Meghan and Austin’s wedding at Bridgestreet Gallery and Lofts

Meghan and Austin were set to be married on the bride’s parent’s property with a wildflower backdrop and a reception under the stars. But strong chances of thunderstorms pushed the couple in a different direction and just two days before the wedding, they moved the event to Bridgestreet Gallery and Lofts. The venue lent a clean backdrop to their style—”genuine, warm, laid back and a touch European.” A talented group of vendors lead by planners at Artistry created the simple and beautiful details including florals by Laura McCarty of Marked, invitation design by Kathleen Varner, and treats by Baking Bandits. See all the lovely details in these images captured by the incredibly talented Mandy Busby.

What made the wedding special and unique? 

We wanted our wedding day to feel genuine, warm, laid back and a touch European. Our ceremony and reception were originally planned to take place on my parents’ property. I wanted the setting to hold meaning. The backdrop was going to be a little hill of wildflowers and the reception to be under the stars (like the night Austin proposed to me), but two days before there was a switch over because of a huge chance of thunderstorms. We were able to move everything over to a venue in Birmingham that lent a clean backdrop. We still took all of our portraits on the property and I got dressed that morning in my bedroom at my parents’ house. I went barefoot and chose an anklet over a bouquet. I adore flowers but decided I’d rather not deal with having to carry flowers. So we made the altar florals the focal point. We chose not to have a bridal party. Just my sister and his brother stood beside us during our ceremony. We did both have a handful of our dear friends spend the day with us though.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

My gown is an Amy Kuschel gown. I wanted my dress to be simple and comfortable with movement. I actually ended up buying the sample dress that was a size 8 and altering it to a 0. I saved so much doing it that way.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

As a wedding vendor myself it was so so special getting to hire the help of so many dear dear friends…two of my best friends sang at our ceremony, two friends did my hair and makeup, a friend styled the wedding, a friend made pastries, a friend did the florals, and on and on and on. Every detail felt personal and loved on because of it.

We did end up writing our own vows and we’re both so glad we took the time to do it. We now have them framed on our walls as sweet reminders to the weightiness and power of the promises we’ve made to one another.

What was the most memorable part of the day? 

Our ceremony was hands down our favorite part! We put a lot of thought into the music and layout. Our prayer was that the day would be focused on the Gospel and not on us, and that people would leave knowing how loved and appreciated they were.

I think that first hug we shared after our ceremony is really special to us as well and our photographer captured it so perfectly!!

Tell us how you met and became engaged!

Austin actually heard my voice before he met me. I sang the national anthem at my little brother’s high school football game. He had started working for my dad’s accounting firm a couple of months before and then got brought on to help my dad coach football in the evenings (since he had coached a little bit after playing in college). My brothers were such a fan of him and it kind of just developed from there. After dating for a year, Austin proposed on my parents’ pier under the stars.

Photographer: Mandy Busby // Design and Coordination: Augusta Cole and Keighlee Buchanan of Artistry // Floral Design: Laura McCarty of Marked // Invitation Design: Kathleen Varner // Invitation Handwriting (bride and groom’s names): Laura McCarty of Marked // Calligraphy (envelopes: Bride’s sister) // Ceremony/Reception Venue: Bridgestreet Gallery and Lofts // Pre-wedding Venue: The Bride’s home/family property // Bride’s Dress: Amy Kuschel // Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo // Hair and Make Up: Molly Stilley and Joanna Ballentine of Irrelephant // Catering: Slice Pizza // Treats:  Baking Bandits // Wedding Musicians: Act of Congress