Venue

This circa 1825 farmhouse was home to the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Pearl S Buck Estate. Sitting on 68 acres this estate is the perfect picturesque spot to host a wedding. The venue takes great pride in their in house planning team as well as their catering which can create a custom designed menu for each couple.

First look

By now everyone knows that I will always be obsessed with a first look. It is the perfect way to have time just the two of you before the craziness of the day begins. Cassidy and Griffin upped the emotion tenfold by also doing a private vow reading right after the first look. Private vows always make the day extra special. It gives couples a time to speak openly about their relationship without all the eyes on them during the ceremony. Private vows also offer the perfect time to capture photos of raw emotions from the couple. Cassidy and Griffin’s vows resulted in lots of smiles and (happy) tears.

Outdoor ceremony

Most people think if you opt to have a first look the wow factor wears off when it’s time to walk down the aisle. Cassidy and Griffin are the perfect example of why that is not always true. The first look is intimate and special in its own way. The walk down the aisle brings out a whole different bout of emotions. Griffin had such a sweet reaction to seeing Cassidy for the second time as she walked down the aisle. The first look is private and comfortable but once you get all the guests watching as well it’s hard not to have an intense reaction as it’s when everything feels real. 

Outdoor cocktail hour 

Outdoor cocktail hours are my absolute favorite! Usually cocktail hours are happening during golden hour which makes the space feel really magical. The soft lighting offers the perfect backdrop for candid photos of guests mingling as well as enjoying food and drinks. I was also able to capture drone shots of cocktail hour which show just how dreamy it was.

First dance 

Cassidy and Griffin’s day was chocked full of emotion. The first dance was no different. I love when you can tell a couple is totally wrapped up in their newlywed bubble and the rest of the room kind of falls away. It was clear to see how much they cherished that moment together. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as their guests watched them giggling and laughing together through their first dance as a married couple. 

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