Congrats to Morgan and Derek on their marriage – beautifully celebrated at the gorgeous Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City last summer. It was no small feat getting to this momentous day, but everyone was full of joy, laughter, love, and gratitude despite the many obstacles. I’m so thankful I got to be a part of this special wedding day as their photographer and I’m excited to share their story – with some help of the bride and groom themselves of course. Read on to learn more about their wedding and engagement story!
In their own words
How did you meet?
Derek and I met online while attending Bowling Green State University. We went and got ice cream after a late night of studying. Since then, we have been inseparable, and our love of ice cream has grown.
Describe your perfect date together
Taking our dog to a new park and enjoying all that Columbus has to offer when it comes to being outside. After a long day outside we go to the grocery store to pick out dinner for that night. We enjoy making food from scratch even thought my husband does most of the cooking. I just watch the show and eat what he makes!
Your favorite thing about marriage
From Morgan – Being able to call my best friend my husband. Having that constant support even when I feel like I don’t deserve it. Having someone to make me laugh when I don’t even want to smile.
From Derek – The simplicity of marriage is my favorite part. It doesn’t matter how tough the road is ahead I know who I can count on. Having that person in your life who no matter supports you, loves you and fights with you makes life enjoyable and full of laughs.
The Proposal Story
Derek took me to the Franklin Park Conservatory on a warm August day in 2018. He planned out the whole day to include our families and friends who would be in hiding once we got there. Of course, my brother was late so he had to stall by keeping me inside the butterfly room way longer than I liked! I’m not a bug fan. When we got to the perfect spot at the park our friends and family rushed out from behind the tall flowers and Derek proposed to me. We had an amazing day of celebration and drinks well into the night.
So the big day begins! Morgan and her bridesmaids arrived to the club in style by way of a stretch Hummer from Xtreme Limo. Then it was straight to the beautiful bridal suite which was perfect for photographing the wedding day prep, including a perfect spot to hang the bridal gown.
These flowers from Evergreen Flower Co. were so stunning. A soft blush palette is always a classic wedding day look.
Speaking of pretty details, I wanted to point out these thoughtful handmade tags on all of the bouquets and boutonnieres. It’s just a subtle little detail that really shows how much care went into creating these arrangements specially for their day.
These sweet moments among family are some of my favorites to capture.
Meanwhile Derek is down the hall getting ready with his groomsmen. I love these mirrors!
Time to put on the white dress!And could Morgan be beaming any more?
Morgan did a “first look” with her dad and it was so sweet!
Although Morgan and Derek chose not to see each other before the ceremony, they did however decide to meet and hold hands to say a prayer together. It was really sweet! A first look, without the “look” part.
I love these images of the bride with the sweetest little flower girl! Her little flower crown was perfection too.
Nothing like antics from your besties to keep it light and calm your nerves on the big day!
Just about ready to head out for the ceremony. How gorgeous is this space – like a magical garden straight out of a fairytale.
Here comes the bride! And just look at that sweet expression on the groom! I loved this wedding ceremony so much.
Hooray! We did it! I love how much everyone is sharing in the excitement with the bride and groom!
I just love this fun series of candids of the bridal party during the recessional. So full of personality – just the way you’d want to remember your friends on the big day!
Right after the ceremony while guests made their way to the beautiful patio for cocktail hour, we headed back to the arbor at the ceremony space for a few group portraits with the family and bridal party. The trees, stone, and ironwork make this the perfect spot for ceremonies and portraits.
What a fun group this was to be around and photograph! It was nothing but smiles and laughter all day long.
Pinnacle is full of so many great places to shoot. We stepped out front close to sunset for just a few minutes to capture the setting of the day. I love these so much!
When I asked Morgan to share which photo from the whole wedding day was her favorite, she shared with me the image below and said “ I love this photo because I think we were laughing because I was saying how fun it was to walk in this poofy skirt. I love how we joke with each other and how funny simple things can be. “
Ok, now it’s finally time to head inside to greet their guests and get this party started! I loved all the classic and romantic details too. These chandeliers are gorgeous!
Just after speeches and introductions. Morgan surprised Derek with the sweetest song. She sure can sing!
Speaking of singing, these bridesmaids put on quite the show as well! It was so much fun to capture.
I’m not too attached to many of the typical wedding reception traditions, but the parent dances still get me every time!
Could these newlyweds be any sweeter with one another?
Thank you again, Morgan and Derek for trusting me with capturing this special time in your lives!
VENDOR TEAM:
FLOWERS + DÉCOR: Evergreen Flower Co. | www.evergreenflower.co
VENUE: Pinnacle Golf Club | https://www.pinnaclegc.com
BRIDAL GOWN + ACCESSORIES: Henri’s Cloud Nine | https://www.henris.com
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: David’s Bridal
GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Men’s Warehouse
HAIR: Hair by Karsyn | @hairby.karsyn
MAKEUP: 614 Beauty | http://www.614beauty.com
CAKE:Capital City Cakes | https://www.capitalcitycakesoh.com
MUSIC: Mark Dantzer Productions | http://markdantzer.com
VIDEO: Prodigy Weddings | https://www.prodigyweddings.com