Have you visited Schmidt Century Farms?  They are a family-owned working farm in West Bend, Wisconsin, that has been actively farmed by the Schmidt family since 1865.  Their Farm Store features freezers packed with farm-raised Black Angus beef, pork, chicken, duck, eggs, breakfast sausage, pot roast, and bacon.  Shoppers can also find award-winning maple syrup, cage-free eggs, and locally grown seasonal vegetables.

Whether sour-dough bread, Kombucha, fresh milk and dairy if it is not directly from the Schmidt's immediate family, and farm, then the product is produced locally from extended family and neighboring businesses.  You can also find Schmidt Century meats at The Green Dog Market in West Bend.  ​

The Schmidt's daughter, Jillian Schwake, is the young, creative founder behind 920Threads, a mobile hat bar and embroidery business run out of a retro 1968 Shasta camper. They specialize in custom hat experiences for parties, pop-ups, Farmer's markets, and even county fairs. You can also find her beautiful custom work at our local Sendik's grocer. Check out the Instagram link here: www.instagram.com/920threads/

I so enjoyed my visit to Schmidt Century Farms. It's always the right time to support your local farmer and you can't find a more hospitable, productive, uplifting family farm than the Schmidt's.  They have an Open House on October 4th which will be fun for young and old!  Until then, follow them on Facebook for their latest updates and offerings. www.facebook.com/SchmidtCenturyFarm

The new Home Training Fall Mat Pilates Series begins Tuesday, September 8th. This is a 6-week session on the Home Training sport court. Personal Training in the studio continues by appointment utilizing the Pilates equipment, including the reformer, tower, and chair.  Please reach out if you wish to register for classes or personal training.
Email Tiffany at [email protected]  or Venmo @tiffany-larson-32 to reserve your space

​Dear Pilates Friends,
Thank you for signing up for the Home Training Fall Pilates Mat Series! This six-week series begins September 8th and offers classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 5:15 p.m.
The cost is $75 for one class per week or $130 for two classes per week. Because the Tuesday morning class is popular, I have added a Thursday morning option. Several participants have already expressed interest in attending twice per week, which can be an excellent way to build consistency and progress as we head into the busy holiday season. 
To reserve your space, Venmo @tiffany-larson-32.
I truly appreciate your prompt registration, as it allows me to plan the studio space, props, and class programming accordingly.
Personal Pilates training on the equipment also continues by appointment. Pilates is a complete system that includes matwork, spring-loaded equipment, and the foundational principles of breath, centering, concentration, control, flow, and precision. It is always a pleasure to introduce clients to the Pilates Method—what Joe Pilates called “Contrology.”
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I also share information and inspiration almost daily on my Home Training Instagram and Facebook pages.
It has been great taking classes with many of you at Club Pilates as well! Group exercise on the equipment is an excellent way to develop greater self-reliance, body awareness, and confidence with the Pilates series. Ultimately, the more we understand our bodies and the work, the more empowered we become in our own movement practice.
I look forward to seeing you this fall!
In Good Health,
Tiffany Larson, MHS, OT, RYT, Power Pilates Instructor

A new season is just around the corner. My head is spinning! Why does time move so fast?  I hope you will join me for group mat classes as well as 1:1 personal training in September.  

With the wedding ceremony complete, everyone was ready to celebrate. While the photographer gathered the extended families for portraits with the bride and groom, guests enjoyed a relaxed cocktail hour on the lawn. Auburn and Josh had selected signature drinks that reflected their personalities—a refreshing margarita for the bride and a classic bourbon Old Fashioned for the groom.
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Meanwhile, Chef Nick—whom you may remember as the chef and caterer for several Auburn fraternities—and his talented staff kept guests well-fed with an impressive selection of hors d'oeuvres, including pimento cheese sandwiches, seafood salad dip, and "shotgun shells. A funny tribute to the hunting club wedding venue. It was the perfect opportunity to mingle, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet the many friends and family members who had traveled from near and far to celebrate this joyful occasion together.

