A Country Love Story: Carly & Josh’s Rustic Pine View Acres Wedding

There are weddings that feel like fairytales, and then there are weddings that are fairytales, lived out in the real world. Carly and Josh’s wedding was one of those magical days where love, laughter, and country charm came together in the most unforgettable way.

Photographing this day was more than just a job. It was personal. Carly is the daughter of a dear friend and colleague of mine. Her mom and I teach in the same building, just across the hall from each other, and over the years, I’ve watched Carly grow from a sweet high schooler into a stunning bride. Josh, her high school sweetheart, was always close by, and their friendship-turned-romance was one of those rare stories that truly stood the test of time.

So when I had the chance to photograph their wedding with my husband Dave, it felt like a full circle moment. After years of hearing stories about their adventures, quirks, and their deep love for all things country, including Josh’s well-known obsession with Dolly Parton, I couldn’t wait to capture the day they said “I do.”

A Countryside Dream

The couple chose the perfect venue to reflect their rustic style, a picturesque barn set against rolling fields and open skies. From the moment guests arrived, every detail echoed their shared love for country life.

Carly and Josh designed the outdoor decor themselves. Think hay bales, vintage wooden doors, and hand-painted signs with sweet country sayings. Inside the barn, burlap table runners and burlap-wrapped bottles held vibrant flowers that looked like they’d just been picked from a summer meadow.

Each table had a CD cover showcasing one of their favorite country music albums, serving both as decor and a clever seating chart. Guests found their place not by table numbers but by artists like Dolly Parton, George Strait, and Reba. It was the perfect tribute to the soundtrack of their love story.

Picture Perfect Details

Carly was the picture of country elegance in a lace floor-length gown that fit her beautifully. Her bridesmaids wore barn red dresses with cowboy boots and carried wildflower-inspired bouquets. Carly matched them with her own bedazzled boots and wore a crystal hairpiece that resembled a spritz of baby’s breath in her softly tousled updo.

Josh kept things classic country with jeans, cowboy boots, and his signature cowboy hat. Their laid-back style felt authentic and warm, just like the couple themselves.

The cake was a showstopper, a four-tiered masterpiece designed to look like a birch tree, complete with their names carved into the bark. It was rustic and romantic all at once.

A Rainy Twist and Sweet Surprises

Just as the ceremony was about to begin, the skies opened up in a sudden downpour. But instead of letting it dampen their day, Carly and Josh laughed and embraced the moment. The staff at Pine View quickly moved the ceremony indoors to the grand stone fireplace, creating an intimate and emotional setting that turned out to be even more beautiful than planned.

The rain passed quickly, and we were lucky enough to sneak outside for some stunning sunset portraits. It was a golden moment that capped off an already heartfelt day.

Later, the reception was filled with laughter, dancing, and country tunes. Guests rang cowbells at their tables every time they wanted to see the couple kiss, a hit with both kids and adults. And as a special thank-you, Carly and Josh treated everyone to late-night bites from a burger buffet and a nostalgic ice cream truck parked just outside.

To top it all off, the couple ended the night with a grand 10-foot sparkler send-off, a glittering tribute to a love that shines bright.

As a photographer, I often get to witness beautiful moments. But being part of Carly and Josh’s wedding felt different. It was filled with genuine joy, long-lasting friendship, and a deep love rooted in shared memories and country music.

Carly and Josh, thank you for letting me be part of your story. May your days ahead be filled with laughter, barn dances, and many more spontaneous trips to Dollywood.