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Hannah & Kody > A Whimsical Fall Wedding at First Vineyard

This October was filled with some extra sentimental weddings, one of which being Hannah and Kody’s wedding. This wedding was an extra special day for so many reasons. While I like to befriend all of my clients, it’s different when you are already friends with the clients and the wedding day feels a little more like third wheeling with your besties all day. Hannah is part of my best friend group since childhood. We sometimes joke about how neat it is that all five of us in our friend group are successfully pursuing our passions in life. I think knowing someone’s full story makes photographing it even more of a meaningful experience. The inspo Hannah had sent me for her day really encapsulated this storytelling feel as well. I grew up being best friends with Hannah and her sister, Sarah, but Hannah and I especially bonded over a shared love for things like coffee, books, and Hastings (RIP). Somewhere along the way summers spent at church camp, monthly sleepovers, coffee dates, football games and college memories turned to occasional cookouts, dinners spent catching up, graduations, full fledged-careers, and now wedding festivities. Despite all of us growing up and setting off on different paths in our lives while reaching for different dreams, I love how we have all still shown up for every big moment in each other’s lives. I was so grateful to get to show up in such a unique way for Hannah and Kody on their wedding day. If you had told sixteen-year-old me I would get to capture one of my best friend’s wedding days in the future I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. It was a dreamy fall day and everything, including the leaves, fell perfectly into place from the stunning Vineyard location, to the weather and whimsical aesthetic.

My sister, who came back out of retirement as my second shooter for this day, and I pulled up the drive surrounded by trees just turning the perfect golden shade of yellow and light filtering through, in splotchy patches illuminating the gravel path. Everyone was already hanging out and eating lunch before starting all the getting ready things when we arrived. The vineyard had a cute spacious lodge where everyone stayed the night before. I loved that Hannah included everyone so well, she had a couple bridesmaids doing hair and my cousin, also a member of our childhood friend group, did the makeup! She also doubled as a videographer for the day, capturing the most candid video ever with the perfect personality for interviewing everyone at the reception. I’m trying to get her to officially start a side gig. Hannah’s mom and sister helped her get ready in this perfect little spot by the windows at the front of the lodge surrounded by light flowing in. The venue had a cozy cabin feel with lots of warm elements and did I mention the light??!! My friends were laughing at my excitement at all the little things this day, and my posing commentary. After Hannah slipped on her shoes in this hazy, light-filled corner it was time for the first look with her Dad. This moment was so sweet and Sarah got to watch and get Hannah’s train in place before her dad turned around. Feeling like this was my second family made capturing these moments so special. Next it was time for Kody’s moment in the spotlight as he did all the finishing touches, one of which was putting on his Eagles cufflinks. We trekked down the gravel path to get some groomsmen photos and this group was definitely good at keeping the momentum and excitement levels high.

After a few more bridal portraits in the vineyard it was time for the ceremony overlooking Kentucky hills and rows of vines in the background. The arch look beautiful with wine colored drapes and the beautiful florals with touches of bohemian elements. Hannah and Kody wrote the sweetest vows to each other. Sometimes I almost feel like their love for each other is literally visible which shined through in these vows. A favorite moment of the ceremony was when the officiant (also a close friend) had Hannah and Kody turn to face their guests, to truly soak the moment in and get a glimpse at everyone who was there to love and support them. I think sometimes it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of a wedding day as a bride and groom but this was a really grounding moment I think more couples should consider incorporating. Plus it makes for a great photo! After some family photos at the arch when the ceremony concluded, it was time for bridal party photos. This was such a fun group and knowing some of them made my job easy! Finally it was time for the bride and groom portraits – my favorite part of the day. We had quite a bit of time to venture around the property and capture those candid movement-filled photos Hannah was hoping for. I also gave them a workout having them running down a hill and then again through the vines. We made our way to a forest that appeared to be straight out of a fairytale, adding to the whimsical feel of the whole day.

Finally, it was time for Hannah and Kody’s reception, which I know they were most excited for. When I said family and friends alike really came together to make this day happen I wasn’t exaggerating. Hannah’s uncle and aunt made the food and cake, which I knew was going to be a treat after many a church dinner where he had proved himself as a chef. My favorite moment of the reception and maybe the whole day was Hannah’s dance with her Dad. They danced to the song “Cinderella” which prompted all the feelings of nostalgia from our childhood. After the formal dances they turned things up a notch dancing with the bridal party and friends. I had had a front row seat to watching Hannah and Kody perfect their reception playlist over a few hangouts at their apartment in Louisville and it did not disappoint.

Hannah gave me a note saying how much this meant to them for me to take the photos, but what she maybe didn’t realize is how much more it meant to me. Hannah and Kody, I’m blessed to call you friends first, and now clients. I cannot thank you enough for including all of us the way you did on your day and letting me capture such important moments on your wedding day. Enjoy some more favorites!