kristasuzannephotography

The Barn at Smith Lake Wedding | North Alabama Wedding Photographer

Weddings

When a wedding is ten years in the making, you know it’s going to be good.

Stephanie and Tyler’s Barn at Smith Lake wedding was full of love, laughter, and the kind of unforgettable moments that only come from two people who have truly grown up together. Set on the shore of a beautiful lake in North Alabama, this day had it all—golden sunsets, a surprise rainstorm, and a couple who didn’t let a single drop stop them from having the day of their dreams.

If you’re looking for a North Alabama wedding venue that feels both elevated and natural, this one’s for you.

A Lakeside Venue with a View

Stephanie fell in love with The Barn at Smith Lake before she even got engaged. After seeing it on Instagram, she saved it in her heart and reached out for pricing—months before Tyler proposed! That’s how she knew this would be the place.

With its iconic Glass House overlooking the water and an open-air structure filled with natural light, it was the perfect setting for a day that felt both elegant and effortless. Stephanie and Tyler chose the balcony of the Glass House for their first look, and the emotion in that moment was palpable. Just the two of them, surrounded by nature, taking it all in before saying “I do.”

A Ceremony Steeped in Emotion (and a Little Rain)

Five minutes before the ceremony was supposed to begin, the skies opened up.

A soft summer rain quickly turned into a downpour—but Stephanie didn’t hesitate. She looked outside and said, “I’m getting married out there no matter what.”

And she did.

With 160 of their closest friends and family gathered under umbrellas and wiping off chairs, Stephanie walked through the rain to marry her best friend. Raindrops fell into the lake, guests smiled through the mist, and the wind swirled gently around them as they exchanged vows.

It was cinematic. It was bold. And it was 100% them.

A Simple, Classic Wedding Style with Thoughtful Touches

Stephanie’s style is classic, soft, and timeless—with her favorite color, blue, woven throughout the day. Her dress from The White Room Birmingham was clean and elegant, and @hannahlenorehmu made sure her look felt natural and radiant.

Details were kept simple and sweet: hand-lettered invitations by @stephanie_scripts, delicate calligraphy by @ashlynmscripts, and personal touches that made guests feel truly welcome.

A Reception That Felt Like Home

After the ceremony, guests dried off and danced the night away with music from @djkelzmusicq and @superiorsoundmedia. The couple kept the vibe fun and relaxed—no big productions, just joy.

Dinner by @savoircatering featured a fresh summer salad, pork, chicken, seasonal veggies, and mashed potatoes—every bite was delicious. And their cake? It was one of Stephanie’s favorite parts of the day. She chose @pastryartcakes, known for their baby bites, but opted for a statement cake instead—and it did not disappoint.

Golden Hour Portraits & Surprise Moments

Before the sun slipped behind the lake, we stepped away for golden-hour portraits!

These are the images they’ll hang in their home—the ones that show not just how the day looked, but how it felt.

Ten Years in the Making

From their first meeting in a Tuscaloosa parking lot to this beautiful summer celebration, Stephanie and Tyler have walked through a lot of life together. And their wedding day was the perfect next step in that journey—joyful, emotional, and so full of heart.

If you’re planning a lakeside wedding in North Alabama—or dreaming of bringing your story to life in a destination setting—I’d be honored to help you capture it all.

👉 Reach out here to start planning your day with me.