It was nearing sunset at the Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville, Louisiana, when photographers Caitlin and Thad of September Company asked bride Shelbie to take part in a photo shoot by this tall oak tree. “Shelbie’s dress had so much character and we knew that it would look great in motion,” the photographers recall. “We asked her to twirl under the tree so that we could see all the layers.”

The only downside to their plan was the mud. Just beyond the tree is a lake that made the ground a bit wet—not ideal for someone in a white dress. “We didn’t want Shelbie to do anything she was uncomfortable with, but thankfully she trusted us enough, and luckily her dress remained clean. She’s such a happy and fun person, and we wanted this photo to reflect that part of her personality. She’s our beautiful friend and a beautiful bride just being herself.”

(Captured using a Canon Mark IV with an 85mm L lens.)

Photo © September Company

Check out more Photos of the Day, and email rangefinder@emeraldexpo.com for submissions.