The venue had been thoughtfully designed to transform seamlessly from ceremony to reception. Floor-to-ceiling drapery framed the ceremony space, concealing the reception tables waiting just beyond. As guests enjoyed cocktail hour around the property, the venue staff worked quickly behind the scenes, completing the impressive flip from chapel to elegant banquet hall.

I remember when Auburn was planning the reception and agonizing over every detail of the tablescape. Should the linens be white, soft pink, or light green? Solid or florals? At the time, I quietly wondered if it was worth so much deliberation when simple white tablecloths would certainly have been lovely.
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The moment the curtains were drawn back, however, I understood completely. The tables were stunning. Every choice she had carefully considered came together beautifully, creating a reception space that felt both elegant and whimsical—like something from a fairytale. It was another reminder that the thoughtful details, though easy to overlook during the planning process, often become the very elements that make an event feel truly unforgettable.

Once everyone had found their seats, DJ Prez of Superior Sounds enthusiastically introduced the newlyweds as they made their grand entrance. Auburn and Josh shared their first dance, performing a routine they had practiced in advance to Beyond by Leon Bridges Their choreography included graceful twirls, a few dramatic dips, and even a lift that earned warm applause from family and friends.

The father-daughter dance was set to Tim McGraw's My Little Girl, while Josh and his mom, Jill, chose Tim McGraw's Humble and Kind for their special dance together. Before the evening continued, the couple was encouraged to cut their wedding cake, as the Alabama humidity was beginning to take its toll on the beautiful three-tiered confection. Using a silver cake knife engraved with my parents' names, from their wedding in 1965, Auburn and Josh shared the traditional first slice, another meaningful family touch woven into the day.

With the formalities complete, DJ Prez invited the wedding party to the buffet first, followed by the guests, table by table.

​As dinner progressed, I could tell Ron was becoming a bit anxious. He had spent months preparing his Father of the Bride speech. While he's known for his quick wit, spontaneous humor, and perfectly timed one-liners, this speech carried a little more weight than usual. He wanted to express his gratitude while also bringing a few laughs.
Never one to miss an opportunity for a prop, Ron had purchased a large Auburn University championship-style bling medallion at the local Walmart as a lighthearted thank-you to the university that brought Auburn and Josh together. It was classic Ron.

His speech was heartfelt, funny, and memorable, but it also taught us two lessons that may help anyone preparing to give a wedding toast.

First, don't underestimate the lighting. The reception room was intentionally dim to create a warm ambiance, and despite printing his speech in what he thought was a large enough font, he quickly realized he needed reading glasses. Fortunately, he had an $8 pair of readers with him, but constantly shifting between reading his notes and looking up to connect with the audience proved more difficult than expected. Looking back, he said either prescription glasses or an extra-large font would have made the experience much easier.

Second, take a moment to practice with the microphone beforehand. This one seemed particularly sensitive. Holding it too close muffled his voice, while holding it too far away made it difficult for guests at the back of the room to hear. A quick sound check would have eliminated the guesswork.
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Even with those minor challenges, Ron delivered exactly what everyone hoped for. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Reverend John Woods for leading such a meaningful ceremony, thanked our family and friends for traveling to celebrate with us, and sprinkled in enough humor to keep everyone smiling. One line in particular drew plenty of laughter: "We're not losing a daughter—we're gaining a handyman."
It was quintessential Ron—warm, sincere, and just funny enough. I have no doubt those words, and the love behind them, will be remembered for years to come.

