This wedding was undoubtedly one of the most special weddings of my career.  This gorgeous bride, Haley, is my oldest friend.  We met around 25 years ago and she has since been someone I’ve been proud to call “friend.”  She was my first best friend, my neighborhood partner in crime, and my childhood twin (people literally mistook us for twins when we were kids).  After all of this, I was ecstatic when she asked me to photograph her wedding, and even more happy to watch her marry Justin, the love of her life and the man who has been by her side for nearly a decade!

Justin + Haley chose to celebrate their love at the place that holds so much meaning to them….their home.  Their gorgeous wooden home, which is surrounded by beautiful fields and woods, was the perfect location for their rustic themed celebration.  I could not imagine a place more perfect for them to marry, nor more beautiful for rustic wedding photography.

I chose to stick to the rustic theme as closely as possible when photographing their details, using things found within their home to highlight the beauty of Haley’s gorgeous jewels and dress.

Justin + Haley decided to see each other before the wedding so that they could get their photos taken care of before the ceremony.  They wanted to get the party started as soon as possible 😉  Justin first saw his bride under the beautiful oak trees alongside the pond at his family’s home.  Those few moments between the two of them were so precious and intimate, and I’m so glad I was there for that.

Justin’s uncle’s bright red barn was the perfect spot to snap some bridal party photos.  You can’t have a rustic theme without a gorgeous, rustic barn!

And, of course, we couldn’t resist snapping a few in front of that stunning wooden porch.  Justin + Haley – I’m SO JEALOUS of that porch!

Check out this decor.  Everything was PERFECT.  I mean, just look at those cupcakes.  And, those beautiful fall flower arrangements.  AND THAT PHOTO WALL.  Perfect, right?!

And, then there was this.  The most beautiful ceremony area overlooking fields of wildflowers surrounded by wooden fences.  A beautiful, handcrafted arch.  Guests wrapped in blankets sitting on bales of hay.  And, more guests standing in the back, on the sides, and basically everywhere possible BECAUSE THEY HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM.

The night ended with loving dances underneath the darkening sky, a bonfire for keeping warm, sweet speeches given by sweet friends, cake in the face, and of course, much laughter, dancing, and happiness.  These are the things we should all hope for for our wedding day.

I have to give a special shoutout to the following vendors for helping to make Justin + Haley’s vision a reality!

Location:  Bride & groom’s beautiful home

Florist:  Flowers From the Rafters

Cake & Cupcakes:  Cocoa Bites Desserts & Coffee Cafe

DJ:  Crystal Clear Entertainment