“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.”

Call me a hopeless romantic, but there is just something about weddings that makes me so giddy!

Maybe it’s the romance or the anticipation! Maybe it’s all of the gorgeous details and the dazzling floral arrangements. One of my all time favorite things about weddings is seeing the Bride in her wedding gown for the first time. Her smile beaming with joy and beauty. But there is just nothing like the groom’s face when he first sees his bride walking down that aisle! GAH! Bring on the tears! I am pretty sure I have bawled at every wedding I have ever attended.

Weddings are so special because so many loved ones are all together at one occasion celebrating the love of two people. I remember planning my own wedding. I planned every detail so thoughtfully and  had a vision for what I wanted the day to feel like. I love that whimsical, romantic type of wedding. The kind of weddings that make you fall in love all over again just being there.

Okay, I’ll stop gushing about weddings. But I’m curious, What is your favorite part of a wedding day? Is it the fun dance party at the reception? Or is it the delicious wedding cake? What about the timeless vows exchanged by the bride and groom?

A few years ago when I started photography, I told myself, “Someday I want to shoot weddings!, but that seems so far away…” I didn’t know how or when, but that was my goal! It is so scary to say that out loud because it makes me feel so vulnerable.

 My whole life I have loved weddings. I always thought I would end up being a wedding gown designer or a wedding planner. haha. My favorite chic flic of all time is The Wedding Planner. Even seen that one with J-Lo and Matthew McConaughey hey hey! Wink wink.  I just can’t keep it together during that film. It gives me ALL the feels.

Anyways, when I heard about a styled wedding photoshoot in the area, I got ALL excited. But to be honest with you, I almost didn’t go. I was scared out of my mind! This was something so out of my comfort zone, plus I just had had a baby and was feeling a bit overwhelmed and exhausted. I was also afraid to leave our newborn for more than an hour or two, but I talked to my hubby and he gave me confidence that he could handle taking care of Lila for a few hours. So, I decided to just go for it and buy the ticket.

The Experience Shootout was a beautiful event for photographers to practice their craft. As a dreamer and an aspiring wedding photographer, I couldn’t pass up this wonderful opportunity to get more practice.

When I arrived I was welcomed with smiling faces. All of the photographers were divided into groups and then we rotated to different stations. Basically, we were able to take any photos we wanted to and experiment with composition and style. It was a blast!!! Although I was extremely nervous, I ended up having the best time. I got some amazing images that I never could have had if I didn’t go.

 Now,  I finally feel like I can see that dream of photographing weddings someday coming true!

I say all of this because I want to encourage you all and just say, YOU CAN DO IT! Whatever it is that you think is scary or impossible, I promise you, you are capable! Just get out there and start chasing your dreams! You’ve got this friend!

Enjoy these gorgeous images from The Experience Shootout. So many talented vendors made this event a total dream come true! The soft color palette and the timeless florals were so romantic. I felt like I was attending the wedding of Cinderella! SO thankful I got to be apart of this beautiful day.

I am looking to expand my business and start photographing weddings. SOOOOO, calling all in-love couples and engaged couples!!! If you love these romantic and timeless images, I am your girl!
Email me, lets chat! carabaileyphoto@gmail.com

• Venue: Greenhouse Two Rivers @greenhousetworivers
• Coordinator:  Mathews Weddings and Events @mathewsweddingsandevents
• Cake: Cake Worthy Design (not on IG but on FB) 
• Cookies: Sweet Haus Bakery @elesha_briggs
• Videographer: Jared with Shea Brianne Photography @sheabriannephotography
• Invites and place cards (blue and grey design): Morphosis Studio @morphosisstudio
• Secondary Invites (green and white design): Sydney Beth Designs @sydneybethdesigns
• Jeweler: Mitchum Jewelers @mitchum_jewelers
• Place settings: Target 
• Florist: He Loves Me Flowers @helovesmeflowers
• Heels: Bella Belle Shoes @bellabelleshoes
• Dresses: Normans @normansbridal
• Tux: Paul Phillips Formal Wear @paulphillipsformalwear
• Hair: Gloss Makeup and Hair @glossmakeupandhair
• Makeup: Emily Edgar Makeup @emilyedgar
• Rental Company (linens): Elegant Linens and Rentals @elegantlinensandrentals
• Ribbon Vendor: Delaina J Designs @delaina_J 
• Accessories: Lietofiore @lietofiore
• Wooden Cutouts: 48 hr Monogram (on Etsy and FB)
• Thank you gifts: Reborn Candle Co. @reborncandleco
• Thank you florist: Eden’s Flower truck @edensflowertruck