Intimate Rooftop Wedding at 21c Art Museum

I've been wanting to photograph a wedding at Louisville's 21c Museum Hotel for literally the last decade, so when Jessica & Arnaud shared their plans for an intimate rooftop ceremony followed by dinner in the art galleries I freaked out just a little bit. Jessica's BHLDN gown was minimal and gorgeous (and it had pockets!) and Merci Bouquet did a stunning job with the florals! I love how they incorporated an elegant, subtle nod to fall. 

Jessica & Arno met last year in Spain at a friend's wedding— Jessica is from Louisville and Arno is from Luxembourg, so they got to know each other through hundreds of text messages, video chats, and meetups in New York. They paid homage to their initial meeting by using sand from San Sebastian during their ceremony. The ceremony itself was romantic, heartfelt, and bilingual! I loved getting to practice my French listening for words I knew. One of my favorite things throughout the day was the way Arno lightly touched Jessica's back or arm as they chatted with friends and family— it was such a small simple gesture that spoke volumes.

My dear friend and calligraphy artist Michelle first connected Jessica & myself. She also did the gorgeous welcome sign, guestbook sign, and the name cards for the tables. She is talented and sweet and wonderful - you can find her on Instagram as Michelle Marie Calligraphy.

If you are looking for more intimate wedding inspiration, Jess & Brian's treehouse elopement was incredibly sweet. If you are after more art museum vibes then Jessica & Ethan's modern Speed Art Museum wedding would fit the bill. Also, it has now come to my attention that people named Jessica have amazing weddings. Now you know! You can also learn more about 21c and other unique wedding venues on my comprehensive list of the best wedding venues in Louisville here.

Venue: 21c Museum Hotel Louisville // Florist: Merci Bouquet // Cake: Sweets by Millie, Catering: Proof on Main // Photography: Sarah Katherine Davis Photography // Calligraphy: Michelle Marie Calligraphy // Gown: BHLDN

Waterfall Adventure Session // Louisville Kentucky LGBTQ Photographer

If I find myself with an open weekend (a rare occurrence during wedding season) I always do my best to get out for a hike. Not only do I get to explore new places with my spouse, but it also gives me the chance to location scout for my couples. I love being able to share new spots with them for their engagement, anniversary, or elopement sessions— and I love the excuse to get out into nature. A few weeks ago, I visited a couple of gorgeous & secluded waterfalls just outside of Louisville and Rebekah messaged me when she saw them on my story. I was ecstatic to be able to share this magical place with her & Andrea. I also need to give them props— it had rained a lot before this visit, so the way I previously found down to the waterfall was just a stream when we went to shoot. It was a slippery and challenging climb down but they were a) totally on board with my shenanigans and b) so sweet and careful with each other over all the slippery and steep parts. I made some accidentally really awesome jokes, we found some (empty) carpenter bee nests, and the sun created an elusive rainbow above the waterfall. It was an amazing afternoon.

If you're looking for more waterfalls, Jen & Tyler's Iceland engagement session will do the trick.

Romantic Fall Wedding at The Barn at Twin Lakes

Maggie and Corey are one of those couples who are just a joy to be around. They first met in English class, so for their engagement session we went to Carmichael's bookstore and then to Big Rock to hike with their doggos - you can check it out here. We had a great time talking and exploring and I knew that their wedding was going to be one for the books (or the blog, as it stands.) Each place setting had Emily Bronte’s classic line ‘whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same’ on a bookmark for guests to take home. The barn was filled with twinkle lights, beams of sunlight coming through the slats of the wood, and gorgeous moody florals - it couldn't have been more romantic and was absolutely a wedding photographer's dream. 

October 20th was one of the windiest days of the year in Kentucky, (I came home to a house with no power, but that's a story for a different time) and it caused havoc with decor and hairstyles, but it did amazing things with Maggie's dress. I absolutely loved the movement it created in the images, so overall I'm happy to take the bad with the good.

My favorite moment was when we ran (literally) outside for some sunset images and Corey initiated the Titanic-style spin without me asking. I don't think it gets better than that. If you're looking for more outdoor Kentucky ceremonies then Janice & Quentin's wedding at Warrenwood would be a great fit or if you want to see more gorgeous moody florals Micaha & Austin's Springhouse garden wedding is lovely. 

Wedding Coordinator: Marti Holnagel with Unveiled Details // DJ: Complete Weddings and Events // Florist: State and Arrow // Caterer: Lady Fingers // Videographer: Luke Woodward // Wedding Gown: Lillian West through Couture Closet // Wedding Party Attire: Rebeccas Louisville //Hair & Make-Up: Shana Montgomery with Fringe Theory