Making it Happen in Fort Wayne Indiana

Before every wedding ceremony I introduce myself to the officiant or minister and let them know that I try to stay as inconspicuous as possible—aftercall, a wedding is about the couple not me. I also ask if there are any restrictions that I should know about. After ten years I’m pretty familiar with most church rules but pastors don’t know that so its just a nice way of letting them know that I’m not going to be too distracting. It was during one of these conversations that I learned that the actual ceremony itself isn’t to be photographed—at all.

Now I am a firm believer in going with whatever my clients’ religion/culture dictate. I am a firm believer that I am there to capture their day for them and not for me. In fact, I have a place in my questionnaire where clients can specify any restrictions to photography for their ceremony.

The weird thing was, this couple hadn’t said anything so I checked in to see if they knew. They didn’t.

So…how do you get photos that your client wants but the pastor doesn’t? You put on a zoom lens and photograph the ceremony through a window.

Wedding photography requires you to think quick on your feet, to make decisions and make sure your clients are happy—-hopefully while not getting them in trouble in the meantime.

Brewery Tour Wedding Rehearsal in North Carolina

Ashley and Evan own a brewery in Kentucky so when they emailed me and asked if I would be willing to come with them to photograph their wedding and rehearsal brewery tour in North Carolina it made complete sense…and of course I said yes! I love getting to photograph rehearsals because its a perfect opportunity to get candid family when everyone is relaxed and there isn’t any worries about timelines or other wedding stress.

PS: This wedding was in 2019, back when we could actually go out in large groups. Do you remember that? Its been a minute. I can’t wait until we can be back to “normal”. Looking through these photos made me so happy though. I am glad I got to be a part of such a fun day!

A Country Wedding in Danville, Indiana

Add one more to the list of venues I didn’t even know existed: The Cartlidge Barn of Hendricks County in Danville, Indiana. I was invited to photograph this wedding ceremony for Shelby and Robbie and I am so glad that I was available to do it. These laid back weddings are my favorite. Everyone is always so chill and happy to be there. There is no logistical stress and things happen when everyone gets there.

Shelby wore s super cute short dress to show off her boots and I was in love with it! It went perfect with her vibe and I even asked to take a few photos of her and Robbie with her Jeep at the end because it was too cool not to photograph :P

A Micro Wedding at Exploration Acres in Lafayette, Indiana

Big weddings, Fancy weddings, Micro Weddings, or Simple weddings; I want to photograph them all! I first met Jessica when she was covered in 100 year old plaster while she helped a past Bride and Groom of mine renovate a farm house just outside of Lafayette. You just really get the vibe of someone when they are throwing beams of wood out windows :P

Everyone was dust free at the wedding though! Jessica and Brandon were married at Exploration Acres in Lafayette, Indiana. I had never heard of this place before and when I pulled up I was so excited to see such a cool and unique wedding venue! It was the perfect place for a laid back wedding—especially if you have kids. Their playground stays open so the kiddos can play while you socialize.

Oh, and I know you are going to be curious. Her wedding dress came from David’s Bridal and it was absolutely stunning! Everyone came up to her and the first thing they said was “Your dress is gorgeous!” haha. I mean, Brandon looked pretty snazzy too, but that dress. Come on :D

Jessica and Kaushaun (my past bride) did most of the wedding planning and decorations themselves and I think they pulled off the perfect wedding for Jessica and Brandon. I am so glad that they chose me to photograph their day!

Matt and Donnie get Married at Valle Vista Golf Course in Greenwood, Indiana

Matt and Donnie are two of the most fun people you could ever possibly meet. They were full of laughter and smiles all day and Matt’s jokes had me in stiches the whole day.

I have photographed weddings at Valle Vista Golf Course many times and they are all great but these two really pulled out all the stops to make their day unique to them. Donnie pulled up on his motorcycle and after the ceremony Matt joined him for a ride around the course and through the famous “bubble alley.” I mean—they offer a horse drawn carriage but the motorcycle is just one more level of cool.

They also opted to throw footballs at the reception instead of the traditional garter / bouquet which I think we are finally starting to see this tradition be replaced with more fun and less gendered/marriage pressure options. Thank goodness.

Valle Vista really did a great job at this wedding. One of the things I love about this wedding venue is that everything is done in house. You don’t have to worry about food being late or your wedding cake never showing up because everything is already there. They come with built in coordinators that work well with photographers and the other weddings that are going on at the venue.