A Day Full of Love at The Barn at Lakeside Ranch
Dylan and Aubrey’s November 15th wedding at The Barn at Lakeside Ranch was one of the sweetest, most heart-filled celebrations I’ve had the honor of capturing. This day already meant so much to me because I’ve known Aubrey and her family for nearly 13 years. My husband and her brother were best friends, and since then, Aubrey’s family has felt like an extension of my own.
I’ve photographed their engagement photos, their pregnancy announcement, and now their wedding day. Being part of all of these milestones has been such a blessing and made this day even more special.
Getting Ready With the Girls
The day started quietly with soft golden light over the venue, the kind of warm, peaceful morning that makes everything feel calm before the celebration begins. I took a few photos of the ceremony space and barn, and then headed in to capture Aubrey getting ready.
Aubrey, who is currently pregnant, had every reason to feel overwhelmed, but she handled the day with grace. She was a little stressed (like any bride!), but she remained in great spirits the whole morning. She was surrounded by her support system her mom, sister, sister-in-law, niece, and close family and friends.
There was so much love in that room. The kind of energy that reminds you why wedding mornings are some of my favorite moments to photograph.
The Guys Getting Ready
Over at the groom’s area, Dylan spent the morning with his brother, brothers-in-law, father-in-law, and close family. Dylan is naturally quiet and sweet, and you could tell he was excited but calm, the perfect balance for a wedding day.
We were able to grab some great groomsmen portraits before the ceremony, which worked out beautifully and kept everyone relaxed and ahead of schedule.
A First Look Full of Tears
Instead of a first look with Dylan, Aubrey chose to do a first look with her brothers and her dad, all together.
This moment was powerful.
Not a dry eye anywhere.
Her brothers and dad immediately wrapped her in the kind of hug that says everything words could never express. They were emotional, proud, and completely in awe of how beautiful she looked. It was one of the most meaningful parts of the entire day.
A Lakeside Ceremony
The ceremony space was simple, sweet, and absolutely perfect, set right in front of the lake with soft natural light reflecting off the water.
That’s when we had the most adorable “uh-oh” moment:
The ring bearer, Aubrey’s nephew, walked up with the ring box… and when they opened it, it was empty.
A moment of confusion, laughter from everyone, and then a quick sprint from someone, to go find the rings. It ended up becoming a fun memory everyone will talk about for years.
Once the rings were safely delivered, the ceremony continued beautifully, filled with heartfelt vows and quiet, emotional glances between Dylan and Aubrey.
After the Ceremony
Right after the ceremony, we jumped into family photos, followed by wedding party portraits. Once everything wrapped up, I took Dylan and Aubrey for their private bride-and-groom photos. If I am able to get the bride and groom alone for these photos I do. This takes some eyes off of them and lets them take a breath and finally a moment alone.
This short window is always my favorite time.
They were relaxed, connected, fully in the moment, and the light was perfect.
These two are incredibly sweet and shy, and you can feel their love most deeply in the quiet moments. Their photos reflect exactly who they are together.
A Sweet and Simple Reception
Once the reception began, Dylan and Aubrey were announced in and went straight into enjoying the food and spending time with their loved ones. Blue Line BBQ, located in Starke, Florida, catered the food keeping everything simple, delicious, SO many options and exactly what the couple wanted.
Aubrey shared a first dance with her dad and then a surprise dance with her mom, each moment emotional and personal in their own way. With blended families, these dances were especially meaningful, and everyone watching could feel it.
Dylan and Aubrey chose to save their first dance as a couple until the very end of the night, after everyone had left. Just the two of them in a quiet barn with soft lights and no audience.
It was intimate.
It was private.
It was perfect for them.
A moment that truly belonged just to Dylan and Aubrey.
Final Thoughts
Dylan and Aubrey, thank you for trusting me to capture yet another chapter of your story. From engagement to parenthood to your wedding day, it has been such a blessing to be part of so many of your milestones.
Your wedding at The Barn at Lakeside Ranch was sweet, simple, emotional, and filled with love in every direction. I cannot wait to see the next chapter of your lives unfold.
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Blanchett
