Everyone knows that wedding planning can be crazy. You set a date, and then *everything* else falls into place based off that one day. Weather is usually risky business, especially for outdoor weddings, along with vendor communications being stressful, and last but certainly most important, your health and wellness being great! When Stevie and I got married I had been fighting a cold and was so worried about not feeling 100% for our wedding. Comparing this to what Erica went through makes me feel like such a baby!

When she’d normally be getting some much needed sleep, waking up feeling rested and ready to take on the big, exciting day, Erica spent the night before her wedding in the ER. When I tell you she and Cody almost didn’t have the wedding they had worked so hard on, I mean it. While in the Emergency Room, Erica told the nurse (who was trying to admit her) that she couldn’t be admitted to the hospital because she was getting married today. To which the nurse replied, “No, you were getting married today.” They would have gotten married in the chapel at the hospital if they had to though! Nothing was going to stop them from ending the day hitched, however it happened.

Bound and determined, Erica got out of the hospital early that morning. And if she hadn’t told me what craziness had unfolded the night before, I seriously would not have been able to tell. Erica, Cody, and her parents were so joy-filled and positive, it was unreal to imagine the stress and exhaustion that they went through hours before! The strength and patience this woman had to carry on throughout her entire wedding day blew my mind. And she did it all with a smile. I so admired the way she approached the day, thinking how lame my outlook was over something much smaller and less scary like a cold. Life, including weddings, is all about perspective, and it was incredible to witness such an amazing one out of her and Cody.

Needless to say, Stevie and I were so thankful to be part of this special wedding. It reminded us of what’s important, and how no matter what happens on your wedding day, if you end the day as husband and wife, then it was a beautiful day. There was a whole lot of beauty to their day too, which you’ll see below – fall colors, cute pumpkins, tasty dessert, and tons of laughter. We hope and pray there’s lots of happiness, Ellie’s doughnuts, and rest in store for Erica and Cody in their new union!

XO,

Sara-Lane

Venue: Baskin Chapel at Brentwood Baptist

Portraits: The Factory at Franklin

Officiant: Rich Stratton

Florist: Whole Foods

Dessert: Ellie’s Doughnuts