Some weddings are beautiful because of the details.
Some weddings are beautiful because of the people.
Faith and Ben’s wedding day somehow managed to be both.
Nestled into the mountainside forests of Arkansas, their spring wedding at Garrison Gardens felt nostalgic in the best way possible — earthy, intentional, emotional, and full of the kind of joy that cannot be staged. Wildflowers were beginning to bloom all around the property, waterfalls flowed softly in the background, and tucked between the trees sat the most stunning white chapel that genuinely felt straight out of a fairytale.
But beyond the scenery, what stood out most about Faith and Ben was the way they looked at each other all day long.
Faith is outgoing, energetic, and effortlessly fun. Ben is calm, grounded, and a little more reserved — but the second they’re together, you immediately see how perfectly they balance one another. Faith brings out Ben’s playful side in the sweetest way, and every interaction between them felt authentic and full of intention.
Getting Ready
“Going to the Chapel…”
The morning started exactly how you would imagine for a couple like Faith and Ben: chaotic, emotional, and unbelievably fun.
One of my favorite moments from getting ready was when all of the bridesmaids surrounded Faith singing “Going to the Chapel” while dancing around her before the ceremony. It was one of those candid moments that felt straight out of a movie — joyful, nostalgic, and completely genuine.
Meanwhile, the groom’s getting ready photos included two very important guests: Auggie and Angus.
The dogs made their appearance dressed in tiny tuxes and boots for the wedding day and somehow refused to look at the camera during portraits almost intentionally, which honestly made the photos even funnier and more perfect. It felt so “them.”
And then there was the phrase that unexpectedly became the theme of the entire wedding day:
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
The night before the wedding, everyone went to a local hibachi restaurant where the chef repeatedly yelled “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” despite fully knowing nobody had a birthday and the couple was getting married the next day. Somehow the phrase stuck — and by wedding day, everyone was yelling it during portraits to make each other laugh and lighten stressful moments.
Needless to say… it worked perfectly.
A Ceremony Full of Faith, Tears, and Intentionality
I genuinely do not think there was a dry eye during this ceremony.
From the moment the violin began playing near the flowing rock waterfall to the quiet emotional reactions throughout the chapel, the entire ceremony felt deeply personal and centered on faith.
One of the most emotional moments of the day was when Ben prayed over Faith during their vows. Even as the photographer behind the camera, I found myself tearing up alongside everyone else in the room.
And right before the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, Auggie and Angus made their debut walking down the aisle, instantly bringing laughter and warmth into such an emotional moment.
After the ceremony, the couple shared a worship and foot washing service together — something that beautifully reflected not only their commitment to one another, but also their commitment to keeping God at the center of their marriage.
Every part of the day felt intentional. Nothing felt performative. They were fully present with one another from beginning to end.
Bridal Portraits + The Magic of Spring in Arkansas
The bridal portraits may have been some of my favorites from the entire season.
Between the white chapel, the surrounding forest, the soft spring light, and the wildflowers beginning to bloom throughout the property, every portrait felt soft, romantic, and timeless.
But honestly? The thing that made the portraits truly special was the energy surrounding them.
The bridesmaids constantly yelling “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” between photos had everyone laughing nonstop, which made the gallery feel so alive and genuine. There’s something so beautiful about a wedding party that allows themselves to fully live in the moment instead of trying to make everything perfect.
Faith and Ben did exactly that all day long.
The Reception
Vintage Cakes, Alien Toppers, and a Dance Floor That Never Slowed Down
The reception perfectly reflected the couple’s personalities — sentimental, joyful, unique, and incredibly fun.
Faith changed into the cutest short floral dress covered in colorful flowers for the reception, which felt like the perfect transition into the party portion of the evening.
The couple also had two completely iconic cakes:
- A timeless vintage-inspired white three-tier wedding cake
- And a groom’s cake featuring their dogs sitting on the side with two aliens getting married on top
Which honestly tells you everything you need to know about their sense of humor together.
One of the most emotional moments of the reception came during the speeches when Faith’s sister and maid of honor performed a parody song on the ukulele that had nearly everyone in tears laughing and crying at the same time.
And once the dancing started… it never stopped.
The dance floor stayed packed all night long with the kind of energy that only happens when people feel fully comfortable, fully loved, and fully present.
Love. Faith. Intentionality.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
If I could describe Faith and Ben’s wedding day in just a few words, it would be exactly that.
Their wedding was not about perfection.
It was about presence.
It was about faith, family, laughter, commitment, worship, and choosing to fully experience every moment exactly as it came.
Years from now, I hope Faith and Ben look back on these photos with the same eyes they looked at one another with on April 9th, 2026. I hope they see not only how deeply in love they were, but how deeply loved they were by everyone surrounding them.
Most of all, I hope they remember the intentionality behind every single moment of the day — and the commitment they made not only to each other, but to God.
And honestly…
I hope they still randomly yell “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” for the rest of their marriage. 🤍
xoxo, Josie Lane