College Station Wedding Photographer | Deep in the Heart Farms | Samantha and Wayne
College Station Wedding Photographer
As a College Station wedding photographer, I am a huge fan of Deep in the Heart Farms wedding venue. Located in Brenham, Texas, this four-generation farm has 150 acres of rolling hills and majestic oak trees. There are so many places for beautiful photos! Plus, the Andersen family and their staff are amazing! They make all of their couples, and the vendors at the wedding, feel right at home. Samantha and Wayne shared they fell in love with Deep in the Heart Farms on their first tour because the beauty of the venue speaks for itself and needs little to no extra decorations to make it look absolutely amazing.
All in the Details
Genuine and kind, Wayne and Samantha are both very down-to-earth people and wanted a wedding that reflected that. Simple and rustic, with a touch of elegance. Most important to them was that everyone have a good time and be comfortable. They chose their wedding colors based around Samantha’s love of maroon and rose gold. The navy blue and grey accented them very well! Having been together for ten years, Samantha and Wayne planned a wedding that truly reflected who they are.
Getting Ready at Deep in the Heart Farms
Samantha’s wedding dress was an A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline and long train. It had layers of glitter tulle, tulle with beaded/glitter accents, and lace. Making this lovely gown even more unique, Samantha had lace sleeves added to the dress. The sparkle of the detailing and glitter tulle under the lace was her favorite element. She was radiant!
I always love learning all about the sentimental items brides incorporate into their big day. Serving as her “something old” and “something blue”, Samantha carried a blue rosary in her bouquet. She and her late grandmother made that rosary together by hand almost twenty years ago. With this heirloom rosary close at hand, Samantha felt like her grandmother was there celebrating with her.
First Looks Captured by College Station Wedding Photographer
Samantha shared a first look with her Dad and it was the sweetest moment. He could not stop smiling after he saw his daughter standing there in her wedding gown for the first time. Carrying on with an old tradition, he placed a penny, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, in her shoe.
After the father daughter first look, it was time for Wayne to see his bride. While Samantha was very calm, cool and collected, she couldn’t wait to see Wayne’s reaction of seeing her for the first time in her dress. It was such a special and intimate moment between this lovely couple. Wayne shared he thought Samantha looked absolutely stunning and that he felt like the luckiest man alive in that moment. He said he never even once felt nervous.
The Bridal Party
One of the advantages of having a first look is that you get all of your photos done early! This gives couples more time to enjoy their reception and celebrate with their family and friends. With their biggest supporters by their side, we had the best time with this wedding party. You could truly feel the genuine love and support these bridesmaids and groomsmen felt for Samantha and Wayne. The maroon dress and grey vests were a colorful combination and simply gorgeous! After photos with their friends, we whisked Samantha and Wayne off alone to capture portraits of just the two of them. These special moments alone, before the ceremony, always calm any nerves the bride and groom might have.
Ceremony inside Deep in the Heart Chapel
The stunning wedding chapel at Deep in the Heart Farms speaks for itself. With natural light pouring through, it creates a beautiful atmosphere. This wedding union was officiated by Samantha’s aunt which made it even more special. Wayne shared that his favorite moment (other than when it stopped raining), was when his bride walked down the aisle to become his wife. It was the moment they had been anticipating for so long!
Samantha shared with me advice for other couples planning a wedding.
“At the end of the day, the most important thing about your wedding day is that you end the day married to your best friend. Seriously, nothing else really matters. Don’t let small inconveniences or things not going according to plan completely ruin what is supposed to be one of the best days of your life. Also, let your future hubby do some of the planning! He has things that are important to him too and he deserves to have a say. He also may really surprise you and have an amazing vision for your day! Let him have an opinion.”
The Reception
With a room filled with people who are near and dear to Samantha and Wayne, the celebration was one for the books! Sentimental toasts, laughter and joy, and lots of dancing was enjoyed by family and friends. One of the standout moments was Samantha’s first dance with her Dad. They had a really hard time holding it together and not crying during their first dance. You could definitely feel the loving bond this father daughter duo shared. Samantha is the oldest of her siblings, and the first to be married. Couple that with being a huge daddy’s girl, she was very emotional.
Unique to Deep in the Heart Farms is their branding wall. At the end of each wedding, couples brand their initials and wedding date into the wall, marking their union together. As a College Station wedding photographer, this is such a cool moment to capture!
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Carlisle! It has been an honor and a pleasure for the Reed Gallagher Photography team to be a part of your journey. You are both genuine, kind and so fun to be around. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being such an amazing couple to work with. Looking forward to watching your family grow!
Shout out to the amazing vendors who made this day possible!
Photography | Reed Gallagher Photography
Venue | Deep in the Heart Farms
Florist & Rentals | Eat, Drink, and Be Married Wedding & Events
Dress | David’s Bridals
Entertainment | DJ Connection
Catering | Nathan’s BBQ