Following heartfelt toasts by Maid of Honor Rachel Gonzales and Best Man Will Wallace, DJ Prez invited all of the married couples to the dance floor for one of the evening's most entertaining traditions—the anniversary dance.
DJ Prez (Robert Fowler) bears a striking resemblance to Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, complete with the signature bow tie. Beyond his unmistakable style, he is one of Alabama's most sought-after DJs and MCs. Through Superior Sound Entertainment, he provides not only music, but also professional lighting, photo booths, and countless touches that elevate a celebration. He had already played a pivotal role in the day, providing the ceremony music after meeting with Auburn and Josh weeks earlier to carefully plan every song for both the ceremony and reception.  share.google/f56aru4AjvyT3cIOK

As the music played, he began narrowing the field of married couples with his trademark humor.
"If you've been married less than two hours...have a seat!"
The room erupted in laughter as the bride and groom were the first to leave the dance floor. Then came the next milestones—10 years, 20 years, 30 years, and beyond—as couples gradually returned to their seats amid cheers and applause.
Eventually, only two couples remained: Ron's sister, Kerry, and her husband, Dan Roskopf, and Josh's beloved grandparents, The Rev. James and Sarah Wallace—better known to everyone as Mawmaw and Pawpaw.
The Wallaces claimed the victory with an incredible 63 years of marriage.
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As they danced together, surrounded by generations of family and friends, they became a beautiful reminder of what everyone had gathered to celebrate that evening. Weddings honor the beginning of a marriage, but moments like this quietly remind us of the love, commitment, and faithfulness that carry a couple through the decades.

From the moment the dance floor opened, it was clear this was a group that loved to dance. The energy was contagious as guests of all ages filled the floor throughout the evening.
Adding to the fun, DJ Prez distributed festive props including heart-shaped sunglasses, glowing white leis, and colorful glow sticks. They may have seemed like simple accessories, but they quickly encouraged even the most reluctant dancers to join the celebration and added a playful spirit to the night.

One of the evening's biggest hits, however, was the photo booth. This was a far cry from the enclosed booths of the 1980s. Instead, it featured a large white backdrop and a computerized camera system that could accommodate nearly a dozen people when everyone squeezed in together. As the evening wore on, the photos became increasingly animated, laughter grew louder, and the poses more creative.
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The booth also gave guests an opportunity to capture spontaneous moments with family members, lifelong friends, and coworkers who may not have otherwise been photographed together. Auburn was especially touched that nearly 15 of her colleagues from Torq in Dallas had traveled to Alabama to celebrate with her. Seeing them gathered together in those photos was yet another reminder of the friendships she has built in this season of her life.
Long after the music faded and the dance floor emptied, those candid snapshots would become treasured keepsakes from a night filled with laughter, friendship, and celebration.

One of the more expensive, but immensely appreciated, additions to the wedding was the shuttle service. Auburn had thought carefully about transportation logistics from the beginning. That morning, she arranged a shuttle to bring all 10 bridesmaids to the house, and later that afternoon, three shuttles transported guests from The Graduate Hotel to Auburn Oaks Farm in Notasulga—the charming countryside community just outside Auburn known for its rolling landscape and horse farms.

The timing was coordinated down to the minute, with shuttles departing The Graduate at 4:00, 4:10, and 4:20 p.m. Following the celebration, return shuttles began around 8:45 p.m., with additional shuttles at 10:30 p.m.—what we affectionately referred to as "closing time!"

Yes, the venue did have a relatively early ending for a wedding reception, but those who know me understand I was perfectly content not to be celebrating until midnight! More importantly, the shuttle service allowed everyone to enjoy the evening safely and without worrying about navigating the country roads back to town.
As guests prepared to leave, we handed out Auburn University shakers purchased from J&M Bookstore, and friends and family lined the outdoor exit to send the newlyweds off in true Auburn fashion. Before their departure, Auburn and Josh shared one final private moment inside the venue with a "last dance" while guests gathered outside.
Then came the traditional cheers—plenty of "War Eagles" and even the beloved "Bodda Getta"" chant—as the newlyweds made their exit in an Oaks golf cart.

​In typical Auburn and Josh fashion, the two did not leave quietly, privately, or in a special antique vehicle. Instead they decided that since they had invested in the shuttle service, they might as well enjoy it themselves! They boarded shuttle number three with their entire wedding party and about a dozen additional guests for the ride back to The Graduate.
While the older generation headed back to rest after a full day of celebration, the younger crowd—including the bride and groom—continued the festivities on campus at The Skybar. It was the perfect ending: a little practicality, a little tradition, and a whole lot of Auburn spirit.

