Who knew such beauty could exist in this little corner of Kentucky, just a two minute drive from my house. I ended my 2024 wedding season with Jayden and Chad’s intimate small scale celebration, although it was definitely not small scale in heart. This day was special as it included so many of my favorite people. Jayden, the bride has been my sister’s best friend since they were little and thus became my honorary second little sister in return. I remember driving them to Lexington to go shopping and embark on various adventures over the years. I feel I’ve had the privilege to capture so many milestones in Jayden’s life, retiring from the driverseat to the backseat when behind my camera. Such milestones trail back all the way from homecoming dances to prom, to high school senior photos, college grad, engagement photos, and now perhaps the biggest of all– her wedding. Definitely large scale in the grand scheme of things. Jayden and Chad compliment each other so perfectly. Her day was nothing short of what I’d expect. This winter wedding had timeless elements like the classic black and white color palette, yet the perfect amount of edginess and trends like the newspaper stationary and textured florals. It took place at the Lake Buck Lodge in Richmond, Ky minutes from Battlefield and the Army Depot.
The lodge had a cabin feel and made a statement with the floor to ceiling windows that gave way to the soft winter sky and the pond at the bottom of the hill. Hints of winter were evident but overshadowed by the warmth of the community surrounding this couple. Jayden bypassed the fluff for her wedding day, and you could tell her priority was the people and being in the moment!!! If you don’t want flatlay details… you don’t have to do them. Don’t want individuals with each bridal party member? First look private and unphotographed? It’s your day and ultimately your call!!! The good thing about your wedding day is it’s your wedding day!! After some bridesmaid and groomsmen photos it was time for the ceremony. This took place under the vaulted wooden ceilings and Jayden walked down the candlelit aisle to Chad.
Outside the lodge we were greeted by a plethora of landscapes and options for portraits. The blue mountains rising in the distance made it feel like we weren’t in Kentucky anymore, but transported somewhere out West. Sunlight broke through the clouds just as we were finishing portraits, the perfect finale and backdrop to the newspaper vibe.
Finally it was time to head back into the lodge for the reception celebrations to commence. Being surrounded by so many family and friends made the atmosphere light and warm. Jayden and Chad again opted for a casual understated, yet personal feel with pizza catered in and glass coke bottles for the toast. I’ve been striving to capture imperfect, beautiful moments found in simplicity… a disposable camera left on the veil by the bride’s table, parents filming moments with gleaming eyes, half eaten pizza left for something better on the agenda. This is when it’s not about a trend, but about a memory. An art I’m learning to discern, when it’s not just a trend but the best possible way to capture a moment. The reception was so true to Jayden and Chad, pure joy dancing among flickering lights and ambiance with a small, yet eccentric circle. I even put my camera down a few times… specifically when Taylor Swift hit the queue. It was a great night with the best people ending in a sparkler send-off and the serenade of soda cans bouncing on pavement as Chad’s truck pulled off into the night.
Jayden and Chad, thank you so much for trusting me to capture yet another major life moment. The cool thing is you didn’t even have to change your last name!!
I hope you enjoy some more favorites of mine!
