A Soft Place In My Heart

I have known Lauren and her family since she was about 3 years old. They live in the house behind my parents. When I was a teenager, I used to babysit Lauren and her brother Brett.

Lauren and Chandler started dating when they were teenagers. I would say “Oh, Lauren has a boyfriend” when I would see them hanging out at her parent’s house. Little did I know that boyfriend would someday become her husband.

When Chandler proposed, and Lauren reached out to me about photographing their wedding, you can imagine my excitement to be able to help tell the love story of a couple who I have such a soft place for in my heart.

Enter Covid-19

Lauren and Chandler were in for quite a rollercoaster ride with their wedding planning. They were set to be married on March 21, 2020 at Oakley Farms, located just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. But on March 15, the Covid-19 lockdown was issued. This meant no large gatherings were permitted anywhere! This happened just six days before their wedding!

It was a heartbreaking decision, but Lauren and Chandler decided to move their wedding to 2021.  They still wanted to officially marry on their original wedding date, so they did!!! With their parents and siblings in the backyard, Lauren and Chandler said “I Do”. I was so honored to be able to witness it.

Rustic Barn Wedding

Almost a year later, the wedding day they wanted to celebrate with all of their friends and family was finally here! And it was incredible! Beautiful, emotional and sentimental from start to finish.  It was such an amazing way to celebrate the rollercoaster of a year they had.

First Looks

If you have followed my photography journey, you know I am a fan of first looks. All of them! First looks with bridesmaids, first look with Dad and first look with the bride and groom. These are heartfelt moments of genuine love! And let’s be honest, I cry at a lot of them! Lauren and Chandler did all of these first looks and the images below sure tell a story about how much they love each other and how much they are loved by their friends and family.

 

It was such a treat to whisk Lauren and Chandler away to capture portraits before the ceremony began. They were simply radiant, beaming with love, respect and pride for one another.

There was no shortage of laughter and shenanigans during the bridal party portraits. What a blast this crew was! We also had time for family portraits before the ceremony. This allowed everyone to enjoy cocktail hour together.

Although technically Lauren and Chandler were already husband and wife, there were intimate moments during the ceremony. Chandler was so happy to see Lauren finally walk down that aisle. Lauren was grinning from ear to ear as she walked toward the man of her dreams.

I have one word fo this reception: glowing! Lauren and Chandler held nothing back. It was a full on celebration!! They were glowing, their guest were glowing and the dance floor was glowing. Dinner, toasts and dancing…lots of dancing. It was a night no one will ever forget!

Lauren and Chandler, you two mean the world to me! Thank you for entrusting the team at Natasha Coyle Photography to capture your big and and document your journey to the altar. Your love story is an inspiration! Best wishes for wonderful life ahead!

To see Lauren and Chandler’s engagement session, click here.

To send an inquiry and learn about becoming a NCP bride, click here.

 

Be sure to give some love to the vendors who made this day possible:

Venue | Oakley Farm | www.oakleyfarms.com
Hair and Makeup|  www.contoursandcurls.com
Entertainment | www.thedancedoctors.com
Cake | www.cakesbykait.com
Dress |  www.gownboutiqueofcharleston.com