This wedding was so FUN!! Alek and Shannan were a #covidcouple that had to completely change their wedding day plans because of the pandemic restrictions. Their original wedding day at Kindred North got moved to an intimate ceremony with family and a socially distance parking lot “reception” of a few close friends congratulating them. Because their plans got thrown out the window, they decided to post pone their real reception to late summer so that they could really throw down and celebrate!

Their party day was the most relaxed wedding day I have ever experienced. At one point I actually found myself sitting on the couch chatting it up with the girls!! Everyone was so calm, enjoying the process of getting ready, and because there was no pressure of a ceremony time with guests waiting lingering over the day, everyone was able to just enjoy the day together.

Something I loved that Shannan decided to do was wear just a simple white dress on the day of their ceremony and wait to wear her wedding dress until this day. Even though they had been married for months, getting to wear her wedding dress and show Alek for the first time was a simple way to make this day feel more special and give them something to look forward to. Alek had the.best. reaction to seeing his bride at their first look!! His face, as you’ll see, is just pure joy and was infectious to everyone that that was there to witness it! Their first look was intimate, sweet, joy-filled, and I love that they took a moment to pray together before they moved on with the rest of their day. Oh, but let us not forget to also address Shannan’s first look with her dad… Oh my word. His face lit up when he saw her, but quickly turned into a flood of tears at the site of his beautiful daughter. As a daddy’s girl myself, I was just trying to hold back my own tears behind the camera so I could actually continue shooting that precious moment with her mom and dad! My heart. These are the kind moments that remind me of why I love this job!!

Alek and Shannan’s wedding party was there to party – and that’s exactly what we did before we sent them off and wrapped up a beautiful day celebrating the Fortners!

Venue | Kindred North | Centerton, Arkansas

Dress Store | Low’s Bridal | Brinkley, Arkansas

Florist | Kindred Blooms

Hair & Make Up | Styling by Hannah Rae

Videographer | Kaylee Searcy

Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie

Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A. Bank