’s not. It’s a year of firsts and it’s exciting to go through firsts with your spouse. Although there will be difficult times ahead, remember why you got married and remember that even though things change, the person beside you won’t. As long as you communicate with each other and never go to bed angry, marriage is a blissful thing. So enjoy it! Seriously, it’s the best!
Click below for more weddings at Bridle Oaks Barn
Participating Vendors:
Venue: Bridle Oaks Barn
Wedding Planner: Courtney Ford Event Design
Photographer: PSJ Photography
Florist: Julia’s Floral Designs
Hair and Makeup Artist: Laura Reynolds Artistry