Real Wedding Feature: Hannah & Jack at Lazy G Chapel & Cabins
Hannah and I have been friends since high school. Fun fact, she was one of my first models when I finally got myself backdrop paper for more studio-esque photos! Hannah is full of life and someone that truly leaves a mark on those she comes into contact with because she is that electric. With all of that being said, when she asked to hear about my wedding packages, I nearly passed out from excitement.
Once we nailed down all the logistics of her wedding day, it only made me that much more excited to meet this special man who's sweeping her off of her feet as well as being stoked to document their union myself.
(Vendors listed at the end!)
Getting Ready & First Looks
Arriving at the wedding venue, I unload photography gear and 12 coffees from my car. After passing out all coffee orders, greeting Hannah and her girls, and gathering the detail items, I head to take detail photos (pictured above). Once the dress is hung, the venue's free-range goats start to head my way and I have to play a quick game of tug-o-war with one to retrieve the dress bag back. I took a few photos of the dress on a lamp post, then took the detail items into the chapel since the wind was whipping insanely (and to avoid the goats). The light was coming into the chapel beautifully and I used the contrasting shadows to my advantage. I check the time, pack up, then head back to the room where everyone is getting ready. From there, final touches are done and I set up the bride's dad for his first look with his daughter, which was definitely a misty-eyed one. Following that one, was the bride and groom. Jack and Hannah were bubbling over with excitement when they finally got to see each other. He was utterly stunned, and rightfully so because she was STUNNING. After letting them soak in the moment, we proceeded with bride and groom portraits for about 30 minutes, then bridal party, then family photos all before the ceremony.
Ceremony
The ceremony site was a small chapel perfect for an intimate wedding. With natural light coming in through the windows, the couple was beautifully lit during the afternoon ceremony. The couple had a harpist play throughout the ceremony; that was a first to document. Also, the venue has a water feature that you can see through the window. The ceremony consisted of hymns, individual vows, the ring exchange, and some personal anecdotes from the officiant. Ceremony's bring me back to why I started photographing weddings in the first place: the union of two people in love. The bridal party was so sweet as they sincerely looked onto the couple with such joy and love. Moments like that make the ceremony that much more special, when the bridal party gets in their feels and family members wiping away tears as they watch too.
Reception
One of my favorite receptions ever. The layout of Tommy's Lazy G creates an atmosphere where people can mingle, eat outside, drink at the bar, or dance by the fire. Seriously, it has something for everyone. For dinner, there was a large amount of tapas served up by Bubba's Silver Spoon Catering along with a charcuterie table. This was ideal for gluten-free options and grazing throughout the night. The couple hired The Juice Band for their reception, and boy do they know how to party. The band kept the vibes high the entire time and made sure the bride and groom felt special. The band made sure to congratulate the happy couple and introduce themselves to me as well. Highly recommend if you're looking for a live band!! To end the night, Hannah and Jack cut the cake with a SWORD. This was hands down one of the most epic cake-cuttings I have ever gotten to document. Afterward, the couple invited me to hang out and dance with them at their reception before I headed home.
