Summer Parklands Engagement Session

Just looking back through this gorgeous summer engagement session has me already missing the peak-season greenery...but if we're being completely honest I'd trade all that in for the cooler weather that is *supposed* to be coming sometime soon. These two were a joy to photograph— they make each other laugh so easily, their fashion choices are right up my alley, and their tattoos complement each other's perfectly. I had such a wonderful time showing them all my favorite paths in The Parklands.

Reminder about flower fields: flowers are delicate. If you want an image of someone sitting while surrounded by flowers, look for a rock or dirt area for them to sit on so that you don't crush the blooms. It'll give the same impression without causing harm. (I know you don't believe me, but look at all the images we got while sticking to dirt and rock! You can't tell at all - which is why I feel the need to bring it up.) A good question to ask is "if one hundred other people did the same thing what would happen?" One hundred people can walk on dirt or rock without an impact, but if 100 people wandered through the flowers then we would lose those flowers fast. The Parklands is pretty good at putting up signage on areas that are delicate or need to rest so you know where to avoid.

Another note for all the photographers out there— make sure to stay current on your permits when you're shooting at a park! The Parklands requires a permit to shoot in all five of their parks, but it is so worth it! They always have clean (and temperature-controlled!) bathrooms, beautiful flowers, and are constantly expanding with new projects! Our financial support is needed to make sure our impact is minimized— and to ensure the parks are well-maintained so we always have a beautiful place to explore and to photograph.

If you’re looking for more outdoorsy goodness try this adventurous hiking session or this epic Iceland engagement. Also if you want to hear more about how Kristen and Ryan got engaged these photos were featured along with their story over on How They Asked!

Modern Chicago Wedding at the Bridgeport Art Center

I always love any excuse to visit Chicago, so when Lucy and Daniel asked me to photograph their wedding I was over the moon! I arrived at the Ambassador downtown and was greeted by their sweet Corgi Winston who helped me assemble all the lovely detail shots. Their rooftop first look was so incredibly sweet…and incredibly windy. We almost lost Lucy’s veil over the side of the building, but managed to snag it before it blew away. The Ambassador’s historic lobby area made for some really fun Vanity Fair style wedding party images - made even better by the mis-matched floral bridesmaid’s dresses. 

The ceremony and reception were held in the Bridgeport Art Center — it was the perfect blend of industrial, modern, and romantic. Before their guests arrived, the three of us snuck off to a quiet little corner for them to exchange their vows privately. I’ve had more and more couples sharing vows during the first look or during another private moment during the day - it’s a really great way to share personalized vows without having to get up in front of everyone if that’s not your thing.

During the processional, their flower girl took her job VERY seriously and made sure to evenly distribute the rose petals down the aisle…so much so that I’m pretty sure the DJ had to improvise and loop the song to add some extra time. It had all their guests and the whole wedding party cry laughing and was just the perfect start to their ceremony. At the reception, there were so many sweet details - like constellation napkins designed by Lucy to go with their paper straws for the cocktails, a swan ice sculpture that anyone who ordered white wine got to watch it pour through, a delicious desert bar, and photo-booth. I could go on and on, but let’s just let the photos speak for themselves.

If you’re looking for another art-filled modern wedding you should check out Jessica & Arno’s 21c wedding.

Florals : Flowers by Stem // Venue: Bridgeport Art Center // Event Design: Art of Imagination // Dress: BHLDN // Catering: D’Absolute // Hair: Danielle Catalano // Makeup: MAKE me UP by KJ // DJ: Toast & Jam

Pride Month LGBTQ Wedding at Hazelnut Farm

Ever since Will & Nate's Buffalo Trace engagement session, I have been counting down the days until their wedding. When I asked them what they were looking forward to and what inspired them when planning they said, "Our venue is a barn meets ballroom feel so we tried to focus on an upscale Kentucky vibe. Looking forward to everything coming together and having a relaxed evening celebrating."

Their wedding was only the second at Hazelnut Farm— a new venue that was designed with the help of the ladies over at Honeycomb Wedding Planners. I was freaking out about the gorgeous blue velvet couch in one of the getting-ready rooms when Nate let me know that he and Will helped pick it out...which made total sense because it was the perfect backdrop for all their little details. They both wore rainbow socks that complimented each other's but didn't match — same with their boutonnières. All their details were perfect— Will's shoes and belt were both vintage, he carried a handkerchief that was his father's, and the pin her wore over his boutonnière was a family heirloom as well. Nate wore an intricately patterned loafer as well as a floral patterned tie & pocket square.

It made me so happy to see that the venue had two quality getting-ready rooms— so often the heteronormative attitudes that run rampant the wedding industry mean one "bridal suite" that is big and beautiful and one "man cave" type tiny hideaway room. Regardless if a wedding is LGBTQ or not, everyone deserves to get ready and spend time in a nice room before their wedding. You can learn more about Hazelnut Farm on my comprehensive list of the best wedding venues in Louisville here.

During the wedding ceremony, family members gave a couple of readings, and in-lieu of a sand ceremony they did a bourbon bottling ceremony...which might be my new favorite thing. One of their best friends officiated, which made it really personal and sweet. Speaking of friends helping out, at the reception each table had beautifully handwritten table numbers made by my best friend (and one of their best friends!) Michelle Marie Calligraphy who is as kind as she is talented. I loved that their good friend Denizen used actual potted plants in addition to florals on the table— bird's nest ferns are always my favorites (mainly because I struggle growing them myself.) There were also tiny little succulent babies at each seat that each guest was able to take home. They ended up having an extra one that is now living in my kitchen and it makes me smile every time I see it.

I didn't cry until the first dance— it was "Here I AM" by Dolly Parton & Sia. Something about Dolly always hits me right in the heart and I hadn't heard this one before. During the mother-son dances, Nate cut in and danced with Will's mother at the very end and it gave me all the feels. The night ended with glow sticks, light-up jewelry, dancing on chairs, and White Castles so you know it was a good time. Now that I've written a novel, shall we hop to the vendor credits & the images?

Venue: Hazelnut Farm // Coordinator: Melissa Montgomery with Honeycomb Wedding Planners // Calligraphy: Michelle Marie Calligraphy // Florist: Denizen // DJ: Triangle Talent // Caterer: Masterson's // Wedding Party Attire: David's Bridal // Tarts: Scarlet's Bakery // Invitation Suite: Minted // Wedding Party Makeup: J.R's Spa & Salon