Tara & Dwayne’s Shady Wagon Farm Wedding
We were at Shady Wagon Farm all day Saturday for Tara & Dwayne’s big day, and y’all what a sweet and wonderful couple. 2018 is the year of the super smily bride and I am so happy about that. I’m sure Tara’s face hurt by the end of the day but she was beaming constantly! Exuding pure joy. And these two are so perfect for one another. In what was probably the sweetest moment I’ve witnessed at a wedding, Dwayne pulled Tara’s medicine out of his pocket when she mentioned she had forgotten to take it. He knows her so well <3 <3 <3
Thank you to…
Coordinator: Monica West from Shady Wagon
Bride’s hair & makeup: Beauty Chakra
Bride’s dress: NY Bride & Groom of Raleigh
Florals: Alice Davis
Venue: Shady Wagon Farm
Officiant: Dennis Conner
Catering: Funky Fresh Food Truck
DJ: Sweet Sound Productions
Rentals: CE Rentals
Videography: Novapane Productions
Photography: Me & John 😀
the pretties:
It’s hard to keep a straight face during what I call the Cousin It phase of getting your hair done, but Tara kept on smiling and laughing all throughout prep time.
The face you make when your team pulls into the lead on your wedding day (and goes on to win!). Then some toasts and hilarious wedding advice.
Little note here about a cool feature at Shady Wagon Farm: in the guys’ room, there’s a stoplight to help make sure the groom doesn’t see the bride until it’s time. Red means he can’t be out on the grounds/looking out windows. 
The guys were following the game too!
That red light means it’s time for Tara to be out in her dress, so let’s check back in on the ladies’ side… just some finishing touches…
And then over to the main house for a first look with her dad. How stunning is her train?
I love a good handkerchief. And then Tara and her dad demonstrated their stern faces. That is a great staredown. 
Tara & Dwayne didn’t want to see each other until the ceremony, but they did want to have a first touch and pray together. They also used that time for Dwayne to open his gift from Tara – a new study bible.
Then it was time for the ceremony, which had a million beautiful details, not the least of which was cheerwine for the guests!
Oh yeah, the wedding party arrived via covered wagon pulled by a tractor. 
And then Tara’s walk down the aisle. Didn’t I tell you about that smile? 
She’s even smiling while trying not to cry as she meets Dwayne’s eyes. 
How great are these signs lining the aisle? 
Dwayne made that cross just for the ceremony and it was the perfect backdrop!
This is that “oh my gosh we’re married” feeling if I’ve ever seen it!!!
Over at the reception were even more lovely details, including a who’s who of the wedding party and taps for Carolina Brewery beer. Dwayne works at the brewery so he has all the right connections!
Wedding party entrances are always so fun, but nothing outshines the bride and groom entering to cheers. 
After the first dance and parent dances, everyone moved inside for a delicious dinner, catered by the Funky Fresh Food Truck crew. 
The newlyweds made their way around to each table to hug and laugh with their loved ones. 
Then it was back outside for toasts from the Best Man and Maid of Honor.
An anniversary dance revealed that this first couple was celebrating their 39th (if I’m remember correctly) anniversary.
And the bouquet and garter tosses kicked off the rest of the party, complete with dives to the floor for the flowers. 
Sparkler exits for the win!
That’s a wrap! I hope you two are enjoying your honeymoon, wherever that might be! (Dwayne planned the honeymoon and was keeping it a total secret from everyone, including Tara, so she was all packed with a passport and everything, but no clue where they were going)
