The phrase “home is where the heart is” definitely rings true for this sweet couple, who said “I do” on the Groom’s family ranch. First his grandfather’s home, then his father’s, the ranch is now home to the newlyweds, and what better way to start off a lifetime of memories there than with a memory of a beautiful wedding? Admire all the rustic charm, photographed by Andi Diamond, in the gallery.
From Andi Diamond Photography…Megan and Charles first noticed each other on their college campus, Florida Southern College, in the spring of 2009. They didn’t officially connect until coincidentally working together at the same job. Both being country born and raised, they had an instant connection with their love of nature and the outdoors.
Charles’ family owns the beautiful Rocking H Ranch in lakeland Florida, where throughout the years he has become extremely knowledgeable of cattle/farm life (and even built a house on the property with his own hands for him and Megan!). The garden inspiration for their reception came from Megan’s love for plants and gardening. Due to their love of nature, the details of their wedding were also inspired by the great outdoors, with colors of sage green, white, khaki, and earth tones. Other small figures included birds, nests and eggs, moss, teacups, hydrangeas, roses, and all of the antiques that are displayed throughout the barn. Charles’ mother worked closely with the wedding coordinator to help bring together their vision of an organic inspired, country-chic affair. Megan’s bouquet was made from flowers of her choosing, but Charles’ mother put it together so Megan would have the extra touch of her bouquet being made by her mother-in-law. She added a special touch by putting a few stems of floral from her own garden in it, as a surprise to Megan. Guests dined on BBQ and were given little pre-made bags of s’mores ingredients to use outside at the bonfire and also nibbled on cake (the groom’s cake was inspired from the movie Steel Magnolias!).
From the Groom…Our first date was at Starbucks. Megan had asked me if I would like to meet her for some coffee. We ended up talking for the next 6 hours, until Megan explained that she had to be home before curfew (she was 22 at the time).
All my previous relationships lasted anywhere from a year to a year and half. After I had been with Megan for two years, I realized that I was hooked. I didn’t have to go out of my way to be something I wasn’t for someone else. I wasn’t tired of her, and she didn’t get on my nerves. Megan loved me for who I was. She had become my best friend. That’s when I knew she was “The One.”
After we had been dating for three years, I decided that I was ready to propose to Megan. So I planned an extended weekend trip up to New York City. We Stayed at the Helmsley on Central Park. It was a perfect little Vacation. I had her ring in my pocket the whole time. I didn’t have a plan, I was just winging it. I thought I’d like to get her alone and propose to her in Central Park. The problem with that was that we were in NYC with over 3 million other people. We took a long walk in the park, and by this time it was close to midnight. The moment finally presented itself on a quite lake in the park. It was the perfect location, it’s a night I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
It meant a lot to me to get married at the Ranch. To me it just seems that’s the way it’s supposed to be. It’s my family’s property. It’s home. This is where we belong. It’s where I wanted us to begin our lives together.
Photography: Andi Diamond Photography | Event Planning: Shana Bennett | Floral Design: Shana Bennett | Cake: The Desserterie | Catering: Good Buddies BBQ | DJ: Enchanting Entertainment | Ceremony And Reception: Rocking H Ranch | Decor : Belinda Hill