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

Romantic Summer Wedding at Blackacre

I've known Angela for over 15 years now, but we first got to really know each other in high school through our mutual passion for photography. As adults, we've taught many of the same photography classes at local non-profits and have shared some favorite historic processes. I have always loved and admired her work, so when she asked me to photograph her wedding (and to bring along some film!) I was beyond thrilled.

Blackacre was the perfect venue for Angela & Jon as their education center, community gardens, and artist residency programs all reflect important aspects of their lives. Both are teachers with JCPS and Angela is an amazing artist as well, so having those things highlighted in the venue was really wonderful. You might notice a subtle Twin Peaks theme running throughout the day— the table numbers were locations from the series and their wish you were here wall included an image of Laura Palmer. 

A few other details of note: Angela's longtime friend Brad made the cake and it was topped with Angela's grandparent's wedding topper, one of the groomsmen couldn't be physically present so they made a life-size cardboard cut-out of him, and the signature cocktails were created to reflect their passions (the stumbling jogger and the fumbling photographer respectively.) 

If you are wanting to see more from Blackacre Erin & Andrew's wedding was gorgeous. If you need more Twin Peaks in your life Lauren & Joey's in-home engagement session is the way to go. If you just want more Angela & Jon then check out their badass Portland engagement session. 

Angela & Jon’s wedding was featured in Bridal Musings.

Venue: Blackacre Conservancy // Wedding Coordinator: Emily Gaddie // Bouquets & Flower Crowns: State & Arrow Design Co.  // Centerpieces & Boutonnieres: Inflora Collective  // Caterer: MozzaPi // DJ: HAY DJ // Hair: Chelsea Ramey with DC Studio // Make-Up: Joanne Wolf // Cake: Brad Shader // Pops: Steel City Pops // Dress: BHLDN