Intimate Tree House Elopement

So I'm going to go ahead and start this by saying that I LOVE ELOPEMENTS. (side note: are you eloping? Please holler at me!) Now that we have that part out of the way... It was a rainy drive down to Nashville for Jessica and Brian's tree house elopement, but it was the kind of rain that felt cozy and special (not the kind of rain that made the drive terrible). The Airbnb was gorgeous — I can't imagine a better space for their day. 

The three of us hung out and chatted as they got ready together and it wasn't too long before their officiant arrived. The rain had stopped, so we walked over to a little garden space and the ceremony was underway. It was the most intimate experience I've ever had on a wedding day — we were all relaxed and able to be fully present in the moment. They read their own vows that were equal parts meaningful, sweet, and funny. After we shared hugs and congratulations, we set out to wander the hiking trails behind the tree house until it began to drizzle again. Coffee and cake started sounding better by the minute, so we went into the city to a sweet little coffee shop, checked out some murals, and explored the area before saying goodbye. The next day, back in Louisville, their family and friends came out to celebrate with them in a giant backyard party — complete with bonfire, of course!

I can't begin to say how thankful I am that I got to be part of this day — I loved the whole experience and I felt honored they trusted me enough (and felt comfortable enough with me!) to have me join them and document their marriage. Side note: Jessica and Brian found me in the most random way— through a Buzzfeed article on brides with glasses. As they were looking at my website they realized I was also from Louisville and soon we realized we even had mutual friends. It was totally meant to be! 

Looking for some more woodsy wedding inspiration? Check out Kate & Rob's Louisville cabin wedding or Dana & Patrick's boho Santa Barbara History Museum nuptials. Also StyleBlueprint featured this wedding, so if you'd like to hear more about their day you can check out the feature here!

Venue: The Fox House Nashville //  Florist: Blooms by Essential Details // Jeweler: Clater Jewelers // Bride’s attire: Jenny Yoo, via BHLDN and Nordstrom // Hair: Blowout Co. // Groom’s suit: Topman // Groom’s shirt and tie: Banana Republic

Featured on StyleBlueprint.

Elle & Suzy // LGBTQ Engagement Session // Louisville Couple Photographer

Elle & Suzy // Cherokee Park Engagement // Louisville, KY // May 2017

Elle and Suzy weren't going to make it to Louisville until two days before their wedding, but luckily they carved out some time for us to adventure around the park together. I am always incredibly thankful to all the couples who take the time to have an engagement session with me, but when you've only got a handful of days in town and your session starts at the end of an eight-hour car ride I am especially grateful. I knew we were going to be a great fit for each other as soon as I met them, but when a Seinfeld gif was sent my way after their session I was smitten. 

If you've spent any time talking to me you know I LOVE engagement sessions— which is kind of funny since I was vehemently against having one when I was getting married. (It's always hard for me to be on the other side of the camera at first.) Honestly one of the reasons I love them so much is because I know a lot of my couples also feel awkward in front of the camera and I want to show them that they won't feel awkward with me. Engagement sessions are an amazing way to experience my style of shooting (goofy, laid-back, and dare I say fun?) and make sure couples aren't stressed at all on the actual wedding day. It also gives all of us a chance to get to know each other better (I don't think anyone wants a stranger at their wedding) and of course, couples get some really awesome images out of it too. 

Elle and Suzy were all I could hope for in a couple and more— they were down to climb, wade, and explore with me (and were really chill when we narrowly avoided some poison ivy- eek.) If you think their engagement photos are great, just wait for the wedding images. 

Looking to check out more adventurous engagement sessions? Try Angela & Jonathan or Jamie & Blake. 

Woodsy Cabin Wedding // Louisville Kentucky Wedding Photographer

Kate & Rob // Airbnb & Gingerwoods // Louisville, KY // April 2017

When Kate emailed me the link to the Airbnb they chose to get ready in I was *so* excited — what an amazing idea! So often I see couples squished into hotel rooms or their parent's spare rooms, but Kate and her friends were able to spend the day enjoying the cozy cabin and amazing views as they got ready for the wedding. It was also the PERFECT place to do the first look and spend some time before heading over to Gingerwoods for the ceremony and reception. If you're looking for a way to make your wedding experience (and your photos!) more personal and unique you should seriously consider looking at your Airbnb or other local rental options! 

My favorite moment of the wedding day, hands down, was when Rob saw Kate for the first time. In ten years of shooting weddings, I don't think I've ever seen such an immediate and intense reaction from a groom. I already knew they had an amazing relationship and connection from the time I've been able to spend with them over the last year of planning, but it was really humbling to be part of this intimate, emotional moment. Another favorite part of the day was when Kate surprised Rob by walking down the aisle to "Across The Universe" played by a string quartet. He's a huge Beatles fan and wasn't expecting it at all — it was such a sweet and magical entrance. 

Keep an eye out for: Kate had pieces of her grandmother's wedding dress incorporated into her own dress — you can find them by looking for the slightly darker parts of lace. 

A few other weddings with emotional first looks include Rachel & Kyle at Copper & Kings, Katherine & Eric at Whitehall, and Erin & Chris at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens.

Featured on Brides & Weddings and Honeysuckle Brides

Caterer: Orange Clover // DJ: Hay DJ // Event Designer: State and Arrow Design Co. // Hair: Jack Johns // Makeup: Trista Hughes // Rentals: Millennium Decor // Venue: Gingerwoods Event Hall