Our words simply cannot do enough justice to Brooke and Peyton's wedding day! We met Brooke and Peyton through Brooke's sister, and we were practically adopted into their whole family. It's a challenge to say the least, when you are shooting a wedding day of ones that are so close to you. Mainly because you know just how special this day is, and you want to capture every moment perfectly!
Number One Tip for Future Phocus Brides to Consider:
"Embrace each moment, and trust your photographers vision over your own." -Brooke
We sat down with Brooke and Peyton to listen to their vision for their wedding day, and we could not wait!! We knew from that moment, their wedding was going to be magical, to say the least!
What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos?
"True, raw emotion."-Peyton
Saying their wedding day was emotional does not even scratch the surface. When you have a wedding day that is THIS emotional, every moment we capture is overflowing with those raw emotions. We may or may not have been crying behind our cameras.
What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos?
"Our bride and groom photos!"-Brooke
I don't even know where to begin with these photos of Brooke and Peyton! It was almost disrespectful that they looked THAT good!! We aren't complaining at all though, because it made our job a little bit easier. We barely had to give any sort of direction to Brooke and Peyton, because they were in their own zone, just being who they are.
How did you two meet?
"Mutual friends."-Brooke
Sometimes being set up by your friends can pay off! God knew exactly what he was doing, because there is no way that these two were not made for each other. They fit together perfectly like finding that last piece to the puzzle. In the way they look at each other, or search for one another in a crowded room...saying they are soulmates doesn't even do enough justice for this relationship. There is no Brooke without Peyton, and vice versa.
Tell us about THE dress!
"I’ve never been the person to pre-plan my wedding day, so finding the right dress wasn’t an easy task.. in fact it took me 3 tries! Finally, after going back to the same one multiple times, I realized it was the one. Simple, romantic, elegant and everything I could have wanted."-Brooke
We could not have described Brooke's dress any better than she did! It was gorgeous from head to toe. When she put it on for the first time, she left everyone in the room speechless. It can sometimes be hard to find THE dress, but when you finally do, you can't help but get those butterflies. Reality comes flooding in, and it hits you that you are getting married!
Tell Us About Your First Dance!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DANCE SONG?:
Still the One by Teddy Swims
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT SONG?:
"Our entire relationship has been long distance. Dating in general is hard enough these days, but throw in a couple hundred miles in between and it seems near impossible. We chose this song because no matter what, at the end of the day, we are still the ones, no matter what. Also, Teddy Swims cover because his voice is magic."-Brooke
There was not a dry eye in sight when Brooke and Peyton shared their first dance together. It took a lot for both of them to get to their wedding day, physically and emotionally. There was a chance it was not going to happen on that day due to Brooke losing her father so suddenly, but they were able to lean on one another in that time to make their day still go to plan.
Describe the BRIDE on your wedding day!
"Breathtakingly beautiful, peaceful & serene."-Peyton
We were apart of Brooke and Peyton's journey of getting to their wedding day from the very beginning, and so it was very surreal for us to finally have their big day here. Brooke was very nervous, because she just wanted everything to go perfectly. None the less, she had a team of vendors, and a very supportive family by her side to make it happen.
Describe the GROOM on your wedding day!
"Strong, sensitive & emotional."-Brooke
Peyton was looking real dapper on his wedding day, and he knew it! We loved the suit colors that were chosen, by Brooke of course ;), but he rocked it! It was also a very emotional day for him as well due to losing his mom a few years prior.
What was the most EMOTIONAL part of the day and WHY?
"Reading the letter to my mom who passed in 2019."-Peyton
Losing someone that is such a huge impact on your life could shatter your world, no doubt, but especially when you are so close to them. Mom's play a major role in a child's life, but there is such a deep connection between her and her son. None the less, there is no doubt that Peyton's mom was celebrating this special day in spirit, and standing by his side on one of the most important days of his life.
What was the most EMOTIONAL part of the day and WHY?
"Reading the letter to my dad who passed in September."-Brooke
Losing Brooke's father shook so many lives, including ours. Growing up in an Italian family, we understand the core of family. Brooke's family is very much the same as ours, so you can only imagine how hard this loss has hit their family. Through the pain and sorrow, Brooke's family depended on one another to get through this together. That is what family does at the end of the day, have each other's back through every up and every down.
What is ONE moment of your wedding you will always remember?
"Just at the right moment, the sun peaked through the trees and into the chapel as we stood face to face vowing to share our life together in front of the most important people in our lives."-Brooke
I can't help but believe that in this moment, Brooke's dad and Peyton's mom were making their presence known. Letting everyone there kn0w that even if they couldn't be there in the flesh, they were there in spirit.
Favorite Part of the Phocus Experience?
"THE ENTIRE THING. From day one, and I will never forget this, Tim & Audrey mentioned multiple times that they are all about delivering an experience. They make it a priority to connect with their clients on an intimate, comfortable level in order to execute their vision and yours. I don’t have enough kind words to say about this company. They exceeded our expectations in every single way."-Brooke
Overall, Brooke and Peyton's wedding day was everything we could have imagined for them, and more! It truly was an honor to capture such a special day, and celebrate this day together as a family. Through the hard times that have been going on in the world, and the hardships these families have faced, we all came together to celebrate the unity of two amazing people. We can't wait to see where life takes the Barrios from here.
Even though we LOVED every single photo, here are a few of our favorites from their day!
Vendors:
Venue: Bella Sera Gardens
Gown: The Bridal Loft- Stella York
Hair: Mallory Ernes
Draping: WeddingWalls
Dj: AnyDayDJ.Com
Planning: Twyla Johnson
Stationary + Photo + Photo Booth: Phocus & Company