I’ve known Shelby and her family for years and photographed this sweet family on multiple occasions. From senior photos, being on my senior rep team, to pageants, and more these girls are always some of my favorite models to have in front of my camera! So of course, I considered it a great privilege when Shelby asked me to capture the biggest day of her life! For the engagement session a few months back, I got to meet Jake and Shelby in Ohio and explore the beautiful Ault Park with this couple. I loved this session and knew the wedding would be that much more. Their beautiful venue had epic, other worldly views almost; from the Ohio river flowing below to the rolling Kentucky hills you could see from the venue’s esteemed perch above all this scenery. The drive to Augusta, Ky is more than worth it for this amazing venue.
The bridal suite was no disappointment either. I loved being greeted by familiar faces, Shelby’s stunning momma and sister and bridesmaids as they all got ready completing finishing touches. Then Shelby embraced me, already looking like a beauty straight out of Old Hollywood, rollers in tact–the exact look she was going for. The elevated ceilings, vintage couch, and beautiful tile in the bathroom all made the perfect setting for Shelby and her best girls to get ready in. The guys got ready in a cabin/barn closer to the entrance of the property, still sitting atop a hill with access to those beautiful river views. Jake was ready to go spending time with his groomsmen and soaking up every moment and finishing touch. The guy’s cabin had an amazing feature wall with a stacked log look, the perfect backdrop for a groom preparing to see his bride.
Speaking of which, just before the first look Shelby and Jake chose to exchange gifts before seeing each other face to face. Shelby’s gift to Jake was a handsome and elegant looking watch as well as some special photos I had gotten to capture. In return, Shelby received a stunning pair of Tiffany and Co. pearl earnings. Then these two stepped it up another notch with some of the most incredible vows I’ve heard after the first look. This was such a magical moment, set up in front of their ceremony arch with the river/mountain views showing off behind them. It had been overcast and raining some all day but it was like in this moment all the stars aligned and by the end of the first look, the perfect hint of glowing light was peaking through the clouds and the fog hovering over the river and the overcast sky only made the blue tones of this landscape pop even more. As I mentioned, after seeing each other Shelby and Jake chose to read their own vows privately, in which Shelby stated none of the little things she thought mattered held nearly as much meaning as the fact she was marrying Jake. She exclaimed a small ceremony with him and their dog, Kimber would’ve been enough! As she continued, I don’t think any of us had a dry eye behind our cameras. After their sweet moment (seriously their love for one another was so contagious, raw and beautiful) we went straight into portraits taking advantage of how the sky had opened up moments before, seemingly just for us. I could take portraits with the fog hovering over the winding river below all day. It was so so amazing!! The views had us and the videographer drooling and all the creativity flowing.
The amazement and beauty of this day continued into the ceremony and then reception. Everyone was there to celebrate Shelby and Jake, which they did so well. The speeches were so heartfelt and a favorite moment was looking over at several points in the night to see Shelby’s younger brother overwhelmed with emotion and tears seeing his big sis marry the love of her life – it was the cutest sentiment!! Shelby did a quick outfit change into an adorable jumpsuit so she was ready to move and dance with her family and friends to finish the night.
Jake and Shelby, thank you for choosing me to capture this amazing day for you all!! Everything ended up being perfect from the epic views at the venue, to the weather. I’ve loved capturing every milestone and this is the best one yet! Please enjoy a few of my favorites!
This amazing day would not be possible without this amazing team of vendors!
Dress Store | Lace Bridal Couture
Dress Designer | Allure Couture with custom details
Ceremony/ Reception Venue | Soli Tree Farms
Hair | Kurt Jordan
Makeup | Tiffany Redmon
Florist | Swan Floral
Wedding Coordinator | Kylie Schaefer
Videographer | Sweet Caroline Videography
Caterer | Eden Catering
Cake | Bradi’s Bakery
DJ | Pulse Mobile Entertainment
Doughnuts | Holt Mans Donutshop
XOXO,
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