kelsey + cody // Kloc’s Grove Wedding
Filed in weddings shot by Ayres Photography on atIt’s always a huge honor when we’re asked to photograph a fellow pro photographer’s wedding day. Kelsey is an amazingly talented wedding and lifestyle photographer (check her out here!), and we were lucky enough to be the chosen ones to document her own big day. Kelsey made for one seriosuly stunning bride and was clearly just as comfortable in front of the camera as she is behind it. If we didn’t know better we would honestly think she was a pro-model; this girl can really slay, and so can her man! These two made our jobs so easy. Tyra Banks needs to take some notes.
There really were so many things to love about this day. Kelsey and Cody were high school sweethearts who have known each other since they were just 5 years old. How often do you hear that these days?? The emotions between the two of them during their ceremony were so pure and genuine. You could almost see all of those years between them as they finally pledged their lives to each other in front of their closest family and friends. It was so special to be able to capture the way that Cody looked at Kelsey; like he’d never seen anyone more beautiful in his entire life. It’s so evident how much they both truly treasure each other, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to freeze these special moments for them forever.
As you scroll through their post, be sure to read along with their story :)
Kelsey: “My dress was a complete accident. I picked it from the rack because I loved the all pearl straps and found them so unique. I was dead set on a completely different type of dress, but once I had put it on I just didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. When I slipped on my ‘random’ pick I was completely smitten with how beautiful it made me look and feel!“
Kelsey: “I decided to get ready in a barn on my great Uncle Gordon’s property. It’s a piece of architecture that has not only withstood the test of time but stayed beautiful while doing so. My grandmother used to spend her childhood playing inside with her four brothers. It’s always been a marvel for our family and I am so blessed I was able to create my own piece of history inside it.“
Kelsey: “Cody and I have known one another since elementary school. For many years we even ended up in the same classroom. When we were in fifth grade I remember having the biggest crush on him. He has the best sense of humor and I remember that whenever I was in his presence I would just always be laughing. The summer before our sophomore year of high school my crush was back, and in full swing. We struck up a friendship and we officially began dating on homecoming.“
Kelsey: “Our first date was when we were both newly 16 years old, and neither one of us had our driver license. We got a pizza and rented the original ‘Halloween’. I was extremely nervous but the scary movie gave us an excuse to finally hold hands.“
Kelsey: “Before he planned to propose, Cody had told me earlier that week he had made lunch plans with his parents. I didn’t think anything of it. I also had been battling the flu so by the time Saturday rolled around I was happily resting on the couch. I was in the bathroom washing my face after a lovely three-hour nap when he came home. As I walked out to say hello, there he was down on one knee. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening. I just kept staying ‘STOP IT!’ and ‘IS THIS REAL??’ It was such an honest and real moment in our lives. It was completely us.“
Kelsey: “Our free time together is comfortable and effortless. We go grocery shopping, try out a hole in the wall sushi place, and take lots of random turns on our way home just to see if we discover a quicker way than our usual route. It never is faster but we don’t even notice.“
Kelsey: “We are the proud parents of two beagles, Boomer and Capone. Any chance we can get to just sit home and spend time with them we take. Nothing beats the both of us curled up on the couch, a dog on either side, while watching some classic Food Network show that makes us extremely hungry and want to travel to said city just to try it.“
Cody: “We did a first look and that was really special for us, but actually seeing Kelsey walk down the aisle to officially become my wife was a feeling I’ve never felt.“
Kelsey: “The best memory from our wedding for me was our vows. I wasn’t expecting us to become so emotional but the whole moment mixed with our pastor’s incredible sermon about not just us, but love as a whole, was an incredibly sweet and wonderful feeling.“
Kelsey: “Being together for over ten years we have both witnessed one another change in ways neither of us ever saw coming. We have been nothing but honest from day one, and when we feel a problem sitting at bay we take the time to discuss it. We each have quirks that the other embraces. Our trust and patience have never faltered. We take the time to not just listen to one another but also the time to laugh and enjoy all our lives have brought us.“
Cody: “Our venue was fantastic to us, and we are so grateful for how well everything worked out. From the food to the entire celebration, Kelsey and I and all of our guests had a great time that we will never forget.“
Kelsey: “We have a lot of songs that fit us however we’ve always come back to ‘My Best Friend’ by Tim McGraw. Every time we hear it we smile and think back to the days we had just fallen in love.“
Kelsey: “My parents raised me and my brother on the music of Fleetwood Mac. Because of that, they are one of my favorite bands. Being a daddy’s girl, I knew I wanted to surprise him with a song that was special and a little different than what you normally would hear. When I was listening to the live version of ‘Landslide’ and heard Stevie’s opening remark ‘this is for you daddy’, I instantly knew that would be the song.“
Cody: “My mom and I danced to ‘Because You Loved Me’ by Celine Dion. I left the decision in her hands and she picked this song because I have been a strong support system for her throughout the years.“
A few wedding planning words of wisdom from Kelsey: “Be prepared for plans to change! It’s inevitable. And hire a planner – the last thing you should think about the day of your wedding is whether or not things are arriving or being set up. Give yourself the ability to focus on just marrying the love of your life!
Cody and I both had complete trust in the Ayres team’s entire process. We were comfortable in front of the camera and for many moments forgot it was even there.“
Kelsey and Cody’s flowers were so gorgeous! Click here to see another William’s Florist wedding!
Wedding Vendors Include:
Venue: Kloc’s Grove
Wedding Planner: Social Maven Event Planning
Florist: William’s Florist
Hair: Alycia Sawyer
Make-up Artist: Brianna Ronan
Dress Shop: Lovely Bride Rochester
Bridesmaids Dresses: Weddington Way
Groom’s Look: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: Minted
Dessert: Paula’s Donuts