​

As the afternoon quietly gave way to evening, our exceptional wedding coordinator, Blaknie Carlisle, began calling family members and the bridal party from the Main House for our official line-up and walk to The Oaks Chapel.
One of the unique qualities of Auburn Oaks Farm is that it is exactly what its name suggests—a working property that serves as a natural venue, hunting grounds, rifle range, and breathtaking wedding destination. The walk to the chapel follows uneven terrain, and after the afternoon showers the path was a bit slick in places. I was especially grateful that I had chosen shoes with a sturdy platform wedge rather than narrow heels. Even more comforting was seeing each of the grandparents gently escorted along the path, ensuring everyone arrived safely for the ceremony.
Stepping inside the chapel was one of those moments I'll never forget. Every seat was filled. Beautiful instrumental worship music floated through the room, while a reverent hush settled over the guests. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, as though everyone understood they were about to witness something truly special.
Before guests found their seats, they were welcomed by one of my favorite details of the day. Auburn had thoughtfully created an entry table featuring wedding photographs of both her and Josh's parents and grandparents—a sentimental tribute to the enduring marriages and legacies that came before them. It was a beautiful reminder that their love story was becoming part of a much larger family story.
Rather than a traditional guest book, Auburn chose a photo album filled with favorite memories from their relationship along with their engagement photographs. Guests were invited to sign around the edges of each page with words of encouragement, blessings, and well wishes. I have no doubt it will become one of their most treasured keepsakes in the years ahead.
Completing the display was a stunning arrangement of blush pink and white florals, expertly designed by florist Donnie Sasser. The elegant centerpiece welcomed guests into the chapel and offered a beautiful preview of the floral artistry they would soon see throughout the ceremony.

At the front of the chapel stood a striking floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace that served as the ceremony's altar. A substantial wooden mantel was gracefully adorned with cascading greenery and soft arrangements of pink, yellow, and white roses. It was understated yet elegant, allowing the beauty of the setting to speak for itself.
Trey escorted Grandma Larson to her seat before Ron walked me down the aisle to mine. Once we were settled, both men quietly returned to the back of the chapel to prepare for their important roles in the ceremony.
Our son, Trey, was honored to stand beside Josh as one of nine groomsmen. Over the years, he had enjoyed getting to know Josh during their time at Auburn University, and throughout the engagement their friendship continued to grow. He traveled with us to Waco, Texas, for the surprise engagement party and later joined Josh and the other groomsmen in Destin, Florida, for a bachelor weekend that included offshore fishing. It was a meaningful season of shared experiences.
Watching the groomsmen gather, it was evident how richly Josh has been blessed with lifelong friendships. Some had known him since childhood, others since high school, and several were fraternity brothers from Auburn. Trey was warmly welcomed into the group, and I know he appreciated not only the camaraderie but also the opportunity to form lasting friendships of his own.

