This time of year is the best - chilly days, the leaves quickly changing from greens to yellows and reds and crunching beneath your feet. Time seems to move so much quicker in the fall. Maybe it’s the shorter daylight or the busy wedding and holiday season, but it’s hard to believe it’s been almost one year since Erica + Ben celebrated their wedding day at Oakland Farm!

This sweet couple grew up on baseball and softball fields, playing at the same sports complex when they were little. In high school, mutual friends connected them, and they started dating during their senior year. They went to rival high schools and attended different colleges, but a little distance couldn’t put a pause on their love story.

The Proposal: Erica + Ben were in Omaha, Nebraska watching the NC State baseball team play in the college World Series. On the morning of Erica’s flight back to Raleigh, Ben took her to the Bob Kerrey Bridge connecting Nebraska and Iowa. He proposed as the sun rose. Erica says, it’s “very on-brand of Ben to propose right before I got on a flight to leave, LOL.” He slipped a gorgeous diamond ring on her finger, and she headed to the airport.

Photos by Annie Timmons Photography

The Party: As the plane touched down, it was time for wedding planning! Erica dreamed of a modern and minimalist wedding with natural colors. Oakland’s bright, wooden interior of the Barn and lush fall foliage outdoors was the perfect backdrop for sharing their vows.

To this day, Erica’s wedding dress is one of my favorites! Erica shared her dream wedding gown with Miledy Bridal who custom designed and handmade the dress! The form fitting dress with billowing sleeves was absolutely perfect for her modern fall wedding day. Her best gals wore nude chiffon, floor-length dresses in different styles from Revelry. It was the perfect color against the bright yellow and red foliage near our Farmhouse where the ladies were getting ready!

Photos by Annie Timmons Photography

At the Pavilion for their ceremony, Erica + Ben exchanged vows in front of a custom backdrop designed by her grandpa - white arches covered in greenery. Her grandpa also created the, welcome sign, escort card stand, table number card holders, and order of events sign holder. We loved the modern look of the white and navy decor. Plus, the escort card stand were bookmarks with custom notes to each guest from the bride and groom - how sweet!?

Erica shared her favorite memory from wedding day with me: “Ooh this is hard! My favorite memory is probably dancing my heart out. I could feel the weight of the love of all of my people in one room throughout the whole reception - that was incredibly special.”

Advice to Couples Wedding Planning: “Have fun and do not stress,” she says. “Your day will be your day and it will be perfect. The minor details in the end will be just that - minor. What will matter is being with all the people you love and celebrating the joining of your families.” How often do the people you love most all gather in one space!? Your friends and family all their celebrating your love and this new chapter in your life - wedding days are so special!

Photos by Annie Timmons Photography

A bubbling exit sent the happy couple on their way as Mr. + Mrs. at the end of the evening. Oh, I love reliving Erica + Ben’s wedding day through their photos! Annie Timmons Photography captured their love perfectly!

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Happy Anniversary, Mr. + Mrs. Highfill!

Erica + Ben: A Modern November Wedding Day