Rachel & Nick’s Wedding

I am SO excited to post this amazing wedding on the blog today! I’ve had a wonderful month of visitors and vacation in New Hampshire and Maine, and all the while I’ve been editing – and now get a chance to share! Rachel and Nick’s wedding was seriously a HIGHLIGHT of this whole season for me!

Like many 2020 couples, Rachel and Nick originally planned a big wedding at a barn in Central New York with beautiful property. When faced with the decision of what to do with their big day, they decided to plan a small elopement with the allowed 25 people. They scouted a ton of locations to find a place that would inspire them, and Rachel who also does photography wanted it to inspire them visually too! Rachel and Nick LOVED Highland Forest, with its woodland vibe with vast landscape views. And then they decided they loved the water at Green Lakes State Park, and they found a certain spot along the trail they absolutely loved. I just loved how adventurous they were, and how they made the day completely about them and their love!

Working in the wedding industry it’s so easy for a wedding day to become all about these other “things” and get lost in small details (which I love)! But weddings this year have really felt about the heart, about the union between two and about family. And I have really cherished that!

When I arrived at Highland Forest, I met Nick in the parking lot and walked over to their ceremony “spot” by the beautiful view! We set him up, the officiant, and their 25 guests social-distanced. And then I met Rachel and her dad in the parking lot…she was just stunning! Nick saw his bride walking toward him and the moment was HERE! They had a beautiful ceremony and read hand-written vows to one another. And they were MARRIED! They celebrated as they walked up the hill!

They signed their marriage license and made this thing official! Then we did family photographs, followed by their first dance on the patio. Then Rachel danced with her dad, and Nick, his mom, as their guests watched on. Such beautiful moments :). After we snagged a group photo, their guests went back to their home where they were having dinner and cake together afterward. And Rachel and Nick created space and time to do a special portrait session with me – which was amazing!

We took portraits by the beautiful vista, and by the fence at the bottom – some of my faves! Then we went up to the woodland area and took some in the trees, I loved the rustic vibe!! Then they drove off in Rachel’s grandmother’s mustang (which has been kept in their family!) and had it decorated with a JUST MARRIED banner. I followed their beautiful car all the way to Green Lakes, where we parked and took pictures with the car. Then, we got ready for a little hike down a path that led straight to their scoped-out spot by the water. We took some AMAZING portraits by the water (SO blue!) and the trees with long roots. Then, they actually got IN the water and we took the most epic photos ever! Just wait till you see…

It was SUCH an honor to be a part of such a beautiful day for a couple so in love, they just glowed the entire time! You two rocked it, and it was all about your love! So proud of you both and I wish you so much happiness in your marriage!

Enjoy Rachel and Nick’s story!

Love this woodland vibe so much!