I have to admit, when my processional music began, I wasn't entirely sure I could hold back the tears. In fact, I worried I might completely lose it! Worship music has always had that effect on me. Even though this was an instrumental arrangement, there are certain melodies that immediately fill my heart with gratitude for Christ's love and faithfulness. I didn't know what song Auburn had selected for my entry but it was the instrumental of What A Beautiful Name, by Hillsong Worship. My heart and eyes flooded tears of thanksgiving. I gathered myself just in time to make it to my front-row seat to await Ron and Auburn's entrance.
As the doors opened, Ron proudly escorted Auburn down the aisle to where Josh, the wedding party, and Reverend John Woods were waiting. There was no elaborate ceremony of "giving away the bride." Instead, Ron simply placed Auburn's hand into Josh's, locking their hands together before quietly taking his seat beside me. It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes.
Reverend Woods delivered a heartfelt message centered on the friendship that first brought Auburn and Josh together and the grace that would sustain them throughout their marriage. He shared stories highlighting their individual strengths while also celebrating the qualities they have in common. One observation that especially made everyone smile was their shared competitive spirit. Whether playing cribbage, basketball, or pickleball, both possess an undeniable drive to win.
Then came one of those unexpected moments that every wedding seems to have.
Without warning, a portion of the floral garland draped across the mantel shifted and tumbled onto the floor. Reverend Woods hardly missed a beat. He paused, looked down at the flowers, smiled, and calmly said, "We're just going to leave that there."
The chapel erupted in laughter.
Meanwhile, I glanced over at Ron and could practically see the wheels turning in his mind as he calculated what sort of discount he might negotiate from the florist for the unexpected mishap! Fortunately, only one section had fallen, leaving the rest of the arrangement beautifully intact. After the ceremony, our wonderful coordinator, Blaknie Carlisle, carefully repositioned the greenery so everything looked perfect for the family photographs.
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony came when Auburn and Josh shared communion together at a small table positioned just behind the bridesmaids. As they returned, Reverend Woods invited both sets of parents to join the couple at the front. What followed is best described as a game-day huddle. The six of us stood shoulder to shoulder with our arms around one another as Josh's dad, Tim, offered a beautiful blessing over their marriage.
His words weren't projected for the congregation to hear. They were spoken just loudly enough for the six of us gathered together. It was intimate, deeply personal, and one of those sacred moments that will remain etched in my heart long after the flowers have faded and the music has ended.

Before the official ceremony began, Auburn and Josh had already exchanged deeply personal vows with one another. They each wrote their thoughts in small keepsake vow books and, in a private moment outdoors, shared those words while their videographer quietly captured every heartfelt sentiment. I loved that they chose to reserve those intimate promises for just the two of them before standing before God, family, and friends.
During the ceremony itself, Reverend Woods led them through the timeless traditional vows before they exchanged wedding bands, which had been faithfully safeguarded by Josh's middle brother, Will, who served as Best Man. There was an audible sense of anticipation as the rings were placed on each other's fingers, followed by joyful applause when Reverend Woods pronounced them husband and wife. Auburn and Josh embraced with a warm hug and a kiss, their smiles saying everything words could not.
As they recessed down the aisle, they paused in the center aisle where Josh dipped Auburn into a dramatic kiss that had everyone smiling. It was the perfect celebratory ending to a beautiful ceremony, and thankfully, their photographer was there to capture the moment forever.
One of the thoughtful touches Auburn built into the wedding day was allowing a full hour between the ceremony and dinner. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception with appetizers on the grounds while The Oaks staff performed the remarkable transformation of the chapel into an elegant reception hall. The extra time also allowed for extended family photographs, something I especially appreciated.
My brother and his family had traveled from St. Petersburg, Florida, and my sister's family came from Raleigh, North Carolina. It is incredibly rare for all of us to be together in one place—let alone dressed in our wedding best—so I was grateful for the opportunity to gather everyone for professional photographs. Cousin Lindsey commented that the last wedding she had attended was my brother's nearly 15 years ago. Ron's family had also traveled from West Bend, Wisconsin, and Texas, making the afternoon a wonderful chance to capture memories that will be treasured for years to come.
As the sun began to settle over Auburn Oaks Farm, guests mingled, laughter filled the property, and the excitement shifted toward the evening celebration. Next time, I'll take you inside the reception for the southern buffet dinner, heartfelt toasts, and a dance party that kept the celebration going well into the night.

The wedding day had finally arrived! One of the many gifts of hosting the celebration at Auburn Oaks Farm was waking up in a beautiful Southern home right on the property. As Mother of the Bride, it was a joy to quietly start the morning by making sure coffee was brewing, juice was chilled, and breakfast was ready for the bridesmaids upon their arrival.
Thankfully, we had an abundance of delicious leftovers from our Bridal Brunch at The Botanic the day before—cheese grits, eggs, sausage, fruit and an assortment of pastries. In true wedding-week fashion, Ron had also made a Sam's Club run and stocked the kitchen with muffins, yogurt, and granola so there was something for everyone. Knowing it would be a long day leading up to the 5:00 p.m. ceremony, we had also arranged for a late-morning delivery from Chicken Salad Chick at 11:30 a.m. to ensure no one walked down the aisle hungry. With hair, makeup, photographs, and the excitement of the day ahead, keeping everyone nourished felt like one small way to care for the people who had gathered to celebrate our daughter.

