This couple’s big day was beautiful, southern and summery (check out the bride’s shoe change – if that doesn’t say summer, I don’t know what does)! They both worked so hard to make this day just as they dreamed, and they did and amazing job! Don’t miss their wedding planning tips!

          Meet Courtney + Rob

– What was your favorite moment of your wedding day? 

Rob: Seeing my bride walk down the aisle as well as our first dance.
Courtney: My absolute favorite moment was our first look. When Rob and I locked eyes nothing but joy filled my heart. The world seemed to stand still as my Dad and I walked closer to the perfect man God made just for me.

– How did you meet your spouse? What is your dating and/or proposal story?

We met in 2013 on Courtney’s birthday, Oct. 21st at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. We were both in the military at the time and tasked for the Land Navigation committee. Even though we met in 2013, we went our separate ways for a couple of years. In 2015, Rob contacted Courtney when she was at the Controlled Monitored Area (CMA), which is the 21 Day quarantine for the deployment in support of the Ebola mission. We hit it off like best friends and stayed in touch. We officially began dating once Rob returned from his Afghanistan Deployment in May 2015.

Proposal story:Courtney had been on temporary duty for two weeks in Texas and there’d been some flight delays causing Courtney and Brigadier General Cho to fly into another airport, Reagan International rather than Dulles. Rob was gracious enough to pick them up and take BG Cho to Dulles to pick up his car. Little did Courtney know after arriving around 10:30pm on June 10th, that Rob would be there at the security point to greet her. Courtney was embarrassed when Rob kissed her because it was in front of her boss; however, she didn’t mind just a few moments later when Rob dropped to his knee right there in front of the security exit and popped the question! Courtney was so shocked that she laughed and said YES!! Rob also surprised Courtney by having this precious moment taped on his phone!

– What drew you to your venue choices?

Oh that’s a no brainer. Courtney definitely wanted a country themed wedding. The Boyd’s place, The Barn at Stone Gate Farm, had the best package. Not only was the venue absolutely beautiful, but it came with the chairs, tables, tablecloths, bartender, day of wedding coordinator, groom and bridal wedding day suite, and a Bed and Breakfast!! It was a heck of a deal for an amazing venue! It also had the cozy feeling to make it feel like home.

– Can you share something you learned through the wedding planning process? 

Stay organized! You’re going to talk to sooo many vendors you will probably lose count. Set reminders to pay the bills. Don’t stress over every little detail because in the end, you’ll be married! Trust your vendors….it’s likely they’ve done 100+ weddings or events. Ensure that you have a timeline you’re pleased with. Try to make sure no drama will occur at the wedding as you don’t need unwanted stress. Also, it doesn’t hurt to remind the wedding party of certain expectations. Lastly, HAVE FUN and enjoy your big day! oh and get a photo booth because everyone loves taking photos!

Coordinatior: Valerie Lay of The Barn At Stone Gate

Getting Ready Location: The Barn at Stone Gate Farm House

Ceremony Location: The Barn at Stone Gate Farm

Reception Location: The Barn at Stone Gate Farm

Floral Designer: Murfreesboro Flower Shop

Cake and/or other desserts: Sweet Tooth Designer Cakes

Dress Designer: Sincerity

Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse

Bridesmaid dresses: LuLaRoe by Courtney Fultz

Groomsmen’s suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Bride’s shoes: Nina, from DSW

Groom’s shoes: Men’s Wearhouse

DJ: Tam Clark DJ Services

Rentals: Let’s Booth It

Makeup Artist: Gini Faulk

Hairstylist: Liz Layne

Wedding rings: Zales

Sarah Sidwell is a Nashville based wedding photographer living in Franklin, Tennessee. Sarah specializes in wedding, newborn, baby, child, family, and lifestyle documentary photography.