Rustic Crenshaw’s Wedding | Katie and Heath
As a photographer/videographer with 30+ weddings in 2025, this Crenshaw’s wedding was one of the most unique ones I had the pleasure of capturing. With a sunflower theme, a rustic barn reception, and a one-of-a-kind arbor (hand-built by Heath for his bride), the day overall felt like a sprinkle of summer sunshine on an autumn weekend.
Katie and Heath are both horse-trainers, so the cowboy hats were a must, and The Venue at Crenshaw’s provided the perfect locations to match their wedding theme. The sunny field touched on their days out on horse-back together, which we got to capture in this engagement album. The old fence and sheds were the perfect vibe for Heath’s cowboy aesthetic.
Heath and I were both blown away when we saw the dress Katie picked out for the occasion! This A-line gown from Rina’s Bridal, with organic lace designs and a full airy skirt, was so effortlessly romantic it had me snapping photos left and right. The way that she paired it with a fishtail braid and floral jeweled ornaments was whimsical and brought an element of fairytale into the southern charm of the day. One of my favorite moments with Katie was getting to experience her own first look in the mirror, where the gravity of the day and dreams come true hit full force.
Katie and Heath shared a special first look with each other before their wedding ceremony. Out at their ceremony site, this rustic door made for a perfect “Come get me!” moment. The way he looks at her here says enough, but the fact that I only ever saw him cry during their first look says so much more. After the initial excitement, I sat back and captured them taking a breath to enjoy each other’s company before rushing into other big moments.
Their wedding party and family were more than happy to join us and get a sneak peek at the bride and groom before the big day. After snagging some full-sun shots with each individual party, we took advantage of the shade at the front of the Crenshaw’s Wedding Cabin to get some perfect family and full wedding party shots.
Crenshaw’s Wedding Outdoor Ceremony
As a photographer, I always think outdoor lighting is preferable for ceremonies! I love this Crenshaw’s ceremony location, overlooking agricultural land and a gorgeous skyline. While we battled with the afternoon sun on this blazing October day, nobody could deny that the sunflowers stood up a little taller and met with a perfectly blue sky.
I couldn’t get enough of the real laughter and tears throughout this ceremony. The way Katie choked up. The way Heath affectionately gazed at her. The way both families cracked up freely. The way a couple in the crowd held each other close while bearing witness to the beauty of marriage. It was reverent without losing the touch of a southern family gathering.
After the ceremony, we shared a moment of reverie as family and friends gathered around to congratulate the newlyweds!
Katie, Heath, and I slipped away to enjoy a Golden Hour couple session together. I couldn’t help but reminisce on their engagement session and wonder at how quickly the big day had gotten here! I have to admit – we all missed the horses!
Wedding Reception in Crenshaw’s Wedding Barn
The reception space was by far the most true to theme part of the day! This gorgeous barn has an intimate, homey feeling while still being spacious and inviting. The wooden walls and candle lanterns create a warm, cozy atmosphere for eating, celebrating, and dancing. They had tin trays, a wolf-skin rug, and mason-jar centerpieces for a classic southern farmhouse design. My favorite detail from their reception decor was a skull they had printed for their mantle at home. It features my favorite photo from their engagement session! Heath pointed it out to me when I first saw him that morning, and it instantly brightened my day! ♡
After taking some time as a newly married couple, they rejoined their guests in the Barn and started the night with a few special dances!
For dinner, they mixed it up with a taco bar from Taco Lima. I am a huge fan of getting your favorite food for the wedding, so I love to see a local restaurant/food truck involved in the big day! Next up: The cake and toast! The wonderful Savannah Moore, with Eat Moore Cake, showed up and showed out with this special request. I truly cannot express how obsessed I am with their cow cake and sunflower cupcakes. Honestly, it was the last touch that really pulled together every different part of their day. Katie’s reaction to seeing the cake table all together was golden!
T & A Karaoke and DJ Services brought the party to the next level the rest of the night. After some heartfelt speeches, they kept the dance floor live with a great variety of music and mood lighting. Some highlights for me: Katie with her sister singing their hearts out on the dance floor. Heath holding the cutest little boy in the room! Their intimate last dance, where I could see the relief flood through both of them.
This family has to be one of the sweetest I’ve ever worked with. From the very first meeting, I felt so loved and welcomed! Everyone was incredibly kind, courteous, and willing to help. They amazed me from start to finish! I often fall in love with my clients over months of working with them and getting to know their stories, but I don’t always feel remiss leaving the family at the end of the night. This time, when all was done, the bride’s momma hugged me goodnight, and I knew this Crenshaw’s wedding would live in my heart forever. ♡
“Next Door Digital Photography did the most amazing job with our engagement photos and our wedding photos! She captured everything we were hoping to capture for our wedding and made it the most wonderful experience. I highly recommend them for your next photography session! “
Katie and Heath Simpson
The Venue at Crenshaw’s Wedding
Crenshaw’s Wedding Vendor Team
Photography: Next Door Digital
Venue: The Venue at Crenshaw’s
Catering: Taco Lima
Cake: Eat Moore Cake
Florals: Hobby Lobby
Bridal: Rina’s Bridal
Hair/Makeup: Felichia Klutts
Entertainment: T and A Karaoke and DJ Services
Esther Landers
Wedding/Lifestyle Photographer + Videographer
Hey there! I’m Esther Landers, a professional photographer and videographer. With a bachelor’s in Digital Media Arts and 5+ years in business, I am always learning and growing in my craft ❤️ My favorite part of this job is getting sucked up in new love stories that get me emotional all the time 🥹
I am a sucker for a good hand kiss, a classic Jane Austen novel, and the perfect emotional black and white photo 😍 James and I love to work together and often travel with our two little boys to capture love stories all over the country. We’re full of wanderlust and in love with our family!
“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature” – Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
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