Jake & Lindsay’s Summer Wedding at Havenwood Farm & Events

It was finally the day for Jake & Lindsay’s summer wedding at Havenwood Farm & Events. I was so excited to watch my only son marry the love of his life. I had already witnessed my two daughters walk down the aisle, but there was something different about this day.

BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY BEGAN

Jake was my little buddy growing up. When he was little, he could drive me absolutely crazy one minute and melt my heart the next. And now, somehow, the little boy who used to fish all the time in our back yard, was standing at the altar, ready to start his own family.

I was so, so incredibly grateful. Grateful that God had brought such an amazing young woman into his life, and grateful that we would be welcoming Lindsay into our family.

The day actually started before sunrise. My husband and I climbed out of bed while it was still dark outside to drive Penny to the venue. A few months earlier, my future daughter-in-law had asked if Penny could be a part of their wedding day. And, of course, my answer was an immediate yes.

Even though we were tired, our excitement quickly woke us up as we drove to Havenwood Farm & Events. We arrived nice and early, giving us plenty of time to get Penny settled into her spot among the trees. The venue was quiet and peaceful, and for a few moments it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves.

GETTING READY FOR A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER WEDDING

As beautiful as it was, I was excited to get back home because I knew Lindsay and her girls would already be at the house getting ready. My daughters had flown into town several days earlier and had everything organized for the morning. Food was set out, mirrors were in place, water bottles were everywhere, and the hair and makeup artists were already hard at work.

And thank goodness for the water. It was Memorial Day weekend in Florida, and the heat showed up in full force. Even though summer had technically just begun, it felt like we were already in the middle of August.

Once everyone was dressed and ready, we all made our way to the venue. When we arrived, their photographer, Caroline Pierce, was already there waiting for Lindsay and her bridesmaids. (Caroline served our family so well on their wedding day!).

The excitement was beginning to build as final details were brought in and everyone settled into their roles for the day. Meanwhile, I was making sure Penny was perfectly wedding-ready because I couldn’t wait for our friends and family to experience her for themselves. She was nestled between two trees, just steps from the reception space, and Penny looked right at home. And, then it was time for the ceremony.

POTTS, THE CUTEST LITTLE GROOMSMAN, & THE SWEETEST CEREMONY

One of my favorite parts of the day happened before Lindsay even walked down the aisle. Their sweet Boxer, Potts, proudly joined the wedding party and looked absolutely precious wearing her floral wreath, and she didn’t seem to mind all of the attention, either.

Next, came my grandson, who confidently walked down the aisle in his western hat and boots, while pushing his little lawn mower. It was one of those moments that no one could have planned better if they tried. The entire crowd was giggling, and I found myself thinking, “Yep… this is us!!” Those little personal touches made the day feel even more special.

Watching our son stand at the altar and pledge his life to Lindsay was one of the sweetest moments of my life. Everyone who knows them can see how perfectly they complement one another. As I sat there listening to their vows, I couldn’t help but reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness through the years.

CELEBRATING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Then, after the ceremony, the celebration began. Like most weddings, guests enjoyed cocktail hour, catching up with family and friends, while making their way toward the food. But after dinner? That’s when the real party started… and Penny was ready!

As the sun began to set, guests stepped inside of Penny, one after another, laughing, posing, and creating memories together. One of the greatest gifts of the evening was that my sweet friend, Maddie, ran the booth for me, allowing me to simply enjoy being Jake’s mom for the evening.

EXPERIENCING PENNY THROUGH A MOTHER’S EYES

For the first time, I experienced Penny exactly the way our couples do. I watched grandparents, cousins, college friends, childhood friends, and family members pile inside together. I saw the strips printing, and the smiles grow bigger with every visit. It reminded me of why I love Penny so much.

As a business owner, I know what Penny offers. But as a mother of the groom, I experienced something completely different. I saw how Penny brought people together, and memories being made in real time. But, my favorite part was watching loved ones leave with keepsakes that would transport them right back to this day, years from now.

That’s why I love what Penny does. She isn’t just a photo booth. She becomes part of the celebration… And on one of the most important days of my life, she became part of our family’s story too. Jake & Lindsay’s Summer Wedding at Havenwood Farm & Events was definitely a day that I will never forget!

Congratulations, Jake and Lindsay!! Your family loves you both so much.