Jess and Rick were married the weekend following Thanksgiving. Jess planned the wedding herself and knew exactly what she wanted. She dreamed of warm autumn colors mixed with a rustic theme, to highlight the beautiful pavilion she and Rick were married in. The pavilion sat on a golf course overlooking a beautiful lake in Southwest Ohio. The day was too good to be true with temps in the upper 50's and a warm golden fall sun!
We met the bride at her home not far from the venue. She was a little nervous and needed a few comforting words. We assured her we had everything under control and she seemed to begin to breath deeper. Jess asked me before she got dressed how I thought we could incorporate a small golden locket that Rick had given to her before they were both deployed (military couple) years ago. I suggested wrapping it around her flowers...and she and her bridesmaids loved it. Jess' mother then gifted to her a token from her grandmother, a small golden angel which we used on the flowers as well.
Jess' bridesmaid were her two best friends and sisters...some of the silliest and most relaxed girls we've ever had the pleasure to photograph! They sipped white wine and helped Jess slip into her gown before heading to the venue...where we met the most adorable flower girl and two really goofy ring bearers!
The ceremony was sentimental, as the couple lit a candle for those that couldn't be with them, and had a officiant who involved the guests by asking for a prayer from them as a whole. Our backdrop for formal photos was just outside the pavilion. We set external lights on each side of the group, as the outside light was rather dark, however made for amazing sunset photos!
We stayed for a few hours into the reception, making sure to photograph the couples' first dance and the tear jearker mother/son and father/daughter dances!
