Jack + Josie’s early October wedding was beautifully autumnal (despite the 80 degree weather) and incredibly fun. Handcrafted details, a cute furry guest of honor, and a SICK streamer exit made for an unforgettable celebration!!! Their day shows that even if you follow a “traditional” wedding structure, there are still so many ways to incorporate your interests, personality, and favorite people to make it yours!
When the day arrived, I walked into Phipps to see everyone busy at work decorating the reception tent. Jack and Josie weren’t prioritizing detail flat lays or getting-ready photos, so while I waited for Josie to be ready, I explored the grounds. Their ceremony setup was in front of the fountain – one of my favorite spots – and surrounded by lush greenery and pink hydrangeas. As I made my way to the tent, I spotted their cake, which actually wasn’t a cake at all! Josie made an adorable crochet wedding cake adorned with flowers and an owl topper. I was dying, it was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my LIFE. I can’t even imagine the amount of time, love, and effort that went in to that cake!!!
After snapping a few quick photos of Josie’s mom helping her get dressed, I took her right outside the suite for some solo portraits. When photographing a wedding at Phipps, it’s always a little tricky to get any pre-ceremony portraits since the conservatory stays open to guests until 5. So…we had an audience. Luckily, no one got in the way or stepped in the background, and everyone was hyping her up! Josie’s dress from Maria V’s seriously brought the drama. She looked like royalty, plus her cool botanical tattoos perfectly fit the vibe of the venue!
After Josie went back to hide in the suite, I took a few solo portraits of Jack and their pup, Bailey! I’ll admit that sometimes I expect a disaster when a couple tells me their dog is taking part in the wedding. However, Bailey is a VERY good girl – not only is she well-trained, but she actually does hunting competitions! She was such a sweetie and I gave her many pets. Jack’s fit was one of my favorites of all time. They wore a custom-made suit brown suit with a surprise paisley pattern on the inside. They also had a very cool orchid lapel pin!
When it was finally time for the ceremony, a string quartet ushered in guests as golden hour set in. Fun fact – Jack’s sister had a baby a few days before the wedding, so she watched via FaceTime! The ceremony was incredibly sweet. J + J exchanged handwritten vows, featured their friends as the officiant and reader, and had a hand-fasting ceremony to literally tie the knot! As they made their exit down the aisle, guests waved ribbons with bells to welcome them to the world as newlyweds!
J + J got to have some post-ceremony alone time together to soak it all in. We took a few minutes to get some official portraits with Bailey, then frolicked off around the outdoor areas of Phipps. They had both previously let me know that they weren’t huge fans of having their photo taken and felt awkward in front of the camera. This is a VERY common sentiment in my couples, which is why I make sure that your portraits are a comfortable, private, and calm moment away from the chaos. While I give a few prompts so you don’t feel awkward and aimless, they’ll always be fun and allow for some distance between us!
When we returned, it was time for the reception! I snapped a few quick detail shots while J + J took a breather, and I LOVED how everything turned out. A specialty cocktail for Bailey, tables with whimsical fall florals, mismatched goblets, owl motifs – it was all personalized, warm, cozy, and 100% them.
At long last, guests were served dinner, toasts were given, and everyone was ready to hit the dance floor! J + J left the floor, and guests were there to PARTY. Jack did an incredible worm, they brought out giant cutouts of their pets, and the cookie table was enjoyed by all. They ended the night with a private last dance as their guests formed a line outside. As J + J left as newlyweds, they were welcomed by a tunnel of their favorite people waving ribbons and wishing them well! I love a good exit <3
Vendor Team
Venue | Phipps Conservatory
Photography | Afternoon Media
Bouquet | Bramble & Blossom
DJ | Fireside Events
Catering | Black Radish
Dress | Maria V’s Bridal Boutique
Suit | Bindle & Keep
