WEDDING BLOG

It was love at first site for Lainey and Billy when they found the McCrite’s Cottonwood Estate for their wedding day! Combining their love of vintage décor and woodsy vibes, this venue provided tons of antique and vintage pieces, such as dressers, bicycles, candlesticks, and mismatched wooden chairs, for the couple to decorate the intimate ceremony meadow and the rustic reception pavilion. Just before the ceremony, Lainey and Billy had an emotional first look during which they read each other’s vows privately and took a moment to let the excitement of the day sink in. The bride looked beautiful in a lace gown from Sweet Elegance Bridal, and her bridesmaids gave us serious wedding party goals in mismatched champagne and blush dresses. Nicole Veldman Photography + Video and second shooter Kelly Breann Photography beautifully captured the romance and charm of this special day!

The Couple:

Lainey and Billy

The Wedding:

McCrite’s Cottonwood Estate, Hampton, Georgia

The most memorable part of the day was definitely our first look. Our photographers drove us separately in golf carts to meet each other in a big open field where we would saw each other for the first time. It was truly magical. Even though our 2 photographers were there, it really felt like we were all alone in that moment (they did an excellent job making sure that was the case). While in the field, we read the personal vows we had written to each other, and we both cried and smiled and laughed and felt all the feelings together. It felt like a dream! I always tease Billy about writing long passages because I love and enjoy writing and he would rather do almost anything else, but he absolutely blew my mind. By the second line of his vows, I was bawling. I will never forget that moment.

Our advice is to let your uniqueness shine! Make your wedding reflect you guys as a couple. Of course your family and friends’ opinions matter, but it’s your special day and if you want to switch up traditions and do your own thing, do it! I’ve heard people say, “don’t focus on the tiny details such as candles, napkins, vases, etc..” but honestly for me personally, I LOVE the small details. The smallest details like candle votives, little banners, and lace runners are things that actually bring me joy, even in our home. Focus on the things that will bring YOU and your significant other happiness. If it doesn’t, leave it out.

We had our officiant speak about our special engagement story. He also mentioned our sweet old dog Blu, who unfortunately wasn’t well enough to come enjoy the outdoor wedding with us. One of Billy‘s oldest friend read a very unique part of a famous verse, it meant a lot to us that he stood up and did that for us.

My mother-in-law and 2 sister-in-laws helped me handmake 180 candles from scratch in my tiny kitchen! Poured the wax into little jars and the whole deal. We had so much fun doing it, despite the fact that we literally did it 3 days before the wedding!

We are huge vintage decor collectors. We are always at thrift stores, estate sales and yard sales. It was a given that our wedding would be vintage inspired and when we chose our venue and saw that the family’s estate had a shed full of antiques for us to use…it was fate.

Processional – “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
Recessional – “Hallelujah, I Love Her So” by Ray Charles
First Dance – “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)” by Talking Heads

Congratulations to Lainey and Billy, and a huge thanks to Junebug member Nicole Veldman Photography + Video for sharing these gorgeous wedding photos with us! Love the vintage vibe of this wedding? Then you’re going to flip over this vintage inspired Florida wedding at Up the Creek Farms!