Alicia + Mark at Red Barn Studios
Every photographer has a list of dream venues tucked away in their head, making it hard to contain their excitement when a couple inquires with them and names their venue from this list. Red Barn Studios has been on my dream list for over 5 years, so you can imagine how excited I was when Alicia + Mark booked us there. If you haven’t already read their engagement blog, I’ll wait while you familiarize yourself with their story.
Ready? Let’s continue…
The Best Surprise of the Day
When Jake and I arrived at Red Barn Studios, we checked in with Jamie of JH Events & Design for a quick tour before heading to the getting ready suites. I loved the layout of the venue, and the only thing I could have wished for was more parking. Haha! The venue grounds were incredible, and they even had an amazing plan for getting every guest to the ceremony space at the other end of the field. (Spoiler alert: it was a tractor and trailer. This farm girl was IN LOVE!).
After we went our separate ways, I got a text message from Jake that I needed to stop by the groom’s suite. This is rare because he’s pretty solid when it comes to making sure everything is going smoothly. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I headed over, but as I walked up, he says “You have to look at Mark’s shirt”. (I’ll be honest, I rolled my eyes because I assumed it was a standard white dress shirt).
His shirt… was covered in Alicia’s face. It was hysterical! I laughed so hard and then had to ask him how he managed that and if Alicia knew. (She did!) It turns out he ordered the fabric and had a seamstress replace the bodice of the shirt with the special-order fabric. The shirt was perfection, and I’m willing to bet no one will forget that detail.
Unique Perspectives at Red Barn Studios
One of my favorite things about Alicia + Mark’s wedding was their creative use of the property. The ceremony took place in a beautifully shaded nook away from the barn. The staff hauled guests out using a John Deere tractor and trailer, while Alicia and her crew finished final preparations. Once the wedding party boarded their ride, I hopped on as well to make my way to the ceremony space. Halfway there, in true to Markie style, I exited the trailer as he slowed down (those farm skills are handy at weddings) so I could snag some photos of Alicia being driven into the ceremony space.
After the ceremony was my next favorite part… Alicia and Mark drove off, stopping short of heading back to the venue. As it turns out, there was another little hideaway where they could celebrate their union with the wedding party. Drinks were clinked, the marriage license was signed, and everyone (except Alicia and Mark) headed back to the venue to start the party. We stayed behind to photograph some “just married” couple’s portraits before making our way to the grand entrance.
Everything about Alicia + Mark’s wedding made my heart sing. From heartfelt toasts that brought tears to everyone’s eyes to the party on the dance floor, their group of friends really knew how to make a night memorable. Honestly, I don’t know why it took me so long to write this blog post, but I cannot wait to see where Alicia + Mark’s journey takes them. They have an incredible support system cheering them on and I know they’re going to make waves and memories wherever they go!
