Lindsey and James have such a sweet love story that began back in high school! I’m thrilled to finally be sharing images from their INCREDIBLE backyard summer wedding.
I’ll start by sharing a few words about the gorgeous location where this amazing celebration took place–the home where the groom grew up! It is also where they often hung out when they were first dating back in high school. Doesn’t get much sweeter than that! This old farmhouse style home was stunning and such a fitting backdrop to the day.
I’ll talk more about this incredible playful Hayley Paige gown later on. Swoon!
Here is Lindsey off to go see James for their first look. The place couldn’t have been more special, as she crossed a little wooden bridge to meet him and exchange letters they had written to each other.
They are both beaming with excitement! And Hayley Paige gowns are what truly modern day fairytales are made of! The light and flow material floated as she walked, and the stripes added just a touch of whimsy perfect for a summery backyard wedding.
I just loved the bouquets and boutonnieres from Village Flower Basket.
This historic brick home was beautifully restored and absolute perfection. Since learning their story, I can’t imagine their wedding being anywhere else.
Some of my favorite details from the day were the flower crowns created by Village Flower Basket in Granville, Ohio. The bouquets and floral arch on the arbor were gorgeous as well.
It was nothing but blue skies and beautiful sunsets for their big day!
This giant tree on the hillside couldn’t have been more perfect for photos. And don’t you just love these floral printed dresses on the flower girls?
The birch arbor shown here behind the bridal party was hand made by the groom. The floral arch was added by the florist.
I loved how Lindsey incorporated their personalized wedding details and decor into the natural environment. Hanging framed photos on the tree looked so cute!
Here comes the bride! I love these little moments right before the walk down the aisle.
The wedding arbor was so dreamy and the groom made it himself!
You may kiss your bride!
I love the split second before the full kiss – when you can still see the smiles. All the heart eyes!
Lindsey had a little surprise for her new husband to pay homage to his family’s Scottish heritage – a bagpiper! Such a cool tradition and I love how excited she looked to see his reaction.
After the ceremony, the guests were escorted down the aisle to the other side of the house for cocktail hour. It was almost as if this house was MADE to host epic weddings. Even the flow from space to space throughout the property was perfect.
As guests found there way back over a little bridge through the backyard towards the tent for the reception, they were greeted with this adorable little shack that was turned into a bar. How’s that for rustic chic?
Kittie’s Cakes for the win! And is there anything more fitting than cherry pie for a summertime backyard wedding?
I love the look on the couple’s faces as they see their reception space all set up! It was dreamy!
Thisround tent from Lasting Impressions was so elegant and upscale. I loved the huge swashes of greenery to anchor the space. So much thought and planning went into executing this day.
So many beautiful but unfussy details. I love the gold flatware and touches of dried lavender on the place settings.
Everything about the style of this wedding was so glam, yet unpretentious and so inviting.
Ok, here comes the party crew! I love how they all had fun little entrances into the tent.
This is why I love photographing the receptions so much – so many beautiful, relaxed and candid moments. Lindsey just looks so completely happy and content – and stunningly gorgeous of course.
There are some wedding traditions that I could take or leave, but I’m always a sucker for a good “anniversary dance”. This was the last couple standing – so sweet! I was fortunate to photograph a wedding that my own parents were guests at many years ago, and they were one of the last couples left dancing and it was all I could do to maintain my composure. I’ll never forget it!
Time to cut the cake – and yes, they were sweet as pie to one another. (See what I did there?)
Whenever possible I try to sneak the couple out from the reception for a few minutes of quiet time together around sunset. The day moves so fast and there really aren’t that many moments alone together on your wedding day. I had them walk over the bridge that connected from ceremony and reception areas as I hustled over to the hill just in time to catch the sun as it peered through an opening in the trees.
The setting just grew more stunning as the sun continued to set. Just look at that tent!
And I can’t forget to call out the always amazing Conspiracy Band! It’s hard not to have a great time with them and they are aces at encouraging crowd participation! And you know the bride is having a great time when she’s playing the tambourine!
Celebrate!
Congrats again to Lindsey and James! It was such a pleasure to capture your unique, heartfelt and super FUN wedding day!
Amazing Vendors:
Planning and Coordination: Tracie Zody at Bliss Events | blisseventco.com
Venue: Private Residence
Bridal Gown: The “Decklyn” Gown by Hayley Paige from Ivy Bridal Studio | www.ivybridalstudio.com
Florist: Village Flower Basket | villageflowerbasket.com
Music: The Conspiracy Band | https://www.suttonentertainment.net
Cake: Kittie’s Cakes | kittiescakes.com
Catering: Creative Cuisine
Tent: Lasting Impressions
Photography: Kimberly Potterf Photography
Video: Little Tree Studios