It’s been a crazy beginning to the year but I can’t wait to finally share photos from The Cartwright Wedding. I am so glad I got to photograph Hayley’s special day. We immediately hit it off during her consultation and I knew we’d be fast friends. I didn’t meet John Austin until it was wedding day, but I could tell how much he loved her just from speaking with him. Hayley and John Austin tied the knot at their home church with their closest friends and family. It was a beautiful November day with the perfect weather.
The Big Day
Hayley chose to walk down the aisle by herself which was her most anticipated part of the day. It was beautiful to watch her walk herself into life with her future husband. Something unexpected will always happen no matter how hard you try. When I asked Hayley if anything unexpected happened on her wedding day, she said she woke up to a text from her hairdresser saying she had hit a deer on the way to the wedding. Luckily, she was fine and the wedding day continued without any further hitches. In all honesty, I had no idea this had happened until after the wedding. When I arrived, Hayley was happy, laughing with her bridesmaids and was glowing. You’d never tell that the morning started off in such an unexpected way.
To Have A First Look or To Not?
Deciding between a first look or going more traditional? If you want to be more traditional and wait to see each other for the aisle, you can chose to do what Hayley and John Austin did. They wanted a moment together but didn’t want to see each other. They decided to do a first touch and have a prayer with Hayley’s grandfather. It was such a special moment and really helped to ease the nerves before they walked down the aisle.
Wedding Advice from the Groom
I asked John Austin to provide a little advice and this is what he had to say “If she wants to spend money on something you feel isn’t necessary try to compromise and let her do it anyway 😉 I’m kidding. Make sure you are both on the same page for the budget, it’s important that you both agree because you are getting married.” Such great advice! Budgeting is important because wedding planning can definitely get ahead of you. Your wedding is about the both of you so make sure you’re both happy with your day. It’s the one day you’ll get to celebrate the two of you.
Sweet Love from the Bride
And you know I had to ask if they had anything to say about their wedding photography. I love knowing what my couples love most that I do and of course anything I can improve on. Hayley is so incredibly sweet with her review and I can’t wait to get it added to the website.
“I could literally write a NOVEL on how amazing she is! She created a timeline and kept us on schedule. I didn’t ask her to do that but she did and it was just what we needed. She is prompt and creative. She listens to what you are saying and then will give recommendations if you need them. The best part, I have to say is not only do I have a legacy (coolest thing ever) photographer but I have a wonderful friend.” -Hayley Cartwright
Thank you so so much Hayley and John Austin for trusting me with your incredible day. I can’t wait to photograph your legacy.
Thank you to all the amazing vendors who helped make the Cartwright Wedding so special!
Ceremony/Reception Venue | Dickson SDA Church
Caterer | Hickory Hills Catering
Officiant | Dennie Forriest
Photographer | Liz Courtney Photography
Baker | Publix
Florist | Carl’s Flowers
Hair | Tamara Forrester
Makeup | Allyson Roe
Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal
Menswear | Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Dress | David’s Bridal/Designer-Vera Wang
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands | Touch of Class Jewelers
