Shelbie and Matthew's day is one we'll probably talk about for years. We met Shelbie at an open house at The Sixpence in Zionsville, Indiana, and instantly our vibes connected. She's just one of those people who is effortlessly cool, genuine, and so down to earth. When we later met Matthew at a coffee shop, it made even more sense, they balanced each other perfectly, and we left that meeting so excited to film their wedding day.
Shelbie and Matthew are the kind of couple who aren't afraid to do things differently, and that fearlessness made their wedding day feel so personal and unforgettable. For starters, their wedding was on a Monday, which is honestly so cool. It fell on Veterans Day weekend, so guests still had that long weekend feel, and how fun is it to say you had a Monday wedding?! Another fun twist was that it was also Leonard's birthday!
Their day was pretty unbelievable from the very start. That morning brought a completely random snowstorm, the kind you don't expect but secretly hope for. Leonard has always talked about wanting to film a snowy wedding, and this was the most perfect unexpected birthday gift! Shelbie fully leaned into it too, wearing the most beautiful white fur shawl that paired perfectly with her stunning sky-blue dress. The dress had this corset back that fit her beautifully. Her hair was dazzled with beautiful brooches and she may or may not have had some warm cozy leggings and cowboy boots underneath her dress :)
Their details were phenomenal, every piece felt intentional and personal. One of the most unique parts of their ceremony was a hand-tying ritual they incorporated. We had never seen that done before, and it was such a beautiful representation of their union. And Matthew's reaction to Shelbie walking down the aisle…Next level. Couldn't make it up if you wanted to! Honestly one of the best reactions we've ever seen. Pure emotion, full on tears of happiness and awe, and completely overwhelming in the best way. Their ceremony took place outside, and the bridal party leaned all the way into the cold, from cute fuzzy earmuffs and shawls to keep warm. It was the perfect combo of elegant but also warm and cozy.
While everyone was getting warm inside the barn for the reception, we snuck Shelbie and Matthew outside for portraits, and they were even more fun than we expected, playful, trusting, and totally down for whatever. We crossed the bridge, tucked into the trees, Leonard pulled out his drone, and there was this tree that had dropped all its leaves, creating this pile of greenery against the snow. It was such a cool contrast visually. They shared their private vows out there, and I'm not exaggerating when I say they were movie-level. So heartfelt, so emotional.
Inside, the barn felt warm and inviting, the perfect contrast to the winter weather outside. Shelbie had made the most beautiful centerpieces using opened books and florals, something so unique, creative and very reflective of them! One of my favorite little moments was Shelbie sipping coffee throughout the reception while everyone else was throwing drinks back. It was so her, cozy, present, and just soaking it all in. And then, in the middle of their dinner later that night, the most beautiful chunky snow flurries started coming down. We all kind of looked at each other at the same time and just got up and ran outside! It only lasted a few minutes, but it was magical, like a movie moment you can't plan. Some of our favorite footage ever! The dance floor was booming, kids dancing, guests fully letting loose, yummy desserts!
Shelbie and Matthew didn't hire a photographer. Instead, they had disposable cameras for guests to use throughout the day, so they'll get to relive their wedding through their friends' and families' eyes, which we thought was such a fun, nostalgic idea.
In true Shelbie fashion, she went out of her way to think of everyone else, even asking her cake baker to make cupcakes for Leonard since it was his birthday. It was such an incredibly thoughtful gesture, especially on a day that was all about her. I was also very much pregnant at their wedding (Ozzy was born just 10 days later), and Shelbie constantly checked on me all day. Making sure I was okay. Asking if I needed anything. Even though it was her wedding day, she was still looking out for us, and that just speaks so much to the kind of person she is. I think Leonard also left with new best friends, him, Matthew, and the groomsmen got along maybe too well, for a second I thought he was an honorary groomsman!
And that's always our favorite part, when you walk away from a wedding not feeling like a vendor… but feeling like you just spent the day celebrating friends. It's truly unmatched.
Shelbie and Matthew, we are so grateful you trusted us to capture your day. Your wedding was magical in all the best, unexpected ways. We adore you both and are so grateful that our friendship gets to continue beyond your wedding day, even if it's just keeping our Duolingo friend streak alive lol.
And we truly mean it when we say… our couples are the best.
With so much love,