 At approximately 7:00 a.m., three talented hair and makeup artists from Torie's Artistry Beauty Bar www.artistrybeautybar.com/ arrived, transforming the quiet farmhouse into a bustling bridal suite. Soon afterward came the nine bridesmaids and one very excited bride. The girls had all spent the night at The Graduate Hotel in downtown Auburn, and Auburn had thoughtfully arranged an early-morning shuttle to bring everyone to Auburn Oaks Farm.
The beauty team began promptly at 7:30 a.m., working through a carefully planned schedule of appointments that continued until around 12:30 p.m. Watching the artists at work was impressive. With calm confidence and remarkable efficiency, and southern drawls similar to Steele Magnolias, they curled, pinned, blended, and perfected each look while the room buzzed with laughter, conversation, and anticipation. There was no rushing or stress—just a steady rhythm as each bridesmaid emerged looking polished while still beautifully like herself.

​The mother of the groom, mother of the bride, and, of course, the bride were the last appointments on the schedule. The artists began with makeup before rotating everyone back through for their hairstyles, a system that kept the morning moving seamlessly.
After seeing how stunning Auburn's updo looked at the rehearsal dinner, many of us decided to request a similar style for the wedding day. I'm sure each look had an official, trendy name, but I couldn't tell you what it was. What I can tell you is how wonderfully freeing it felt to simply sit in the chair and entrust my hair and makeup to talented professionals.
The rehearsal dinner look had been a bit more dramatic—appropriate for a sparkly sequined dress—and my husband couldn't quite get over the transformation. As only Ron could say, "You didn't look bad...you just looked completely different!" He wasn't wrong. My everyday routine consists of Revision tinted moisturizer, mascara, and a little lip gloss, so full professional makeup was definitely outside my comfort zone. But it was fun to step outside my usual routine for such a special occasion.
For the wedding, Auburn chose a style that was uniquely her own. Rather than wearing her hair in an updo like the bridesmaids, she opted to have it partially pulled back while allowing its beautiful length and soft curls to cascade over her shoulders. It was timeless, elegant, and perfectly distinguished her as the bride.

​One of my favorite parts of the morning was simply listening to the girls' conversations. They laughed about work, engagements, dating, shared memories, and stories from college. Although many of them hadn't known one another before Auburn and Josh's engagement, by this point they had celebrated together through engagement parties, bridal showers, a bachelorette weekend in Destin, and countless wedding events. Watching them interact, you would have thought they had been lifelong friends.
Around 11:00 a.m., however, the morning took an unexpected turn. As Auburn was having her makeup applied, her eyes simply would not stop watering. The tears kept streaming down her face, making it nearly impossible for the makeup artist to create the soft, flawless look she had envisioned.
The evening before, we had both worn false eyelashes for the rehearsal dinner. They had been attached with adhesive, and although my eyes had felt slightly sensitive, I tolerated them without much trouble. With a fresh application of lashes and more adhesive that morning, it quickly became apparent that Auburn was having a different experience. Her beautiful crystal-blue eyes—already framed by naturally long, dark lashes—were becoming increasingly red, irritated, and watery.
The artists tried soothing eye drops, which briefly reduced the redness but did nothing to stop the tears. Each time Auburn gently blotted her eyes, it disturbed the makeup just enough that it became difficult to achieve the smooth finish everyone was hoping for. As a mother, it was hard to watch. This was her wedding day, and instead of simply enjoying the moment, she was struggling to keep her eyes open.
Then one of her bridesmaids, her dear friend Julia, quietly stepped in. She asked Auburn if they could walk outside together for a few minutes. Away from the activity of the bridal suite, Julia gently shared what she suspected was happening. She believed Auburn was having an allergic reaction to the eyelash adhesive—possibly because some of the glue from the rehearsal dinner had remained on her lashes before a second application was added that morning.
Julia suggested removing the lashes altogether, explaining that if the adhesive remained, Auburn's eyes might continue to be irritated throughout the ceremony and reception. With remarkable patience, she spent the next 10 to 15 minutes using soft wipes and cotton swabs to carefully remove every trace of the glue that had become such an irritant.
Looking back, I'm not sure Auburn would have accepted that advice if it had come from me. But coming from Julia—calm, thoughtful, and so graciously reassuring (qualities that undoubtedly make her an exceptional speech-language pathologist)—Auburn trusted her. Torie agreed with the plan, the false lashes were left off, and little by little Auburn's eyes began to calm. Her natural lashes were already beautifully long, and once the irritation subsided, her stunning blue eyes became the focal point once again.
It was one of those quiet moments that could have become a wedding-day crisis but instead became a beautiful reminder that sometimes the right friend, with just the right words spoken at just the right time, is one of God's sweetest gifts.

