April 26, 2017

Patrick & Shelby | Black Tie Wedding at Kindred Barn

“Who are you?” The memorable first words spoken between Shelby and Patrick won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Patrick was new at the hospital where Shelby worked, and her curiosity about this stranger sparked what would become a beautiful love story. Patrick introduced himself, and they went about their normal work days. Not much conversation was exchanged between the semi-strangers after that first encounter, until Shelby found herself in a predicament. She bought tickets to see one of her favorite bands, Kings of Leon, in Nashville on New Years Eve, but no one could go with her. Determined to not miss the concert, she tried to think of anyone she could take with her. That Patrick guy at work seemed like a nice guy, why not? Shelby asked Patrick a crazy question, and to her surprise, he agreed to go.

There is a popular song that says “If you trust your rebel heart, ride it into battle, don’t be afraid, take the road less traveled.” Popular opinion probably would have said to stay home. Don’t go, and don’t ask a practical stranger to go with you. Something in Shelby’s gut told her to do it anyway, to take that road less traveled. And it’s the best decision she could have ever made. In the hours Patrick and Shelby spent in the car to and from Nashville, they learned all about each other, and they were hooked. From that point on, they were inseparable… almost.

Patrick finished his time at the hospital and was offered at dream job at a hospital in Texas as an Anesthetist. This is what he had been working toward for years. He never imagined meeting the woman of his dreams in Arkansas. After Patrick moved to Texas, he and Shelby continued their relationship, which grew stronger every day, while the distance grew harder. Shelby was heartbroken, because she and her son needed to stay in Arkansas, but the man she loved was hours away. She wondered how it would ever work. A year passed by, and Patrick surprised Shelby with tickets to see Kings of Leon in Nashville on New Years Eve again, just like their first date. That night, one year after two strangers fell in love, Patrick surprised Shelby again, this time by asking her a crazy question. It turns out, his dream woman mattered a lot more to him than his dream job. And she obviously said yes 🙂

On Friday, April 21st, Patrick and Shelby vowed their lives to each other. “I can’t believe you came back to marry me,” Shelby said through tears as she read her promises to her soon-to-be husband. Patrick vowed to always love and take care of Shelby and William, and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he will do just that.

Shelby and Patrick were married at the beautiful new Kindred Barn in Northwest Arkansas. Her stunning Calla Blanche gown from Inverness Bridal in Conway was unlike any dress we’ve ever seen and definitely stopped Patrick in his tracks! Shelby is an avid lover of the outdoors, and specifically chose this venue not just for its beauty inside, but the gorgeous land it sits on. The extended forecast, all the way up until the wedding day, showed between 90-100% chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms ALL day. We were disappointed for Shelby, but grateful for the beauty of the inside of Kindred Barn. And you know what happened? Despite the gloomy forecast, the rain completely stopped MINUTES before their First Look!! It wasn’t supposed to happen. It was supposed to be dumping buckets! They were able to have their First Look and all of their portraits outside in front of the barn and in the vineyard!! The raindrops started to gently fall just as we were finishing up to head in for the ceremony! You can even see the rain in the last few portraits!

This day, this couple, and this testimony to fighting for who you love should be an inspiration. We’re honored to have been chosen to share it! Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Oeder!