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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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