I am not even sure where I should start with the Benton’s. Tara has been a huge part of our lives and business for a very long time. She is one of the most beautiful, vivacious souls that I have ever met. She has been so instrumental in the success of our business and there are no words fabulous enough to describe the love we have for her. When we officially met Matt years ago, we immediately saw the happiness that he brought into Tara’s life. Not only have they brought joy into each other’s lives, but they have created so much joy and happiness for us. Their fur babies, Jade, Jackson, and Gibson have brought fun and mischief into Carson’s life, as well. What a gang! Best friends for life!
I still remember when Tara called to tell me that Matt had proposed. Surprise, surprise – I was in line for a ride at Disney World! As soon as I answered the phone, I heard squealing. Lots and lots of squealing. The absolute joy in Tara’s voice was priceless. It was something that I will never forget. From the beginning, Tara and Matt told us that we were their one and only photography team choice. There is literally no bigger joy in what we do than being included in a wedding day as the photographers. To be able to love and serve the best way that we know how is an incredible feeling. The year leading up to the wedding was full of text messages, phone calls, and date nights to lay out every single detail of their special day.
Fast forward to Saturday and here we are! We arrived at Tara and Matt’s beautiful home to capture the girls getting ready. This home is something that the Benton’s have poured every ounce of their hearts into. They have worked so hard to make it their own so to be able to start their wedding day there was special .The house was full of giggling girls and puppies galore! I was in my happy place, for sure! Tara had the perfect hair and makeup team, or as I like to call them, “The Dream Team”. Brooklyn Maldonado once again did not disappoint with her beautiful makeup artistry. The hair stylists, Abby and Allison of Blush Hair Studio, left the entire bridal party looking fabulous! I cried and cried and cried some more as I watched Tara get ready for her big day. I felt as if I had been waiting for this day just as much as she had! I was oh so excited to be sharing in this special day with her. Tara’s dress came from Ella Park Bridal and oh how this stunning dress fit her perfectly in every way – it was totally meant for her. Everything about it had Tara written all over it. Add in her beautiful bouquet from Lauer’s Flowers in Rockport and she had the perfect ensemble. Carol Lauer is a very special lady and she always makes sure to deliver for each and every one of her customers. This bouquet was big, beautiful, and full of the most gorgeous fall flowers. It always amazes me the talents that can come out of the small town of Rockport – businesses like Lauer’s make us proud to be from this small town!
Next up, we got everything set up for Tara and Matt’s first look. This first look was extra special! Matt had been planning their dream honeymoon and had yet to give Tara any of the details. Their plan was to discuss it at the first look. Guys, this was seriously one of the happiest first looks I’ve ever been a witness to. Everything about it would make your heart melt. The love that these two share is one in a million. The moment was full of laughter, cuddles, and long glances at one another. Before we knew it, Matt was asking Tara “Do you wanna know where we’re going?” Of course, Tara was more than ready to know! I must admit, we were really interested to know too! MATT REVEALED THAT THEY WOULD BE GOING TO BORA BORA FOR THE WEEK! Way to go, Matt! I’m impressed!
After the first look, we got the bridal party together for a couple hours to shoot some bridal party shots. This group included Tara and Matt’s closest family and friends and they laughed the entire time. The day was record-breaking cold for the month of October, but that did not hinder this group’s spirit. They were all so full of joy. I immediately fell in love with the dark cranberry bridesmaid dresses from Ella Park Bridal. They were the perfect touch of the fall season for this beautiful day.
The ceremony was held at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Rockport, Indiana. St. Bernard’s is one of our favorite Catholic churches to shoot in. It is so beautiful and has so many different ornate details. The ceremony was sweet and flawless as it captured Tara and Matt’s love for each other perfectly. Once the ceremony ended, we all loaded up into the party bus and headed to the 4H Center in Chrisney, Indiana. We have shot many receptions at the 4H Center because it is such a good location for large gatherings, but I have never seen the 4H center transformed like it was on Saturday night. Tara did all of the decorating herself. She hit the decorations out of the park. Each piece of décor was meticulously thought out and perfect for the occasion. Carol Lauer did all of the floral decorations for the reception and once again hit the nail on the head. Everything was PERFECT!!!
Friends and family traveled from near and far to celebrate this special day with Tara and Matt. They all tore up the dancefloor throughout the entire evening. We enjoyed great food, family, and friendship! As I look back at these photos, I tear up all over again looking at the images of the beautiful Mrs. Tara Benton (that has such a good ring to it!!!). Tara and Matt are going to be such an amazing husband and wife team. They are patient, kind, and loving toward one another. They are both so supportive of each other’s dreams and I cannot wait to see this marriage unfold into a beautiful thing. Tara and Matt, we love both of you more than words can describe. Thank you oh so much for allowing us to be a part of this special day in your lives. Enjoy this sneak peek while you’re enjoying that awesome honeymoon!
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MEET THE BLOGGERs
Husband & Wife. Creative Entrepreneurs. Photographers. Artists. World Travelers. Coaches. We’re here to take you along with us as we chase our wildest dreams, build big businesses that feed our souls, capture memories for epic humans, and see this beautiful world... together.
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