Homestead Wedding in Smithville, Ohio

Katie and Colton said “I do” at her childhood home — a gorgeous farm that served as the most meaningful and picturesque setting for their day. From getting ready in the bedroom she grew up in to walking down the aisle through the same yard where she once ran barefoot, every detail felt personal and full of heart. But nothing topped the moment they walked back up the aisle — hand in hand, as husband and wife, with their sweet daughter Lila in their arms (followed closely by, Reese, their “fur kid” who served as the ringbearer).

When I met with Katie and her Mom about a month before the wedding, it was clear this wasn’t just a celebration — it was a labor of love. They were pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into making the space perfect, especially her Dad, and I just knew then… this one was going to be special.

With the threat of rain all week, and I’m not talking just a few sprinkles, I’m sure they were stressed and scrambling, but as luck would have it, the rain cleared out just ahead of time, and we had what turned out to be an absolutely perfect day for a very deserving couple.

The moment when the bride finally gets dressed is usually a very emotional one, but the words exchanged between daughter and Mom were so special, even my assistant and I were getting a little teary eyed!

Katie and Colton kept things traditional and didn’t see each other before the wedding, so we coordinated the timeline to make sure she would be hidden back in the house when he arrived. As much as I love a good “first look” ahead of time, this is actually my preference as a photographer….maybe I’ll do a blog post another day explaining why.

They Knew on the First Date: Wooster, Ohio Wedding at Willow Haven Event Center

Both Andrea and Craig were hooked on each other from the first date - set up by their friends who obviously are Master Matchmakers (whether they knew it or not - pictured below) and now eight years later, here we are - Mr. and Mrs.!

I met the couple last fall for their engagement session and knew good things were to come - I’ve been looking forward to this wedding for months now! We ended up with a perfect June day - not too hot, not too cold, and slightly overcast (ok, perhaps the last part is my idea of perfection, not every bride and groom’s).

Willow Haven has some beautiful little nooks for photos (the getting ready rooms are also one of my favorites around the area - spacious and bright!). One of my favorite photo nooks happens to be on the backside of the barn down a little gravel drive- totally worth standing on the hill in the gravel (in my humble opinion) - the light in that spot is always perfect!

There are two ceremony spaces - one inside and one outside. I’m always thankful when we have beautiful weather and can be outside! The past few years have seen some major upgrades to the outdoor space - including new pew benches and paved path.

Venue: Willow Haven Event Center

All THREE sisters were engaged at the same time! Had to have a little fun with that one! Once formal photos are finished up, pressure is off and it’s time to get down, let loose, and celebrate!

Columbus area Rainy Wedding at Irongate Equestrian Center: Croton, Ohio

When Lindsey contacted me about her wedding, I was so excited! I’ve gotten to know her and her family over many years of photographing them, so not only was I personally excited for her to have found her soulmate, but also because her wedding was going to be at one of my bucket list venues, the Irongate Equestrian Center. As a horse girl, it just doesn’t get any better than a beautiful horse farm! I’ve eyeballed this venue for several years.

We had a beautiful drive through some serious back country roads to get there from where I live (thankful my husband came along for the trip - I have no sense of direction. I might not have made it otherwise!) It wasn’t long after I got there that the storm clouds rolled in. Our schedule of taking photos prior to the ceremony got completely squashed, but sometimes you just have to roll with what Mother Nature hands you. I was hopeful that it would clear out prior to sunset and we would be able to still utilize the beautiful property (spoiler: IT DID!!!!!)

It was time for the first look when the sky unleashed. We had grand plans to just go out on the balcony, be sheltered from the rain, and still be able to be take photos outside. Great plan….unless the rain is coming down and blowing sideways! It rained so hard it was actually pooling on the balconies…..yes, there are two and both were under water! Time for….Plan C?!?! Indoor balconies! Thank goodness for the ample indoor areas. We had so much space to still get portraits in ahead of time, without being in the way of setup or guests arriving.

As luck would have it (for the guests at least), the storms moved through quickly and stopped just in time for the ceremony. Which fortunate for us, gave it time to also dry out a little so we could sneak outside for photos of Linsey and Kyle during cocktail hour.

With the “formal” portrait time wrapping up, next comes party time!!!!

The rain stayed away, so we went back outside to catch a few sunset pictures. It was beyond humid from the rain, but the beautiful sky made it well worth getting a little sticky!!! Through the roller coaster ride of a weather day, bride Lindsey stayed positive and excited. This entire wedding will forever be a favorite, in spite of the rain!