Ohio Wedding Photography
I was driving through country roads with luminous, dark clouds hovering above me. I was hoping the rain would hold off for a few hours. Kayla and Grant had been planning a beautiful, outdoor, boho wedding at the Lost Creek Memory Barn.
We scampered to pack in as much outdoor Ohio wedding photography opportunities before the skies opened up, including their first look. And it was during this loving moment I had a flash of gratitude run through me. Rain momentarily forgotten, the emotion Grant displayed at seeing his wife-to-be, and the calming compassion Kayla had for Grant as she tied his bow tie made me realized how lucky I’ve been to witness so many emotion-filled first look moments between couples. And this one I won’t forget.
Kayla and Grant both attend IUPUI and work at the West Indy Racquet Club. Very fitting since it was the game of tennis that brought them together in the first place. Read on to find out what part of the wedding day was their favorite and why, along with some great advice to those out there who might be recently engaged.
What do you love about the other person?
KAYLA
I. Grant always finds a way to make time for our relationship. He likes to propose nosebleed tickets to Pacer’s games or will simply take me on long romantic walks to the grocery. He believes there is always time for us.
II. Grant is always bettering himself in so many ways. Sometimes, he will get so passionate about a reading or a podcast. It’s all he can talk about for the rest of the day. His drive is infectious and motivates me, too.
III. Daily routines are never boring with him. He is constantly giving me a reason to laugh and appreciate life.
GRANT
There are so many things I find endearing about Kayla, but my three favorites include her constant pursuit of my heart, her sweet, loving nature and her love for those around her. Kayla’s loving nature might just be her best trait. She gives every person her time and is the most thoughtful person I’ve been around. She wants every detail perfect, whether it be what she’s cooking for dinner or a project she is finishing.
What was your favorite part of the wedding day?
KAYLA
My favorite part of the day was the first look. When the wedding actually started, it was such a flash. It was calming to catch my breath with Grant beforehand and focus on us.
GRANT
How can I pick one favorite part?! Between the sneak peak, seeing Kayla walk down the aisle, and the beautiful sunset streaming through the barn, it’s hard to pick. There was such a calming feeling with the sunset setting over us, but seeing her walk down the aisle will always be my favorite part.
A little bit more than just the standard photograph with your mom.
This gorgeous barn was planned originally for the site of the reception, with the ceremony being held in front of the arbor. However, the rain changed everything. The arbor became the first look location, and the barn was the site of the ceremony and the reception.
The cord of three strands ceremony (often called “God’s Knot” or the Unity Braid Ceremony) symbolizes the joining of one man, one woman, and God into a marriage relationship. It adds a truly unique element to your ceremony that friends and family will remember.
What advice would you pass on to other engaged couples planning a wedding?
KAYLA
I wanted to be in control of absolutely everything going on with the wedding which worked well until the day of, when the rain came in and our outdoor venue was moved to the barn. I couldn’t do all the heavy lifting in my gown hours before I walked down the aisle. It was no time to be frantic. In those moments, I relied on all the wonderful, loving people around me to make decisions for me and it couldn’t have turned out better- half hour delay and all! In the end, I married my love and not even the chaos of flipping the ceremony into a reception in the same space got in the way of our life-long commitment that day.
GRANT
Advice? Over communicate. Not in an annoying, non-stop talking-all-day manner, but be clear about your dreams and plans. If you’re on the same page, you’re an unstoppable team. Share the best part of your day, take an interest in what the other is doing, and cherish every moment together. Life gets busy, but always make time for your partner. Even if it’s a fifteen minute lunch date, a phone call or an extra five minutes of cuddling in bed, every second matters. Just cherish life and all of the things it brings you.
We slipped in a few bridal portraits between the rain showers.
I adore watching Grant and his mom exchange a spontaneous dance and a hug.
The rain gave way to a gorgeous sunset.
Kayla and her Dad during a magical father/daughter dance.
Ceremony and Reception: Lost Creek Memory Barn, Casstown, Ohio
Wedding Dress: BHLDN in Chicago, Designed by Watters
Bridesmaid Dresses: Etsy, Thread and Wonder, Cornwall, England
Men’s Suits: Express
Florist: Leaning Lily
Photography: Susanna Tanner Wedding Photography
Wedding Cake Artist: Amanda Armstrong
Cellist: Maddie Mopps
Rings: Etsy: Rosados Box and Luxuria Jewelers
2 Comments
An amazing set of images and storytelling.
Martin, thank you so much. I took a peek at your site and enjoyed looking through you work. Lovely!