When designing this Barefoot Bride editorial, I wanted the end result to not only speak to our ideal client but, more importantly, for it to showcase her heart. She doesn’t necessarily have a certain style or color palette. Rather, she is a true reflection of the barefoot church movement.
She has a desire to serve a purpose greater than herself. She wholeheartedly believes in being the hands and feet of Jesus. The Barefoot Bride yearns to be an example of God’s love, light, kindness, and excellence. She has a burning desire for her marriage to be a testament to God’s unconditional love and favor. Her purpose is to bring all witnesses closer to Him.
In shining a light on the Barefoot Bride, myself and Cotton Weddings deeply wanted to give back by serving a couple who has always been self-sacrificing without ever asking for anything in return. We knew that couples who have this type of heart would never request to be in the limelight for their service so we held nominations. The stories that were submitted brought us to tears. We were deeply touched and just flat out in awe of what normal, everyday people do in the service of others.
While everyone who was nominated undoubtedly deserved the opportunity to receive styled heirloom photos, there was a clear winner:
Hailey and Matt were married this past June. Shortly after their big day their photographer delivered devastating news. His hard drive crashed and they did not have a single photo from their wedding day. Naturally, they were heartbroken, but not nearly as upset as the photographer. He took it pretty hard and decided to shut down his business. As soon as Hailey and Matt caught wind of this, they felt God calling them to reach out to him immediately. They explained to him that they understood mistakes happen. They reminded him of how talented he was and encouraged him to keep sharing his craft with others. Because of Hailey and Matt’s forgiveness and encouragement, he is still documenting the happiest days of people’s lives.
This whole experience has been incredible. Every member of our incredible team who donated time and talent to this couple has loved it and been encouraged. It is our hope that other industry professionals see this editorial and are motivated to give back as well. We would be ecstatic if serving others in this way became a new ‘trend.’
Venue: The Farmhouse Events
@thefarmhouseevents
Photography: Cotton Weddings
@cottonweddings
Planning & Design: Lean On Me Events
@leanonme_events
Bride’s Gown: Lovely Bride
@lovelybride
Groom’s Tux: Generation Tux
@generationtux
Floral: Bramble and Bee
@brambleandbee
Cake & Desserts: Buttercup Houston
@buttercuphouston
Invitation Suite & Calligraphy: A Fine Flourish
@afineflourish
Hand-Painted Ceremony Backdrop: Jamie Lewis Artistry
@jamielewisartistry
Snow Cone Swing: Post Studio Houston
@poststudiohou
Place Settings: Pier 1
@pier1
Makeup & Hair: Blush Worthy
@blushworthytx
Bride’s Ring and Jewelry: Uptown Diamond
@uptowndiamondgirl
Furniture: Rent Some Vintage
@rentsomevintage
Marble Dance Floor: Laced Vinyl Shoppe
@lacedvinylshoppe
Flatware: Swift Events
@swiftevents
Balloons: Big Ass Balloons
@bigassballoons
Vintage Glassware: Revisionist Events
@revisionistevents
Bride’s Hair Accessory: Botanist Co.
@thebotanistco