Carrie - Taylor - Nikki Golden Photography

Carrie + Taylor
December 29, 2019

How it began
In 2014 Taylor survived a traumatic automobile accident, became legally blind, and nearly lost his life. In 2017 he was asked to come to a local school to speak to the students and tell his story. Carrie was intrigued by Taylor and reached out to him on Facebook to see if he wanted to come speak to her class. After some messaging back and forth, they decided on dinner! On their first date they closed down the restaurant and have been together ever since.

About the proposal
Taylors original plans included a picnic, cupcakes, a new dress from Carrie’s favorite boutique and a proposal to top it off. However, he was too excited and did things a little off schedule. A few days before the planned proposal, Carrie returned from a family trip and found a note at the door saying he (and their dogs) were excited she was home. Inside were post it notes everywhere, each with a reason he loves her. The notes led down the hallway to a new dress. She thought this was the end of the surprises and went to the bathroom to put it on. When she walked into the room donning her new dress, Taylor got down on one knee (with dogs Izzy on one side and Lucy on the other side) and proposed. She of course said yes!

The wedding
The couple wanted the wedding to reflect their relationship. Carrie’s cousin’s husband officiated the ceremony and they spoke both traditional and non-traditional vows to each other. Taylor’s step-mom Judy arranged the bouquets and flowers. They had a space set aside in memory of Taylor’s mom, who passed away in 2013. Each table was given the name of a place that the couple has traveled along with photos. They kept the decor simple, yet elegant, with greenery and string lights. They both love tacos, so they had a taco and nachos bar! And since it was winter, there was also a coffee and hot chocolate bar available for guests during the cocktail hour.

Carrie - Taylor - Nikki Golden Photography

“Carrie’s favorite decor of the day was the family album. They had pictures of family members on their wedding day displayed and it was a reminder that they both come from amazing families who have built strong examples of marriage for Carrie and Taylor to follow.”

Sadly, Carrie’s beloved dog Izzy passed away about a month before the wedding. She took Izzy with her down the aisle in the bouquet by including her custom collar, bow, and tag. Their other dog, Lucy, was able to join the couple for pictures before the ceremony.

Real Wedding Carrie - Taylor - Nikki Golden Photography

Favorite part of the day
Both of their favorite parts of the day were making the commitment to spend the reception time together and to not separate! They both truly felt that they spent the reception together and were able to enjoy lots of special moments together.

Best piece of advice
“Enjoy every moment! Each of you pick a non-negotiable that is a must have, then work together on the rest.”

Carrie - Taylor - Nikki Golden Photography

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