Rebecca + Matt have one of the most unique stories of any couple I’ve worked with– one that sends chills up your spine and leaves you in awe of the power of love!  The wedding day?  It was originally two years ago.  An elegant wedding had been planned and everything was perfect… except that the week of the wedding, Matt called it off.

Most of the time, that’s the end of the story.  There’s bitterness, hurt, and anger that can’t be overcome.  But not for these two.  They still loved each other and knew the wedding day would eventually happen, but there were a few things they needed to work through first.  And they did!  I’m going to let Rebecca tell you more about that herself:

We met on a snowboarding trip with the singles group at Biltmore Baptist Church.  I remember our knees touching and feeling such butterflies that I wondered if people noticed. From that day on we were inseparable. Matt’s first proposal was at Disney World after the fireworks, in front of the princess castle. He had asked all of my family members first and it was so magical. We started planning our wedding, and through this process Matt’s dad was fighting mantle cell leukemia lymphoma. He tragically lost this battle before we were supposed to get married. It was a very difficult and trying time.

With all this going on, Matt realized he was not the man he needed to be to lead a marriage. He made the very hard decision to call off the wedding. At the time I didn’t understand and was completely heart broken and upset. We both got into counseling and in my mind when I said yes to the proposal I was saying yes to marriage. Through some difficult times, lots of counseling and being very transparent Matt and I worked through it all. Looking back on everything I love the way our story twisted and turned. We have been through so much together. Our relationship is so much healthier and happier than it was the first go round.

We like to call this wedding ‘Take 2.’ For Take 2, Matt proposed on Thanksgiving. His brother and sister-in-law were over and I thought we were taking pictures for their mom for Christmas. Little did I know, he had planned this with his brother so they could get a picture of the proposal. Matt came around the corner with Jaxson, our dog, in a tux and the ring around his collar. It was perfect.

The atmosphere of the day was so relaxed and fun!  Their ceremony & reception were in their backyard and they were focused on having fun and enjoying the day.  We finished all formal photos before the ceremony so they had the most time possible with their guests, and they had the most delicious dessert bar!  Check out the cake– more specifically the back of the cake!  Oh, and the handsome (yet furry) ring bearer was perfect!

Venue: Private Residence, Hendersonville, NC | Hairstylist: Crystal Linville, The Atrium Salon | Make-Up Artist: Amanda Smith | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero, Wedding Inspirations | Shoes: Toms | Catering: Ugly Pig BBQ | Desserts: Short Street Cake and Chocolate Lounge | Tent & Chair Rental: Hendersonville Tent Rental | Logo Design: the groom! | Photography: Fowler Studios