Modern Speed Art Museum Wedding

I met Jessica when we were both working at Louisville Visual Art— she was (and obviously still is) smart, passionate, fierce, funny, and the list could go on and on. It seemed like such a perfect fit when she chose The Speed Art Museum as her wedding venue since art has played such an important part in her life. The whole day felt effortlessly modern and she made an incredibly gorgeous bride. When I first met Ethan it was obvious that he was the perfect partner for her— he is just as hilarious and intelligent as she is and they compliment each other so well.

They both did an amazing job balancing their fun, quirky ideas with clean and modern aesthetics. They even took on the task of some pretty serious DIY projects— namely making and bottling cold brew coffee as favors for their guests as well as creating the stained glass table numbers for the reception. I really enjoyed the temporary tattoos they had for everyone as well as some his & her golden dinosaurs for the cake. I love when weddings highlight a couple's goofy side, but it's even more impressive when it is done in such a fun and gorgeous way. 

Admittedly, my favorite part of the night was getting to sit down with my spouse for dinner surrounded by some of my favorite people from my time working at LVA. It isn't often that I get to actually experience what it's like being a guest at a wedding and it was such a magical, special thing. Getting to have Bobby there also allowed me to pass off my third camera during Jessica's entrance so I could have a side shot of her entering on the stairs (thanks hon!) while also capturing Ethan's face as he saw her for the first time. It ended up being one of my favorite images from the day!

If you are wanting to see some more unique venues, I loved getting to photograph these weddings at Yew Dell Botanical Garden, The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, The Fox House Nashville, and Lost River Cave.

Jessica & Ethan’s wedding was featured in Louisville Bride.

Featured in Louisville Bride Summer Issue 2018

Venue: The Speed Art Museum // Florals: Boston's Floral // Caterer: Wiltshire at the Speed // DJ: Yancey Entertainment Services // Hair : Brandi Bleemel with Mane Beauty Parlour // Make-Up: Joanne Wolf // Bride's Dress: Ashley & Justin Bride through Kleinfeld Bridal // Bridesmaid's Dresses: Sorella Vita through Rebecca's Wedding Boutique // Wedding Coordinator: Ashley French with Fairytale Occasions
 

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