So, sometimes I am looking back through photos and realize I have failed to blog a wedding. Such is the case with Rachel and Andrew’s gorgeous barn wedding Jessica and I photographed 2 summers ago. It may be a blogging no-no but I’m going to post it anyway 😉 It’s one of my all time favorites, so much love was put into this day! The Barn at The Hamptons is now a wedding venue, but before 6-16-12 it was a family barn that Rachel, Andrew and their friends and family spent many hours restoring for their wedding day. (Notice their initials and date in the concrete.) Rachel is a graphic designer and designed everything from their logo to the beautiful stationery suite. Andrew made the mason jar chandelier they stood under to say their vows in the barn that Andrew’s grandfather built. I can’t believe I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to photograph this day for them. As a bonus, read more details by Rachel below 🙂

“Andrew and I were married in the eastern Ozarks of Missouri, beneath the barn lights on June 16, 2012. Those who know us best would describe us as simple with a passion for life in the country and a tremendous appreciation for family. It was important to us, that the setting for our wedding would be true to these qualities..Andrew’s family farm is home to a beautiful barn, built by his grandpa, Ottis Hampton, 65 years ago. With a little work and some TLC, we determined the barn would be the perfect place for our long awaited “special day”. Throughout the years, the barn became a special part of the Hampton family and we were thrilled that it would become a special part of “us”. Months of preparations went into getting the barn ready, electric was installed, a concrete floor was poured and many hours were spent cleaning. To add some ambience lighting, Andrew and I designed a piece that would personify all that we are. Andrew built a chandelier from mason jars found in his grandma’s cellar, an old tractor wheel, grapevine, wire, and lights to accent the barn’s interior.”

“While Andrew kept busy constructing “our” chandelier, I went to work designing our entire line of wedding stationary. The theme was fun and invited everyone to “save the date”. Our invitations consumed me, as I spent a great amount of time making sure they were just perfect; simple, but perfect. In addition, I designed our programs that also served as fans and slips for our party favors.”




















“The décor consisted of numerous family heirlooms and antiques. My right hand was adorned with a my grandma’s turquoise ring, one the few pieces of jewelry left from her belongings, and my wildflower bouquet was filled with sentiment as it contained numerous family brooches and a family handkerchief. All of these things added to our display of appreciation and commitment to family.”












“As with everything leading up to it, the ceremony would be unique as well and would be true to us. Andrew and I are both musicians and music has been a great inspiration to not only us as a couple but individually as well. As a mater of fact, music brought us together in the first place. We decided there would be no unity candle, instead we each chose a song that described the love we felt for one another and it would be played by our string band. This music was incredibly special and the songs will always be a part of the commitment we made that beautiful June evening.”












“After the ceremony, we greeted our friends and family outside as the interior of the barn was being transformed for the reception.”












“Tables spilled out of the barn and into the grass under strings of glowing lights. We spent the night and the wee hours celebrating, laughing, sharing wonderful memories and making new ones.”



“Our day from beginning to end was full of love, family and a deep heritage that both of our families share. It was indeed a beautiful day. We are so thankful to have shared our most special of days with those we love most in our own special way. I am blessed beyond measure to have married my very best friend…it was a dream. Simple as that.”