REAL WEDDING:: Leslie Bell + Steven Albritton {Lit by Fireflies}

Bride and groom share a kiss with eyes closed outdoors at sunset; she holds a white bouquet of roses and greenery while wearing a white dress and belt.

::FEATURED IN THE FALL 2025 PRINT ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by Christian Moss Photography

leslie + steven’s story

After seven years of dating, Ryan proposed to Leslie in one of the most magical natural settings imaginable – the Smoky Mountains during the peak of the synchronous fireflies. The rare species lights up the forest in perfect harmony during mating season, creating a breathtaking backdrop. “Just us and the fireflies lighting up,” Leslie recalls. No photos, just an unforgettable moment shared between the two of them.

Bride and groom walk with bridesmaids and groomsmen on a sunny lawn in front of a white barn, smiling together in a wedding party. (informative)

Bride in a white wedding gown with a jeweled belt, holding a pale bouquet, standing beneath a lush green leafy arch on a wooden deck with a fountain in the background.

Wedding cake with smooth white frosting, textured edges, and gold monogram initials, decorated with soft blue florals on an ornate gold stand

Their wedding in McDavid, Florida, reflected that same intimacy and authenticity. Most of their vendors were people they personally knew – an intentional choice that made the day feel even more meaningful. “For us getting married in our thirties, we wanted to use people that were close to us and knew us personally,” Leslie shares.

Wedding vow cards labeled 'Her' and 'His' with a ring in an ornate frame, perfume, flowers, and makeup on a dark wooden surface.”] ,

Assorted iced cookies in clear bags on a dark wooden table; one rectangular cookie has gold letters reading 'LIR' and others feature pastel blue bows and designs on white icing.

Amber glass decanter with a white ribbon tied around the neck, placed on a wooden surface.

The ceremony was heartfelt, but one moment stood out above all: walking back down the aisle together as husband and wife to the sound of Dixieland Delight, played by their violinist. It was joyful, celebratory, and uniquely them.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom exchanging vows beneath a greenery arbor, surrounded by florals and rustic barrels

Bride and groom walk hand in hand down a lit outdoor aisle as guests spark firework sparklers on both sides.

::AS SEEN IN THE 2025 FALL ISSUE OF

NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE ::

NOW FEATURED VENDOR:

BRIDAL GOWN: Bliss Bridal

ADDITIONAL VENDORS:

VENUE + REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION + DECOR RENTALS: Hamilton’s Pond | OFFICIANT: Jason Richardson | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Bridesmaid’s Choice | GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Amazon | PHOTOGRAPHER: CM Photography | FLORIST: The Yellow Garden | BAKERY: Cake, Baked by Becky + Cookies, Cakes by Skeff | CEREMONY MUSIC: Rebekah Hicks – Heartstrings | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: The Jones Mills Band | HAIR + MAKEUP: Uprooted Salon- Brandy Pezant (Hair) + Gabby McGhee (Makeup) | HONEYMOON: Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay Jamaica | TRAVEL AGENT: Magical Enchanted Vacations with Anna | WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER: The Bride + Hamilton’s Pond | CATERER: Everything & More | JEWELER: Kay’s | FAVORS: Jayla Brown | INVITATIONS: Designed by Camryn Sims Design, Printed through VistaPrint | PAINTED BOURBON BOTTLE: Morgan Wilson Design | BRIDAL BOUQUET WRAP: Stitchfete