Giddy to be Garner

It is fitting that the Garner’s big day would be my first wedding blog post. They mean the world to me for their unabashed trust in a then newbie wedding photographer. Ruthie reached out to me back in April of 2020 to shoot her wedding. Although I have always considered shooting weddings, I didn’t even have a pricing guide. So, I quickly crafted a pricing sheet, and sent it over. And SCORE they wanted ME! Honestly, I would do it for free. To know Ruthie and Jared is to know true love. 

As we were approaching June 6th, the forecast was painted in rain showers and thunderstorms, but Ruthie ensured me that she had a bubble umbrella for some pictures outside. Rain would NOT STOP the Garners from finally getting married. Graciously, God pushed the rain away for the majority of the sweet Sunday at Stonebrook Meadows in Bauxite, Arkansas. 

Around six months before the big day, I had asked Ruthie to gather a box of details that she would want photographed. She exceeded those expectations in a package labeled “Claire’s Box.” Sadie (my second photographer and right hand man) and I got right to work on composing these shots. Luckily, we had around one hour to shoot them. Typically I don’t have this much time to take bridal flatlays, but I was so glad we did. The beautiful lace and ribbon pictured were in her mother’s wedding bouquet- cue the tears already. Seriously, when I say Ruthie thought of every detail- I mean everything. 

As the two were getting ready, the rooms were cast with joy and brief moments of nervousness. Jared and Ruthie were so ready to see each other. Throughout the morning, the love birds wrote notes back and forth, anxiously awaiting their reunion. 

There’s something about mother-daughter bridal suite photos that always bring chills to my toes, especially with Ruthie and Cheryl. I had prompted Ruthie to tell her momma how much she means to her, and before I could even finish my sentence, Ruthie had tears streaming down her eyes. This duo is truly knitted together in God’s vision.

A big shoutout to the girls pictured above who never failed to ask me if I needed help with anything. Each bridesmaid wanted the day to be just as perfect as Ruthie had envisioned. They all arrived at 8 a.m. sharp to help set up, arranging each display with meticulous care. I’ve been able to watch their friendships blossom since 2017 when we rushed at Ouachita together. They are the kind of gal pals that every person wishes to have, embodying generosity, love, and joy. 

I adored getting to watch them help Ruthie get ready. Hannah Tingle (@Mht.media), another Ouachita Sis, did Ruthie’s makeup elegantly, and Becca, Ruthie’s sister, did her hair gracefully- truly a powerful Glam squad.

I’m not going to lie, this group of boys gave me constant belly laughs throughout the day. The kind that made me worried if my shots were in focus from laughing so hard. Jared is the epitome of calm, cool, and collected, and the boys kept the laughter flowing. The groomsmen made sure to play a game of… well I’m not sure what they were playing, but the drizzle did not stop the “Red Team” from achieving victory of this tennis, baseball, kickball combo. Of course, the famous ETA root beer made an appearance. 

Another round of applause for Joy (Ruthie’s Maid of Honor) and Mason (Jared’s Best Man) for being by their side no matter the request. Joy held the bouquet whenever Ruthie needed, brought an emergency Bridal kit, and never faltered to be at Ruthie’s aid. During the groomsmen pictures, I prompted the squad to make fun of Jared, and Mason didn’t take a second to make the whole group smile. If a best man doesn’t bring jokes, well… he’s not doing his job. Ruthie’s sisters- Becca and Bethany- did not sit down the entire day, making sure everything was running smoothly. Let’s just say that Jared and Ruthie are blessed with amazing ride-or-dies all the way around. 

Over the years, I have witnessed via Ruthie or Bethany’s Snapchats their hysterical father - Lance. I knew that Ruthie and her Dad were close, so I was excited for their first look, which did not disappoint. Around a week before the wedding, I got a text from Bethany stating that some dear family friends were coming to surprise Ruthie on her big day. When Ruthie saw the couple, her reaction was PRICELESS to say the least. 

Finally, the celebrated couple reunited for a sweet first look. They exchanged their vows, and a whole lot of hugs. Here you can see the reason behind their hashtag #giddytobegarner. Ruthie kept rejoicing, “WE ARE GETTING MARRIED.” The smiles, the tears, and the laughter kept on flowing. This precious moment also ended their year of a long distance engagement. They were, at last, together forever. 

Before the altar we got the whole squad together for a few pics. Each member of the bridal party was PUMPED to finally get these two married. 

WHOO!! The ceremony came at last, centered around the cross, just like their relationship. As the guests entered, the room filled with an air of celebration and reverence. Then, one by one the family, the bridal party, and the groom entered. Everyone patiently awaiting the radiant Bride. 

The ceremony first glimpse is always one of my favorite shots… I loved seeing Jared’s true smile as Ruthie gracefully walked down the aisle alongside her Dad. Also, peep Mason’s face (so excited to finally get his boy married)! 

Their ceremony personified their relationship- class, ease, and faith. 

Giddiness!!!!!!! As Ruthie and Jared exited their ceremony, every guest in the room was smiling ear to ear, so happy to watch the couple start their lives together.

We snapped a few pictures sprinkled with pure excitement. They were so ready to see all their guests- the moments they would treasure forever. 

Let’s just say Ruthie and Jared sure know how to dance! They waltzed around the dance floor like they had done it a million times before. 

I knew as soon as Lance walked onto that dance floor that they had something fun prepared. Starting with a slow soul song, and leading into a pop break dance- all eyes were mesmerized by this father-daughter routine. The sunglasses were out and it was time to celebrate! 

It might be because I have two brothers, but there’s something about a mother-son dance that brings tears to my eyes. Gina, Jared’s Momma, has a timeless grace to her, bringing peace throughout the day.

I had to include some speech photos because they were the best speeches I’ve ever heard!!! Lance brought Ruthie from tears to giggles, recounting memories throughout her life. Joy celebrated the couple with sincerity. Mason made the whole room belly laugh, seriously! 

Can you guess the song playing? I’ll give you a hint (Mamma Mia)! 

The Reception ended in petals tossed onto the couple, marking their new start as the Garners- every guest giddy to watch them accomplish great things through Christ. 

A special thank you to the Garners who allowed me to be a part of their magical day. From the bottom of my heart, I was so honored to be there surrounded by such amazing people. 

Venue- The Venue at Stonebrook Meadows (@stonebrookmeadowsar) 

Second Photographer- Sadie Prejean (@sadieraephotography)  

Dress - Low’s Bridal (@Lowsbridal) 

Hair- Becca Holland (@beccaholland1105) 

Makeup- Hannah Tingle (@mht.media) 

Videography- Josie Pringle (@Josiealexisphoto)