Rainy & Romantic Backyard Wedding In Kentucky

So if you saw Lauren & Joey's in-home engagement session you already know what a badass couple they are. If you haven't already seen it, I'm going to go ahead and insist you have a peek and then come back here. I promise this post isn't going anywhere.

Alright, now that you are armed with that background knowledge, go ahead grab your tissues and check out this gorgeous wedding day. 

I arrived at Lauren's parent's house in the afternoon— there were storm clouds scattered throughout the sky. As everyone got ready, the weather alternated between rain and sunshine. It didn't dampen anyone's mood, but it did pose the question "backyard or tent ceremony?" No one could decide. After finishing makeup, the ladies climbed into bed to watch the Lily & Marshall wedding episode of How I Met Your Mother while I photographed details in the window. We all swooned over the florals...and the shoes...and the custom illustrated portraits on the invitations...but especially the "nasty woman" pin Joey got Lauren as a wedding gift. 

When it was time for the first look, we used umbrellas just in case— and sure enough, nearly as soon as they saw each other the sky opened up (as did some tear-ducts 😂 ). Soon enough the rain cleared up, but I can't say the same about Joey's eyes. So. Many. Happy. Tears. I loved it. Weather-wise, it went back and forth like that for a while and so we decided the tent would be the best option for the wedding itself. 

Almost as soon as they stood up for the ceremony it began to pour. There is something so romantic about rain during a wedding— family members snuggled close as they listened to the teary, heartfelt vows. It was magical and perfect. After dinner, guests crowded onto the dance floor and it got wild. Several members of Lauren's family are actually professional dancers and believe me it showed. A favorite (very unexpected) moment was watching Lauren and her father joyously jump around the dance-floor to "Who Let The Dogs Out?" as well as Joey's crew belting out Morrissey the way so many weddings belt out Journey at the end of the night. 

If you are looking for more outdoor weddings featuring adorable couples, nearly all my blog posts would hit the mark, but may I recommend Angela & Jon's Blackacre wedding or Michele & Cody's cave wedding as good starting places?

Yes we did snag a few shots with their lovely officiant where the ceremony was originally going to be held. <3 

Featured in Kentucky Bride Print Volumne 10, Issue 1 

Venue: Private Residence // Florals: Rose and Honey // Caterer: Farm to Fork // DJ: Chris Johnson // Band: Jenni Cochran and Aaron Craker of Frederick the Younger // Hair & Make-Up: Twisted Salon // Cake: Flour de Lis Bakery // Dress: Maggie Sottero through Rebecca's Wedding Boutique //

Jekyll Island Destination Wedding

I had never been to Jekyll Island before Jess & Tyson's wedding and let me just say it is even more amazing than any pictures can convey! I arrived on Friday morning and spent the day location scouting and exploring the island with my spouse. We got to swim in the ocean together for the first time and were able to stay on an adorable houseboat (thanks, Airbnb!). It was incredible being rocked to sleep by waves and then watching the sunrise on the water as we sipped our morning coffee... I cannot think of a better start to a wedding day!

Jess & Tyson had their first look right next to the famous Driftwood Beach— it was gorgeous, but it also felt otherworldly somehow. Jess had picked out the spot months before, so I had done my fair share of "driving" around google maps and looking at images to get a feel for it. My research could never have prepared me for the amazing experience of actually walking between the fallen trees as tiny crabs scurried away and tide washed over my feet.

Their intimate ceremony was held on the beach and guests were able to walk back and forth between the water and the pavilion during the reception. One of my favorite parts of smaller, more casual weddings is having the chance to get to photograph the guests a little bit too. The sunset was lovely, the stars came out, and everyone danced the night away as the waves crashed down on the beach.

The next morning, my spouse and I rode bicycles along a trail that went through the historic district— the salt marshes spread out to our left and huge moss covered trees lined the path. It was a little heartbreaking to leave, but getting home and looking through all the images definitely made it easier. This was a weekend I won't soon forget.

If you're looking for some more coastal goodness Dana & Patrick's Santa Barbara wedding is always a favorite.

Venue: Great Dunes Beach Deck // Florals: Sun and Sea Beach Florist // Caterer: PJ's Catering // DJ: Sun and Sea Beach Weddings DJ // Hair & Make-Up: Fantasy Hair & Make-Up // Wedding Coordinator: Vicky Lobo

Intimate Lost River Cave Wedding

Let's talk about Lost River Cave. First of all, what a hidden gem! I didn't know about it until Michele & Cody reached out to me last year and I definitely should have known about it much sooner. With that in mind— if anyone reading this knows about any other magical spots that you haven't shared with me please message me so this won't happen again! Now that we have that out of the way... Lost River Cave was the perfect location for Michele & Cody's woodsy wedding. They love all things outdoors (kayaking, hiking, and backpacking are their jam) so it only makes sense to get married at a spot that reflects that. They fell in love with Lost River after exploring the area on a date and knew right away that's where they would like to get married one day.

Their wedding day felt adventurous, magical, and intimate. There were all kinds of details I really enjoyed (specifically that Michele wore her mother's veil and their geode cake involved rock candy) but the ceremony itself was the element that really stood out to me. They each wrote their own heartfelt vows. As they shared their promises with one another the sun got lower and lower and the evening songbirds began singing. It was a really special moment— I would be surprised if there were any dry eyes by the end of the ceremony.

After dinner, friends and family joined Michele and Cody on the dance floor. As the dancing heated up and the valley cooled down a mist rose from the cave into the starlit woods. It was a beautiful way to end a beautiful day.

If you are looking for more woodsy wedding goodness Jessica & Brian's treehouse elopement would fit the bill as would Angela & Jonathan's Blackacre wedding. 

Michele & Cody’s wedding was featured on Wedding Chicks.

Venue: Lost River Cave // Florals: Deemers Floral // Caterer: Mission Catering // DJ: Michael Hale // Hair & Make-Up: Alissa Esters