Photo: Heirloom Collective
Brooke Good and Chris Allen's wedding was a long time coming. The couple met in Baton Rouge nine years ago, but Brooke was living in Little Rock. "Not exactly a convenient commute," she says. The pair stayed in touch through e-mail, until Brooke moved to Baton Rouge in 2008. "We began dating almost immediately," Brooke remembers. Three years later, in November of 2011, Chris planned a surprise trip to Covington, Louisiana to pop the question. "We brought our bikes, and one afternoon we took a beautiful bike ride to lunch," remembers Brooke. "We hiked down to the Tchefuncte River, and he proposed on the banks."
16 months later, the couple wed on April 6th, 2013. "We knew we wanted to be outdoors, so a spring wedding was perfect for us," says Brooke. The duo chose a rustic venue, which they dressed up with natural colors, burlap, and lots of sunflowers. "It really incorporated who we are," Brooke explains.
Read on for the details of this couple's sunny, comfortable wedding celebration.
Brooke wore colorful accessories, from her ring to her lace garter accented with a bold blue brooch. Her red floral shoes fashionable and functional: They popped against her knee-length gown, while the wedged heels kept her from sinking into the grass.
Photo: Heirloom Collective
"I wore my mom's pearl earrings and necklace," says Brooke. "She received them from her mother-in-law, and it was so special to share them with her." Her lace and tulle knee-length dress was custom-made by Ting Bridal.
Photo: Heirloom Collective
Chris donned a gray three-piece suit and a green paisley tie.
Photo: Heirloom Collective
"We loved that Beauvoir Park had both indoor and outdoor space," says Brooke. "And it's close to where many of our friends live, so they were able to ride their bikes there!"
Photo: Heirloom Collective
The couple limited their ceremony to family members and out of town guests. Guests were seated on benches and folding chairs on the lawn.
Photo: Heirloom Collective
The ring bearer wore a suit with a yellow tie — and his favorite red cowboy boots. "He loves to stomp around in them," says Brooke. Instead of staying on the aisle during his walk, he took off running to his dad as soon as he spotted him. "It wasn't quite successful, but it made the crowd laugh!"
Photo: Heirloom Collective
Brooke's mother walked her down the aisle as two of the couple's friends played Cajun classics on violins. Her mother donned a vintage-inspired red and rose-printed dress, plus a sunflower corsage that coordinated with Brooke's bright bouquet featuring sunflowers and roses.
The ceremony took place in front of two French doors draped with flowing white curtains and sunflowers. "Our friend Denise officiated the wedding," says Brooke. "We wrote our own vows, which was so intimate and personal. This was my favorite part of the whole day."
Instead of a guest book, Chris built a wooden bench, and the couple invited their guests to sign it. "It's a memory we'll have forever," says Brooke. As favors, the couple gave each guest a mason jar painted with chalk paint to use as their cups for the evening. They served homemade sangria, as well as beer homebrewed by Chris and a few of the couple's friends.
Photo: Heirloom Collective
"The wedding was full of details we love," says Brooke. "Chris made three kegs of homebrewed beer. It was a real downhome kind of throw-down!"
Vintage cloths were collected to cover the reception tables, which were accented with yellow and burlap runners. Paper lanterns added extra color to the tented dining area. Flowers in bright hues, including sunflowers and roses once again, were arranged in burlap-wrapped jars. "We had our favorite treats all over the place," says Brooke. The dessert bar featured a small cutting cake and cupcakes in three of the couple's favorite flavors: strawberry, chocolate, and classic vanilla.
Chris and Brooke's first dance was to "Reminiscing" by the Little River Band. Of course she also took a spin with her mother!
Photo: Heirloom Collective
"My friend and planner, Sophie from Project:Fête!, created a photo booth for us," says Brooke. "We set up a polaroid camera and fun props, then had guests leave photos for us on the clothesline."
There's no better way to leave a wedding than through a shower of confetti! Unless, that is, you follow up the exit with a honeymoon trip to Belize. "Being married has been wonderful. We lead a simple life, and we love it that way," says Brooke. She urges couples to always remember the meaning of the day, not just the planning and details.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Beauvoir Park, Baton Rouge || Wedding Planner: Sophie Vicknair of Project:Fête! || Bride's Wedding Dress: Custom-made by Ting Bridal || Jewelry: The Bride's Mother || Hair: Vicki B. || Mother of the Bride & Bridesmaid's Dresses: Trashy Diva || Groom & Groomsmen's Suits: Jos. A. Bank || Florist: Ellen Tadman, a friend of the bride || Invitations: Gabe Vicknair of Project:Fête! || Music: Str8 On, DJ Auto || Cake: Becky Antoon || Photography: Heirloom Collective