Kayla & Tom | Summer Wedding at The White Barn at Lucas Farm in Oakland, MD

Ten years is a long time to be in a relationship with someone (and not yet be engaged).
By the ten year point, you know the other person pretty well: you know how they brush their teeth, if they can load the dishwasher “correctly”, and if they cry during sappy movies.
After ten years, friends & family have probably stopped (or at least slowed down) asking if you are EVER going to get married, because – well, ten years is a long time to still be waiting. And, well, maybe the other person is secretly in the witness protection program and can’t get married – who knows?

Tom and Kayla have been together for 10 years. They dated all through college, graduated, and then moved in together. They created a life together: buying a house, getting a dog, (and then Kayla getting another puppy when Tom was out of town once – oops).

Tom and Kayla were just together.
Sure, Kayla felt like Tom would propose and they’d get married someday, but that was sometime in the future.

Which brings us to the point in their story where Tom and Kayla went to the Outer Banks with some friends. Tom and Kayla love the beach. It is their happy-place.
Well lo and behold, Tom had a plan to make the beach an even more special, magical place.

One night, as the sun was setting, he took Kayla for a long walk along the beach. They talked and laughed and nervously Tom waited for just the right moment. However, when that moment presented itself and he got down on one knee – Tom found himself at a loss for words. How could one possibly sum up almost a decade of friendship and love? How could Tom ever explain to Kayla that she was his best friend, his soul mate, and he wanted to spend forever forevers with her? It took a moment, but eventually he found his words and they came out: “Will you marry me?”

You can probably guess that Kayla said yes (because she did).

And this past Saturday was the big day. With big fluffy white clouds floating in the sky, a lovely breeze that seemed to blow through just as you were beginning to feel a little toasty, and the sun peaking in and out like it was playing peek-a-boo, Kayla and Tom officially sealed their lives together – forever.

Kayla and Tom – you guys have been amazing to meet and get to know and work with through this whole process! I know it hasn’t always been easy – there have been some bumps in the road – but ultimately, nothing mattered on Saturday but the two of you getting married. And honestly, I feel like over the entire wedding planning process, you’ve come closer together, learned to rely on each other more, and become better people because of those bumps. After all, life is challenging, but when you’re walking down the road of life with your best friend by your side, it suddenly becomes much more manageable. Never stop making each other laugh, cry, or feel so desperately loved as you did on Saturday!

Read Kayla and Tom’s engagement blog post here.

And yes – I’m absolutely obsessed with Kayla and Tom’s wedding rings, but especially Tom’s band – have you ever seen a prettier wedding ring?!

Kayla and Tom choose to do a First Touch and read private vows they had written to each other before the ceremony. It was one of the most emotional, touching moments I have ever witnessed on a wedding day!

And they’re married!

Can’t you just see this image being on the cover of White Barn’s wedding guide? I’m just DYING over how incredible Kayla and Tom are!!

We had to re-create this image from Kayla and Tom’s engagement session! It was one we kind of “stumbled” across and turned out to be one of our favorites from the entire day, so it only made sense to do it again! And, I’m OBSESSED.

Don’t let the dark fool you though! White Barn is truly a big, white, barn!

We snuck away for a few sunset photos – and that’s when we discovered what an incredibly TWIRLING dress Kayla had!

As amazing as the entire day was – THIS was my favorite moment of the entire day!
While their guests gathered outside of the barn to get ready with sparklers, Tom and Kayla shared a private “last dance”. Brittany (the venue coordinator) shut the barn doors, so it was just Tom and Kayla, the DJ, and I – and wow, what a beautiful, meaningful few moments!
Wedding days happen so fast and oftentimes, a bride and groom get just a few fleeting moments to be by themselves and soak in the fact that it’s their wedding day. So, a private last dance was the most amazing way to take the time to really enjoy and celebrate the moment. It was the most beautiful three minutes I have ever witnessed on a wedding day.

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Kayla & Tom’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony and Reception: The White Barn at Lucas Farm in Oakland, MD
Catering: Goehringer’s Catering in Accident, MD
Invitations: Shutterfly
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Hair and Faces by Tina in Oakland, MD
Florals: Dream Big Wedding Creations, LLC
Bridal Gown Shop & Bridesmaids Gowns: MB Bride in Greensburg, PA
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Engagement Ring: Brilliant Earth
Her Wedding Ring: Kay Jewelers
His Wedding Ring: Manly Bands
Wedding Cake: Mountain Flour Baking Co. in McHenry, MD
DJ: DJ Bryan Robertson in Ridgeley, WV
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA