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You gotta love a good ol’rustic country barn wedding and Florida wedding photographers Sarah & Ben brought us a true classic.  Rachel Frazier & Michael Bundy scored a venue that truly fit their persona in the open air The Hitching Post Barn, a property which features large oaks & sweeping open fields which really allowed the couple to bring in their down home feel.  Wanting to make things as personally as possible, Rachel & her mom hand made each detail from bunting to heart garland, even the flowers were hand done by Rachel’s cousin.  Working with a mixed palette of corals & blue, the couple crafted a unique setting that truly popped against their more natural settings.  The result was an energy charged barn wedding with bold hues & personal touches that shined through!

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Novella of the Bride…

Wedding Buzzwords ~ Vintage, Rustic, Country, Relaxed, Outdoors, & DIY

Mike and I had an interesting start. We met through our mutual friends at a bar playing pool. I was not at all interested, but he was. His interest waivered over the years, and when those mutual BFF’s of ours got married, and we were the Maid of Honor and Best Man, it only seemed appropriate for us to get along for them. When I asked him when he was going to take me to a Rays game, it sealed the deal! Though I was resistant at first, he was persistent, and I am so grateful he was. After we dodged what could have been a BAD police check point after our first kiss on the beach at night (and he took me for some BBQ earlier!), I knew this guy I used to avoid and ignore could be in my future forever. Currently, he is working with youth to help them achieve their career goals and nerds out with his love of comic books. He also loves to baby his other love; his car. I am gearing up for another school year as a middle school teacher, and coaching cheerleading.

I’ve been to many a wedding in my life, and I personally wanted to make my wedding as representative of my husband and I as possible. When my mom came across The Hitching Post website, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for: relaxed and comfortable. Although there is nothing wrong with having a wedding at any other venue, I knew I could not achieve the feel and look I wanted if the ceremony or reception were indoors. It had to be outside. I knew it came with risk since Florida weather is unpredictable, but the risk paid off. The large oaks and open fields were the perfect background for our special day, and I hoped that people would feel more comfortable in a setting that we live in.

Our overall theme for the wedding was laid-back, rustic comfort. I wanted to make mostly everything for my wedding, because I knew that it would be more special if my personal touches were evident. I wanted people to be in a relaxed setting and to genuinely have fun! Since our ceremony and reception was outdoors, I wanted my colors to pop against the natural landscape and represent spring. I also wanted to use the big oak trees and landscape as part of our decoration/feel, so my decorations merely enhanced the outdoors. The barn was already decorated, so we just added our own personal touches, like the fabric backdrop behind our table and our monogram throughout. Some of my personal favorite elements that the barn supplied were a campfire, corn-hole and horseshoes, which our guests played while snacking on hors d’oeuvres. My bridal party and I also made our entrance by vintage tractor hay ride!

A Little Help From Their Friends ~ Since my wedding was mostly DIY, I absolutely could not have pulled it off without my family and friends. My cousin did my flowers, my other cousin was the officiant, and a couple of my aunts helped with favors and other decorations. Of course my mom was not only my biggest support system, she was my planner/decorator/ and biggest contributor to the DIY projects. She made my garter, my cake topper, my colorful fabric backdrop, chalkboard signs, pennants; essentially ALL of my decoration! My friends were my go-to girls on their own personal dos and don’ts and were an integral part of my calm demeanor the day of.

Favorite Moments ~ Some of my favorite moments from that day were the smaller things. My girls and I spending time together before the chaos and getting ready together. Taking those ‘no peeking’ pictures, knowing that the man whose hand I was holding, and was going to marry was my soul mate. Walking down the aisle to a song that my grandmamma and I loved and knowing she really was there, though not physically. My daddy surprising me with a song. Our family making an effort to be there, when some live SO far away. Sarah and Ben agreeing to a picture with a T-Rex in it because they’re awesome! Mostly, I loved being there with our family and friends and enjoyed their company. Oh and hugging my mom at the end of the night, knowing that she put so much effort in and agreeing that the wedding was fun, but both being relieved that it was over!

Vendor Love

Photographer: Sarah & Ben | Venue: The Hitching Post Barn  | Wedding Dress: Galina  | Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal  | Shoes: Nocona Boots  | Hair: Loft 352  | Invitations: Magnet Street  | Florist: Allen’s Florist  | Caterer: John Mason Catering  | Baker: Gigi’s Cupcakes