A Bride In A Tub

Weddings are intense. Sometimes they’re planned down to the millisecond, with everyone rushing around, trying to corral a herd of vendors and guests in a dozen directions at once. As wedding photographers, we often hear from couples afterward how grateful they are for their photos—because so much of the day flew by in a blur. They didn’t get to fully experience it. That’s one of the hardest parts of a wedding day.

On this particular occasion, our bride, Alecia, began her day like many others—brimming with anticipation. She moved quickly through the bridal cottage at Starry Night Barn, trying to speed things along, even though she knew she had to wait. It felt like driving toward a storm you can’t outrun. The anticipation was loud in a room that otherwise felt still.

Then came the moment to put on her dress, and with it, a wave of realization. The day she had spent years planning was finally here. She was ready for it to begin—but still, she had to wait.

Wait for the planners to finish setting up.
Wait for the florist to place the final blooms.
Wait for the groomsmen to to take their places.
Wait for the microphones to be checked.
Wait for the guests to take their seats.

The anticipation was overwhelming—but so was the excitement.

And that’s when the real Alecia stepped forward. As we took portraits in her charming rustic bridal suite, we pointed out the grand clawfoot tub in the room. Without missing a beat, she grinned, gathered the layers of her pale blue wedding gown, and climbed right in. Glass of champagne in hand, bare feet kicked up, she beamed from ear to ear. In that moment, she claimed the day as her own.