When your bestie slash bridesmaid just so happens to be photographer Kayla Barker, your wedding day is bound to have some serious pretty involved. That was exactly the case for Leah and Taylor’s Spring wedding outside San Antonio that gave “southern elegance” a fresh, new look. Infused with neutral tones, natural greens, and a candle-covered staircase worth gushing over, consider this gallery your new happy place.
From the photographer, Kayla Barker… It’s not every day that one of your childhood best friends gets married. When my long time friend, Leah got engaged to the love of her life, Taylor, I couldn’t have been more excited for her! Leah had always envisioned a plantation style wedding with her love of the south and it’s southern traditions and romance, so Kendall Plantation outside of San Antonio, Texas was the perfect setting for all their Texas family and friends to gather together. She brought on Mayhar Design to help with the creative direction, design and styling and Sweet August Events to coordinate the day.
Mayhar Design wanted to help design a space that welcomed dear friends and wedding guests with charm, classical elegance and thoughtfully curated details. Her goal in the design process was to honor and embrace the ideals, traditions and romance of the south. Linens, florals, finishes and details were all selected specifically in complement to the striking white panels and porches and crisp black shutters of Kendall Plantation. The softest shades of ivory and blush were introduced through cocktail linens and blooming florals by Sprout as a nod to Southern grace and style. Custom wedding cake cookies were made special by Leah’s mom, Robin and packaged as a favor for guests. Guests could also enjoy a southern signature cocktail and pick from one of the five different cakes by Bird Bakery that were displayed with beautiful calligraphy signage by Whitney Farnsworth.
Leah had always wanted me to be a bridesmaid and enjoy her wedding day and for me to not feel like I was working. But for me, photographing a wedding is one of my greatest joys and I couldn’t have imagined not photographing her special wedding day. So after some discussion, we formed a plan that would still allow me to photograph the wedding and stand by her side as a friend. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my biggest supporter and favorite second shooter, my husband, Clint and our friend and fellow film photographer, Erica Schneider who both helped shoot parts of the wedding I couldn’t. I also had lots of help from Mayhar Design who was styling details and making sure everything was ready to photograph with extra time for me to also be by Leah’s side as a bridesmaid. Leah and Taylor’s wedding was a special one that I will always cherish being a part of and capturing!
Photography: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography | Floral Design: Sprout | Cakes: Bird Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Catering: Absolutely Delicious | Hair + Makeup: Blush Make-up and Hair | Calligraphy: Whitney Farnsworth | DJ: 5150 Productions | Ceremony Music: Lane Oliver | Transportation: Shark Limo | Venue: Kendall Plantation | Beverage Service: Bartenders 4 You | Creative Direction, Design and Styling: Mayhar Design | Custom Iced Cookies: Robin Wilson, Mother of the Bride | Draping: DPC Media | Event Planning and Coordination: Sweet August Events | Linens: Marquee Event Group