A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors at sunset during their Justin Trails Barn Wedding, bathed in warm sunlight with greenery in the background.

The Shaffer day began as it ended: drenched in laughter, love, and beauty. Getting ready at the Justin Trails, the natural light filled the space highlighting the flower girl’s giggles and creating the perfect space for Brittany Amundson to put the finishing touches on Carolyn.

A man in formal attire hugs and playfully nuzzles a woman in a white dress outdoors at a Justin Trails Barn Wedding, both laughing amid autumn foliage.

Set against the warm wood paneling and under a ceiling of wood beams, there is a great ambiance at Justin Trails which came to life as Carolyn twirled in her wedding dress. A seemingly simple sheath dress had an incredibly gorgeous open back; however, she also added a fun, layered skirt for part of the day giving her two distinctive and super cool looks.

A woman in a white gown stands as another person crouches behind, adjusting the train of the dress in a dimly lit Justin Trails Barn Wedding venue.

The Shaffer day was filled with distinctive moments, the first of which was the bride’s “First Look,” which took place with her groomsman! I love the twist on that. Opting not to see her groom until the ceremony, emotions took over Justin’s closest friends, which turned into joyful prayer as they came together as a group.

A bride in a white dress and veil holds a bouquet of white flowers, smiling at the groom in a black tuxedo during their outdoor Justin Trails Barn Wedding ceremony.

Every wedding day is truly unique, representing everything from a couple’s personalities to their lifestyle, their professions, and often their heritage. It became clear from the first clasped hands in prayer during the getting ready that the most important detail of this wedding would be the love of Christ which unites this couple but also weaves a strong connection throughout their tribe. From the family formals to the joy of the reception, these families’ close connection was evident.

A bride and groom in formal attire walk hand in hand outdoors on a sunny day at a Justin Trails Barn Wedding, with green grass and trees in the background.

The flowers by Bittersweet were exactly the right fit and were sweet and beautiful. A simple wooden cross draped with white blooms trailed down from the right side was quite honestly the perfect altar for Carolyn and Justin. Set against the rolling lawn and at the top of an aisle created by wooden chairs adorned with the same blooms, the centerpiece of their ceremony truly represents what is at the core of their marriage: their faith.

A bride and groom stand facing each other on a country road at sunset, surrounded by fields and trees, capturing the rustic romance of a Justin Trails Barn Wedding.

The elegance of Carolyn’s fantastic dress lit up by the setting sun was matched only by the wide smile that danced across Justin’s face every time he looked at Carolyn. Their collection of portraits as a newly married couple was incredibly fun to create and created a great spread in WBN La Crosse wedding magazine, where they were a featured couple!

Close-up of a bride smiling at the camera while standing next to the groom, both partially covered by a white veil at their Justin Trails Barn Wedding.

Every elegant detail of his luxurious wedding day had been carefully planned by Nancy and attended to by the bride’s mother, who worked together all morning, bringing their wedding day vision to life. The charm of Justin Trails was accented by Nancy’s planning services’ execution and culminated in the barn looking absolutely fantastic!

A couple in wedding attire stands on a grassy hill at their Justin Trails Barn Wedding, facing a sunset over rolling hills and trees.

DJ Alec Nissen set the perfect stage for Carolyn, a dancer, and their entire wedding party to light up the dancefloor. Still observing social distancing, their small, covid friendly wedding featured face masks, but boy, did they have a blast on that dance floor. The father of the bride, usually more of a wallflower, was cutting up the dancefloor! Through it, all Justin kept a strong, protective arm around his new wife, clearly devoted to loving and protecting her, while sweeping her off her feet.

A bride and groom stand closely together on a sunlit path beside autumn trees, with the white Justin Trails Barn Wedding venue visible in the background.

From the gorgeous family formals on the lush lawn to the twinkle of the lights crisscrossing the barn, it truly felt like we were surrounded in faith, laughter, love, and true joy. However, I thought I had captured the spark of something new between one of Carolyn’s brothers and her Maid of Honor, and as it turned out, my suspicions were right and these two are now dating. Yay for love!!

A bride and groom embrace on a green lawn at sunset during their Justin Trails Barn Wedding, with sunlight streaming behind them and trees in the background.

For sure, love begets love, and Carolyn and Justin’s wedding day at Justin’s Trails was a testament to their faith, as it will continue to bind their family and friends together.