Gina + Austin | A Beautiful Fall Wedding at the Blanford House

Her zest for life is contagious, and Austin got caught in her spell……

Austin’s best man, Steven, told all about it during his speech. Apparently their group of friends had all decided that they should all stay single forever. When they discussed this with Austin, he said, “Well….” And that’s when they found out they had competition in the form of a beauty named Gina…. Steven conceded the official title of Austin’s “most important person” to Gina during his bestman speech. He told how he had made it his personal mission to frustrate her to no end on a daily basis, and Gina agreed that he succeeded most days. Their lively banter was hilarious to all of us as we listened and smiled in remembering how our own lives changed when we met that someone.

When I spend six to eight hours with a family on their wedding day, I learn many really neat things. And this next bit is just the sweetest…. Gina’s beautiful wedding dress came from Eleven in Nashville. And when she tried it on, she just knew it was the one. Her wedding dress entourage had three boutiques booked, and Eleven was the first one of the day. So she left and went to the second, but never made it to the third. This dress was it. When she returned to purchase it, she learned that it was so new that it didn’t officially have a name yet. The designer saw a photo of Gina wearing it, and now it is officially named the “Gina.” How cool is that??!!

Austin and Gina, your wedding was stunning, and I was blessed to be there. It’s flurry of activity to the point that it might be hard to even comprehend how much has to fall in place for a wedding to happen (and you had an amazing coordinator who helped make that happen), but the most important thing is YOU TWO and how you love each other. Your happiness and your future together is a perfect reason to throw a party, and you had a beautiful one. I wish you years of fun and games, and when life isn’t fun – I wish you patience and perseverance that only true love can bring. And most of all, I wish you peace and joy together. Love and blessings, Pat

Austin and Gina’s rings were beautiful, and significant. Austin had his grandmother’s band melted down, redesigned and her diamond reset for Gina. If you notice, the inside of his ring is etched with the same pattern as Gina’s band. And of course, below is The Gina, waiting for the bride to put her on and marry Austin.

And that’s just what she did.

First looks with her ladies. Gina wanted Austin’s niece to turn around first. She was just the best flower girl…

The Blanford House is a breathtaking venue and home converted from the old Oakland Elementary School. The only thing that still looks original is the staircase below. Gina, who just began her first year of teaching this year, wanted to do her first look with her stepdad there.

And this was the sweetest bride/groom first look.

Austin loves his Gina. I told him that I learned to give all the directions for the smooching poses before I said the word kiss, because if he ever heard that word, he heard nothing else….

One of my FAVORITES ever!! I love the joy in this photo, and I pray that their joy never ends.

Cindy was the best “veil tosser” ever. If you’ve done it, you know it requires a deep breath, a toss high in the air that doesn’t pull the bride’s head backwards, and the tosser to run backwards at the same time….

Gina and Austin’s wedding party was just the best. They were up for anything. “Austin Also” was such a good sport because I couldn’t remember his last name.

Gina with Elizabeth, the sweetest flower girl ever, Danielle, and MOH – Cindy.

Steven, Andrew, and Austin Also with Austin Ring. Such a fun group of guys!!

Austin and Gina’s immediate families – all in one shot. She has two brothers; he has two sisters.

It was such a beautiful day – in every way.

I learned that the Officiant, Ryan, and also married to Danielle, one of Gina’s attendants. -Gina and Austin wrote their own vows. They were the perfect combination of heartfelt and hilarious.

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Continuing with their fun and games theme, Gina and Austin specifically had their cakes designed to reflect the things they enjoy. They turned out beautifully.