The Barn at Honeysuckle Farms Wedding | Mattie & Solomon

It was an absolute pleasure to spend a recent Saturday with Mattie, Solomon, and all of their friends and family for this gorgeous Barn at Honeysuckle Farms Wedding! I arrived at the barn after a super pleasant drive through the countryside and over rivers, the sun shining as I belted out my typical showtunes. Mattie and her best girls were getting ready in one of the front rooms of the barn. I greeted Mattie like an old friend, because, well, we work at the hospital together, and when you experience the “joy” of nursing with somebody, it creates a super close bond! While Mattie finished hair and makeup, I took in all of the amazing decorations she had put together for her reception and photographed her gorgeous dress and details.

Getting Ready

When Mattie was ready to get into her gown, her mom and two sisters were by her side. The beautiful gown from Wedding By Design in West Des Moines featured lace all over and a gorgeous deep V back. Mattie’s bridesmaids got a special reveal when her whole look was complete. Such an exciting moment!

After Mattie was all dressed, we took her outside for a sweet and emotional first look with her dad! There were tears all around as Mattie’s mom, sisters, and bridesmaids all watched as her dad saw his baby girl for the first time on her wedding day!

After the all clear, Solomon arrived and hung out with his friends and brothers just down the hall from Mattie! The guys looked casual cool in suspenders and matched the theme of the wedding with their floral bow ties. Solomon wore a vest and his grandfather’s cuff links.

Ceremony Outside the Barn

Friends and family gathered outside of the barn for the ceremony, decorated with rustic frames at the altar and lined with string lights. The couple’s adorable dog made a guest appearance with the ring bearer and flower girl as they walked down the aisle, and was a good boy all through the ceremony! The couple exchanged vows, lit a unity candle, and were pronounced man and wife! They joyfully exited the ceremony to smiles from their guests.

After family portraits we got the entire wedding party together for photos! The couple had to grab a few portraits with their dog of course! I then took the couple along a path and into some gorgeous light for bride and groom portraits! These two knew just what to do in front of the camera, and soon we were bustling the dress and entering the reception!

Blue, Green, and Gold Reception

Let’s just talk about this reception decor! Mattie and her friends blew it out of the park with her decorations! On each table were different combinations of blue, green, and gold. There was an assortment of glasses, plates, and candlesticks that brought a chic but rustic look to each table. The dessert table was laden with homemade treats and a gorgeous naked cake created by Edible Art by Sara. It featured layers of chocolate with peanut butter filling, butter pecan, almond with blackberry and raspberry filling, and lemon with raspberry! How I went all night without having any blows my mind!

Last, but not least was the huge canvas sign behind the head table that Mattie created herself (check out more of her work here)! The story of her wrapping and painting it in her mom’s living room, only to find out it didn’t fit through the door made the canvas that much more amazing! This girl has some serious talent, and it made for the most perfect and unique backdrop for the antique chairs that her and Solomon got to enjoy sitting in!

After speeches and dinner, we headed out onto the patio for dancing under the lights and full moon. Friends and family watched as Mattie and Solomon shared a first dance. Mattie was then joined by her dad, where they surprised the crowd by breaking out into rock-n-roll!

Towards the end of the night, the couple danced under sparklers held by their closest friends and family!

Mattie and Solomon, I can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to photograph your gorgeous wedding! Everything was beautiful, and I enjoyed every minute of meeting your family and friends! Congratulations!

xoxo, Amanda