Alyssa and Pat’s rustic Legacy Barn wedding in Kokomo was one that I was so sad to see end. Alyssa’s vision for their wedding day came together perfectly, with her amazing vendors bringing it to life. Before their family and friends, they vowed to spend the rest of their lives loving each other and being one another’s best friend, and it couldn’t have been a sweeter day!
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Alyssa first met Pat when a mutual friend of theirs forced them to meet when they were visiting a high school football game. Neither one of them were interested in a relationship, but after meeting, they never wanted the night to end. They spent quite a bit of time together and had their first date within a week of meeting. They quickly became best friends and fell in love, with lots of adventures together over the last couple of years.
I actually first met Alyssa when her sister Jessica booked an extended family session with me a couple years ago. Jessica and I worked together while in college at a computer lab at Ball State, which coincidentally is where I met my husband. We all worked together one summer, and I’ve been able to stay connected with Jessica over the years. Alyssa reached out shortly after Pat proposed and they booked their venue, and I was thrilled to get to photograph their wedding day!
Over the last year, it’s been so incredible getting to be a part of Alyssa’s planning for the wedding. They chose The Legacy Barn located in Kokomo, Indiana, which is a stunning barn venue on private property. The mature trees, options for outdoor ceremony or indoor, and the amazing facilities for couples were just some of the highlights of shooting there. The owners are continuing to build this venue that accommodates every couple, including amazing vendor partnerships for catering, florals, and wedding coordination.
With a tap on the shoulder, Pat turned around to see his bride for the first time during their first look. I love this part of the day the most because it gives couples a chance to soak everything in. They had a chance to really focus on one another in the quiet of the day, including exchanging hugs and kisses and showing off their outfits.
Their wedding party was absolutely incredible all day, with such a great group of friends and family they had chosen to stand by their side. The girls were so helpful and ensured Alyssa had the perfect day she envisioned, while the groomsmen kept us laughing all day. We could certainly feel the love they had for Alyssa and Pat, and it was so special to be a part of it.
Alyssa’s father and stepfather walked her down the aisle to Pat, and their ceremony was absolutely touching. They exchanged vows, pledging to always be each other’s best friend, had a sand ceremony, and took their first communion as husband and wife. After the ceremony, they ran the Legacy bell and their entire wedding party cheered and celebrated with them.
After dinner, Alyssa and Pat cut their cake, had their first dance, and Alyssa shared in a dance with both her stepfather and father, followed by Pat dancing with his mother. Alyssa’s sister and matron of honor Jessica, best man Nolan and bridesmaid Maddie gave touching speeches that made it hard to keep dry eyes for the reception! As soon as the dance floor opened, we snuck out for sunset photos and we ended up with the most amazing golden sky to wrap up their photos for the evening. After dancing the evening away, we lined up the guests and Alyssa and Pat ran through the sparklers to exit their reception.
My favorite part of the day was when we were walking back to the reception after their sunset photos, and Alyssa turned to Pat and quietly said, “It’s all going so fast,” as they walked hand in hand back to the barn. It’s so true, though. All the time and planning spent to prepare for the wedding day, then it’s over in the blink of an eye. I always love pulling couples away for 10 minutes during the reception for some quiet time away from the crowd to take it all in and enjoy the small moments of the day together. It always ends up being my favorite part of the day.
Alyssa and Pat, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this incredible day. I’m so grateful to have gotten to witness your union and to be the one to photograph it for you to remember forever. You two have become dear to me, and I wish you all the love and happiness in the world as you embark on the next chapter of your relationship as husband and wife. Enjoy these sneak peeks!
VENDORS
Venue: The Legacy Barn
Coordinator: Blissfully Simple Events
Catering: The Local Catering Company
Videographer: Complete Wedding + Events
DJ: Complete Wedding + Events
Florals: Jefferson House of Flowers
Cake: Sincerely, Buttercream
Makeup: Bree Echelbarger
Hair: Susanna Turner
Wedding Dress: Sophia’s Bridal and Tux