The entire wedding day was built around a carefully orchestrated timeline that Auburn, the photographer, and the wedding coordinator had thoughtfully developed months in advance. Every detail had its place, and unfortunately, there wasn't a single extra minute built in for unexpected makeup complications.
By the time Auburn's eyes had finally settled down, she was understandably a little flustered. She worried there would no longer be enough time for the pajama photos with her bridesmaids and that the delay might cut into the "first look" photographs. I reassured her that everything was going to be fine. Throughout the morning, I had been quietly taking candid photos of the girls laughing, visiting, and enjoying the preparations. More importantly, despite the unexpected detour, we were still remarkably close to schedule.
Soon it was finally time for Auburn to slip into her wedding dress. We even paused for a few photographs of me using the tiny button hook to fasten the seemingly endless row of buttons down the back of her dress.
Now for the truth behind those beautiful photos—they were a bit of "fake news."
Caroline Wallace, Auburn's matron of honor, was actually the one who knew how to use the button hook. She patiently fastened every button while I stepped in afterward to pose for the sentimental mother-of-the-bride pictures. In addition, Caroline was brave enough to competently steam-iron Auburn's gown! I am amazed by the skills and confidence of young women these days! 

Around 3:30 p.m., the entire wedding party—including the flower girls and ring bearers—made our way to the wedding barn chapel. By that point, we had experienced a few passing afternoon thunderstorms, so we carefully made the hundred-yard walk with umbrellas in hand, hoping to keep everyone and everything looking as fresh as possible.
The photographer did an incredible job leading the process. With so many people involved, she efficiently organized the various groups, quickly capturing family photos, bridal party shots, and all the combinations needed before guests began arriving. The goal was to return to The Main House by 4:00 p.m. so the girls could have a few quiet moments to relax and prepare before the 5:00 p.m. ceremony.
Remarkably, we actually stayed on schedule.

​Back at the house, the groomsmen gathered casually in the kitchen and living room while the bridesmaids retreated to the back bedroom for a few final hair and makeup touch-ups. I was completely unaware of what was happening behind that closed door. In fact, I was peacefully relaxing on the sofa, thinking everything was ready.
What I didn't know was that several of Auburn's bridesmaids had quietly decided to take matters into their own hands and completely redo her makeup.
After all the tears, blotting, wiping, and reapplication throughout the morning, they felt her makeup had started to look a bit heavy and cakey. Their solution? Start fresh. They gently removed most of the makeup and recreated a softer, more natural look that allowed Auburn's true beauty to shine through.
And the result was absolutely stunning.
Auburn looked radiant as she prepared to walk down the aisle. Her makeup was elegant, fresh, and perfectly suited to her. Ironically, I didn't learn about this behind-the-scenes rescue mission until the day after the wedding! Looking back, it makes me smile because it perfectly captures the spirit of the entire day—friends who noticed a need, stepped in with love, and quietly made sure Auburn felt her very best.