Spring Wedding at The Laurel | Shelby and Ryan - kimberlyharrellphotography.com

Ryan and Shelby’s spring wedding at The Laurel was absolutely breathtaking. Decorated with pretty pastels and a variety of florals, their special day was a beautiful start to this new chapter in their lives. I’m so thankful to have been given the opportunity to capture their day. I had the pleasure of photographing Shelby’s sister Kelly’s wedding a couple of years ago and immediately fell in love this this sweet family.

I really got to know the couple better at their engagement session at Murrell Park. It was obvious how these two ” were on the same page of the same book” and how much they adored each other.

I loved the Spring color palette of varying shades of pastels. Paired with the variety in floral textures, this wedding design was a showstopper for sure. Shelby did a first look with her Dad as well as one with Ryan. It was honestly such a wonderful day with so many heartfelt moments. One aspect that really touched me was the way Ryan paid tribute to his late mother. She was on the memorial table along with other cherished members of the family that couldn’t be there. Ryan carried a single rose down the aisle and placed it in his mother’s seat.

How they Met

Ryan and Shelby’s relationship started the way many modern romances do. They crossed paths on Hinge in July of 2022 and soon found themselves engaged in delightful conversations that sparked a connection neither could resist. After weeks of getting to know each other, they decided to take the plunge and meet in person. Their first date, at Andy’s Frozen Custard, was filled with laughter, shared stories, and a mutual sense of excitement for what lay ahead. Shelby said that Ryan not only had a great smile but also it was so easy to hold a conversation with him.

How was Wedding Planning?

Their wedding planning journey, though filled with its fair share of logistics and details to manage, was a labor of love. Despite the inevitable stresses that come with orchestrating such a big event, Shelby approached each task with grace and composure. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “It has been fun. There has been a lot of logistics to manage, but I have been staying on top of the emails and doing a little at a time. I have not had a ton of stress as a bride so far.”

Advice for Brides

For brides currently navigating wedding planning, Shelby offers this bit of advice: “Don’t stress the small stuff. At the end of the night, you are married and everyone had a great time.” It’s a sentiment born out of her own journey—a reminder to cherish the moments of joy and love amidst the flurry of preparations.

As Ryan and Shelby exchanged vows in front of their loved ones in the chapel of The Laurel. It was a day that will be remembered forever. It was such a joy to be there and celebrate these two. They are the sweetest couple and I cannot wait to see what adventures await them. Enjoy some of my favorites from their Spring wedding at the Laurel.