Farm at Ridgeway wedding couple along farm fence

Jennifer and Nate choose the perfect location for their rustic themed wedding – The Farm at Ridgeway, located conveniently just outside the city of Columbia.  I asked Jennifer a few questions about what lead them to this perfect day…

How did the two of you meet?

We met through his cousin Megan Burton (bridesmaid) I was friends with her and we would see each other at different family events and knew each other for several years before starting to date 3 years ago.

How did he propose?

I came home from work and he had flowers and dinner made for me.  I was thinking it was because I had a few rough days working in the ER and it was a sweet gesture. He then told me he had a surprise for me, I thought it was cake or a sweet treat for dessert! He told me to close my eyes and when I opened them he was on one knee with the ring around a rose stem. I always said I wanted to be completely surprised and he definitely accomplished that!

Check out their engagement session here!

Farm at Ridgeway sign

The couple’s coozies perfectly matched the rustic theme!  I love the ceremony area too.  The fireplace looking out onto the open feilds makes it feel so open and home-y.

Farm and Ridgeway ceremony location and coozies

What was the most fun part about planning the wedding?

The most fun part about planning the wedding was getting to see it all come together. Picking out my dress was the most exciting thing to do but I loved visiting the venue for different meetings and envisioning what it would look like on our wedding day.

The little heart on the underside of Jennifer’s dress is actually a patch made from one of her Grandfather’s old jackets.  So that even though he passed away, he can still walk with her down the aisle.

We did a first look with the bride and her Dad.  Jennifer wanted to go ahead and have a few emotional moments with her Dad away from family and where they could have a moment to talk before they walked down the aisle.

What was the best/sweetest part/s of your wedding day?

Besides seeing my family and friends, I loved the first look I had with my Dad.  Seeing Nate cry when I walked down the aisle was a great moment for me, I did not think he would cry so I pretty much lost it when he did.

Bride First look with dad
Bride's dad walking down aisle
Ceremony at the Farm at Ridgeway
Bridal party at farm rustic setting

Oh, cathedral length veils are so much fun!

veil in the wind

The side of the barn at the Farm at Ridgeway made the perfect portrait spot for this rustic, outdoorsy couple!

rustic barn wedding
first dance in outdoor venue

A farm, a fence, newlyweds and a sunset!  I’m a happy wedding photographer!

Farm setting bride and groom portrait

The outdoor patio makes a quick transition from ceremony spot to dance floor where DJ Ronny Lane of Partytime DJ‘s had the guests dancing under the stars!

Is there anything you would have done differently?

I would have stressed a lot less!!!! It is so much easier said than done but I really wish I would have relaxed more prior to the wedding. The actual day of the wedding I felt a great sense of peace and calmness. I knew that the main thing was that we were getting married. If there were any hiccups that day then it was meant to be that way. It was an amazing experience and a day we will never forget! I wish we could have frozen time that day and made it last forever.

You can see more photos from the wedding in the gallery below.

Also, check out Jennifer & Nate’s feature on the national wedding blog Rustic Wedding Chic!

Other Vendors include:

MakeupSabrina Trotti – Studio B at the Old Mill

FloristBlythewood Florist

DressEvelyn’s Bridal

CatererHudson’s Classic Catering

CoordinatorMarry Me Weddings by Roxanne Poole

RentalsParty Reflections

DJ Partytime DJ’s 

PALMETTO DUO PHOTOGRAPHERS – Katie Hart & Dave Gilbert