Wow, I can’t quite believe it has been four years since we said “I do.” Goodness, a lot has happened. In some ways, four years seems like a long time (because holy cow how have we been able to do so many things!!!), but in other ways, four years doesn’t seem that long at all.

Nonetheless, here we are! This past year has been crazy with moving four times, and now, we’re expecting a baby! I’m sure this next year will be very exciting, and we’re really eager for all this year holds. However, today is partially about the future, but it’s also a LOT about what happened on this day – June 4, 2016. This year, I wanted to go back and share about what each of us LOVED and what were our favorite parts and memories. Let’s get started!! I’m already so so eager!!

Haley – the Bride!

Goodness, it’s been a minute since I was known as the bride! June 4, 2016 will go down as one of the best days of my life! There are so many things I want to share, but I’ll try to be concise.

Our BIG family and friends gathering!!

In the early plans of our wedding, Hayden shared with me that one of his biggest wishes for our day was to have as many friends and family there as possible. Somehow we decided on 450 people – turns out that Hayden and I know a lot more people than we thought we did! We were able to narrow it down to 450, and while, that sounds absolutely INSANE for how many people are at your wedding – I wouldn’t change it! It was SO much fun to have so many people there together celebrating.

My wedding dress!

I never dreamed of my wedding dress as a little girl. So, when we went dress shopping, I really had no clue what I was looking for or even what I liked. My sweet sister, Hannah Beth found mine, and I fell in love with all of the details. The lace appliqués were incredible!!! I added a belt and a GORGEOUS cathedral length veil, and y’all, I would wear that outfit everyday if I could. I had an AMAZING seamstress alter it to fit me perfectly, and it was just incredible. Maybe next year after baby boy is born and I’m back to my normal shape, I can try it on again. I haven’t had it on since that day.

Our wedding party!

We had quite the party!!! Our crew was so much fun!! I’ve been to my fair share of weddings, and I know that a wedding party can make or break the dance floor. Well, ours was AMAZING!!!!! My girls danced all night, and the guys – the GUYS were CRAZY!! Hayden’s friend Johny did back flips, and all of the guys learned how to line dance the night before. It was so much fun!

Our venue!

What a blessing. This venue is owned by family friends (it’s no longer in operation), and we were SO grateful they let us use the space. While there was no AC (& it was 90* out!) – it was the PERFECT place for our reception. I wanted something different than a convention center ballroom. I woke up one morning and told my mother-in-law what I had in mind, and she said she knew the place…boy oh did she!! The space had never held 450 (& I’m not sure if it should’ve!!! It was TIGHT!), but we had the BEST time.

Favorite Moments:

Walking down the aisle to Hayden with my dad and crying the whole way – I never want to forget those moments. Running back up the aisle as husband and wife to Hunter Hayes “I Want Crazy,” and being so giddy! Walking out of the church to our bubble exit (Hayden drove a Corvette, and he went SO slow around the block because he was so nervous of messing up something in the car.) Walking into our reception – everyone stood and cheered, and I felt on cloud 9. Gosh, I wish I could go back to these moments.

Hayden – The Groom

Our wedding day was an absolute blast, and I’m excited to share a few of my favorite things that made it extra awesome!

The Support

All the people that came to us on our big day showed us nothing but love, support, and excitement. I’ve never had another day where I was able to see so many of the closest people in my life and their focus was showing love for my bride and me. The feeling of that many people cheering you on is something I hope everyone can experience at some point in their life because there’s nothing like it.

The Dance Party

The day had its serious moments, but for the most part it was an all out party. I loved that we were able to have so much fun with it and celebrate the entire time. Dancing with out wedding party, family, and friends after officially making my best friend my wife felt like everything was right with the world. The dance floor was pack the entire night, and the wooden floor was creaking barely holding us up.

The Time of Year

As much as I hate sweating and our reception venue didn’t have air conditioning in early June, I loved having our wedding in early summer. Everything was so warm and alive. Summer represented celebration, freedom, and fun. Having our wedding in early summer was worth the sweat, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Favorite Moments:

Walking into the reception and seeing our closest family and friends standing and cheering was overwhelming and one of my favorite moments of my life. Of course I also loved seeing Haley for the first time that day as she was about to walk down the aisle, the first kiss, and the first dance.

Photos by the incredible Jessica Lauren Photography