Carson & Katelyn: Golden Hour Painting at The Farm
July in Alabama is HOT — the kind of heat that makes everything feel alive and buzzing. Flowers bloom with boldness, cicadas hum in the trees, and friends and family gather despite the sweat and sun — because love is worth showing up for. Carson and Katelyn’s wedding day at The Farm in Akron was exactly that: full of light, warmth, and the kind of love that seems to glow from the inside out.
Katelyn first reached out to me in December 2024, curious about a live wedding painting. From the beginning, she had a clear vision — she wanted their “dip kiss” captured inside the white open-wall chapel at The Farm. I hadn’t been to the venue before, but her enthusiasm and intentionality had me intrigued and excited to see it for myself.
What I didn’t know until later was just how meaningful The Farm was to both of them. Carson and his stepdad had DJed weddings there for years, and even in the early days of their relationship, Carson would look around the property and say, “One day it’ll be our wedding here.” When it came time to plan, they toured the space together, and Katelyn instantly fell in love. The open chapel, nestled far enough out of town that the rest of the world seems to hush, became their dream venue — and eventually, the backdrop for their forever.
Now, I’ll admit something: painting architecture with lots of straight lines — windows, beams, sharp angles — can make me a little anxious as an artist. I gravitate toward the soft, loose strokes of trees and landscapes. But when I’m faced with structure, I pull out the ruler, do a little quiet math, and repeat the words that always get me through: trust the process.
And I’m so glad I did, because the moment was worth it.
Their 6pm ceremony gave us that magical golden-hour light — the kind that creates long shadows and haloed edges. The sunlight streamed through the open sides of the chapel and wrapped around Katelyn and Carson just like the love of the family and friends surrounding them. The florals were soft and dreamy: baby’s breath, roses, hydrangeas, and blue snapdragons. The bridesmaids wore a soft, romantic blue while the groomsmen were in classic black tuxedos.
Katelyn radiated grace and joy. Carson looked at her like he was watching his entire world walk down the aisle. I wanted their painting to capture all of that — the awe, the reverence, and the quiet beauty of their love.
I didn’t finish the painting at the wedding. Some scenes need a little more breathing room — and this one deserved that extra attention. Katelyn and I talked, and we decided to add in the chapel benches and a few softly-rendered guests later so the painting would feel complete while still keeping the focus on the two of them.
A few nights ago, I put the final touches on their piece. It’s one of those paintings that I’ll always carry with me — not just for the technical challenge or the golden light, but because of the people it represents.
Katelyn and Carson, your love story really does feel like something from a storybook. From that second day on campus at Mississippi State to your dream wedding in a chapel you already called home — it’s clear that God has been at work in every step of your journey. I’m so grateful I got to witness a small part of it and to capture the first page of your forever.
May your marriage always be filled with more love than you can hold.
Love,
Kitty
